45 Simple DIY Upgrades for Your Bathroom
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45 Simple DIY Upgrades for Your Bathroom

Feb 04, 2024

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Turns out, you don't have to live with that ugly vanity countertop (or pay for a pricey replacement).

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I wish I bought this sooner! Fit great, easy to use for all ages, very convenient if you have little people wanting to wash their hands 👍🏼.

Would buy again, every time." —Choca

Get two from Amazon for $11.49.

Promising review: "Amazing. This grout has been disgusting for years and I haven't had any luck with any other cleaners to get it clean again. I'm amazed at how easy Pink Stuff worked. I just used a scrub brush and very little elbow grease." —Lauren

Get it from Amazon for $5.97.

I've used this on my own bathroom floor, which has a more complicated hexagon pattern so it took a bit of time. But I just listened to an episode or two of a podcast and got to work! I recommend doing two coats.

Promising review: "We moved into our new home, and the shower had a really yellow grout. Cleaning didn’t do anything, and I saw this grout pen online. What a saver! Otherwise, I would have just hired someone to replace my shower. I used this grout pen, and my husband was so impressed :D The tip loses its shape fast, but just pull out the TIP AND FLIPPED IT OVER, and you’ll have a new tip." —jennifer

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes).

WE SUPPORT A BEAUTIFUL LIE!!

Promising review: "It’s a little hard to squeeze but that totally makes up for the AMAZING results. I was embarrassed about our tubs because the people we bought our house from didn’t caulk or seal them properly and this resulted in mildew buildup. I tried EVERYTHING until I saw this on TikTok, I believe — MIRACLE FREAKING WORKER. I will be buying more, the only complaint I will ever have is the shipping got mixed up but that is not a problem and was fixed very easily!" —Brooklyn Nguyen

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

Promising review: "Living in Hawaii you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adazzle

Get 10 sq. ft from Amazon for $73.79.

It's super quick to install, and one cartridge can last up to three months!

Promising review: "I've installed these in all six toilets in my home and they are a great idea. I've been using this for about four to five years. This device circulates bleach product into the toilet bowl after every flush, where it is needed to prevent staining such as water lines from calcium buildup. The chlorine water is restricted to the bowl, not the tank. If chlorine is in the tank it will erode away the flapper and foam seal which separates the tank from the bowl, requiring more expensive repairs. This product solves that problem with no drawbacks and don't look unsightly like the clamp-on bars of chlorine that are permanently inside the bowl." —Dr. D123

Get it from Amazon for $10.53.

Check out a TikTok of the Scrubbing Bubbles toilet cleaning stamp to see it in action!

Promising review: "I was sooo skeptical and was confused about how they’d work but the gel solidifies and with every flush, suds wash through with the water and it really makes a fresh difference. Also the scent is light but really nice and fresh! I recommend these 100%! They’re super interesting but they do the job." —Janet

Get it from Amazon for $4.74.

Promising review: "I used this adhesive film to turn two cheap Ikea tables into less-cheap-looking Ikea tables because I'm not made of money, but I would like others to believe I am. Super simple to use and you get a ton of it for the price. I was really pleased overall. The pattern actually looks like marble, not a weird pixely repetitive pattern, so that's great as well. Also it was delivered same day which was miraculous as my DIY initiative tends to fade approximately 48 hours after I discover a project I want to do." —Spencer House

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

Just make sure you avoid the actual sink, as these are flexible and humidity resistant but not waterproof.

Promising review: "Really made my bathroom stand out and it was super easy to apply. Adhesive seems very strong. I recommend making sure everything is lined up before pressing down firmly. Once it's down it's hard to peel back off." —Andy

Get it from Amazon for $25.68.

Promising review: "We rented a home and the toilets were disgusting. Someone suggested a pumice stone and let me tell you it was amazing!! The picture is after just five minutes with the stone. I tried bleach, every toilet bowl cleaner available, and countless hours of scrubbing to no avail...but this stone worked instantly! I will be buying several more!! The stone does dissolve when scrubbing so you need a couple. I was able to do almost two toilets completely that looked awful with one stone!!" —CristaCross

Get it from Amazon for $10.79+ (also available in packs of two and six).

Includes a wand, storage caddy, and six disinfecting wand head refills.

Promising review: "So, we have a toilet that belongs to the cats. We don't use it, we don't look at it, we like to pretend it does not exist. Even with semi-regular flushing, cat waste is pretty nasty stuff and built up quickly in the bowl. One of these wands cleaned it up in a single session! Before and after pic attached." —Whitney

Get it from Amazon for $8.17+ (also available with six replacement heads).

Promising review: "This got all the old watermarks off of my bathroom sink. I tried everything and none worked except for this." —k1m

Get it from Amazon for $8.17.

Promising review: "Great product for a great price. Very sturdy, but lightweight and small — under my bathroom sink is *very* small, and the metal frame is thin enough that it doesn't take up much space, and of course it allows me to utilize the empty vertical space instead of shoving things all the way to the back wall. I might rearrange the shelves, but it's just held with screws on each end so that's easy enough to do-comes with two supports for two shelves, but you can choose from four heights/positions. 👍🏻 Might need to order a second for under the kitchen sink..." —Jennifer Mowry

Get it from Amazon for $22.87+ (available in three finishes).

Promising review: "Sharing our nasty before picture so you can really see the difference! Our tub/shower has a grippy bottom and scum and dirt cakes on there so easily. The only way I've been able to get it off before was literally scraping it inch by inch, I've spent hours and all it ever got was somewhat clean - never enough for me to want to take a real bath in it. This stuff is expensive but with the good reviews I decided to try it, it works amazingly!! I sprayed it on (it came with a great spray nozzle and a lid) and left it for about 15–20 minutes. Then I took a brush with hard plastic bristles (I believe a soft brush would have even worked) and with less than 20 minutes of scrubbing the entire tub and walls it was cleaner than when we moved in. The grime and scum almost like melted off. It smells pleasant, it's not strong smelling but in an enclosed space I still felt the need to wear a mask while cleaning." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (comes with or without a sprayer and in two sizes).

Promising review: "I never thought I'd be able to clean my grout out again without hiring someone professional to do it! But this cleaner did the wonder!!! I used it with my steam cleaner and here's the before and after pictures! I did dry brush it before I used the steam cleaner and I saw all the dirt getting out! It really works! It was hard work though, if I ever get a bigger house I might just hire someone to do it." —Chen

Get it from Amazon for $19.98.

FYI, this is the pre-mixed version (which saves you a bit of time). But you can also try the original powder version. To understand just *how* versatile this product is, check out our review of Bar Keepers Friend and prepare to be amazed!

Promising review: "I’m now a permanent customer. I’ve used CLR, Clorox bowl cleaners, and others but this is my favorite. I used a small broom to clean my tubs and tile (as I usually do) even though instructions said to use a sponge; it dried my hands pretty bad (please use gloves). So I used the broom instead and it worked pretty well. I would recommend. I even tried it on my stove and it worked like a charm." —Itzel A.

Get two 13 oz. bottles from Amazon for $16.95.

I am literally describing my life. Yep, it even works on pesky pink grout stains! My mom turned me onto this stuff in college and I've used it since.

Promising review: "Nothing removes mold and mildew from my shower like Tilex. I'm not the best Suzy Homemaker, so my shower can get kinda gross looking. I used the Tilex and my shower was noticeably cleaner after just soaking in the spray for a few minutes. I then scrubbed a bit and even better! Now to get a smaller brush so that I can scrub the bottom better." —Mteren

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $18.99.

Promising review: "This product did exactly what I needed it to. Before all my items were in a drawer and the cords were a pain, but with this metal basket it minimized clutter, keeps things organized and separate, and it also looks nice. It fits two of my blow-dryers, a flat iron, and curling wand. The bars are adjustable, as well (just use the twisties it came with to secure them in place). Worth the buy!" —Alyssa Jewell

Get it from Amazon for $20.49 (available in five finishes).

Promising review: "Wow my bathroom drawers are ELEVATED now. They look clean as hell and I can actually find stuff. Easy to snap together and organize how you'd like. Definitely buying a second set for my kitchen drawers!" —Toni Bish

Get it from Amazon for $14.50.

Promising review: "Just another thing TikTok made me buy! The quality of the plastic is really great and I love that you can move the shelves as you see fit." —Reagan

Get it from Amazon for $27.99.

Promising review: "I love these bottles. They make everything uniform and high-end looking for a fraction of the price. They hold up amazing. I bought another set for my second bathroom." —Cindy

Get it from Amazon for $27.90+ (available with or without the wall mounts).

Promising review: "I purchased these to use as shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash dispensers. I wanted our shower to look like a spa! They are great quality and many people I know have copied our idea, so they are a hit! Very high quality, the plunger part is always the most important part. These are metal and not plastic, something that seems to be hard to find when looking for dispensers." —Rebecca Morea

Get set of two from Amazon for $14.99.

Yep, you're looking at my shower! I upgraded from a corner tension rod caddy and never want to go back. The mesh pockets drain water so your liner won't get all icky. And they make it easy to tell the difference between the minimalist packaging for your face wash and shave cream when it's way too early in the morning. Read my ~full review~ (#2) to learn more about why I'm in love with an object that can't love me back.

Get it from Amazon for $18.81+ (available in two color options).

That was me. I detest loop shower rings because they're such a hassle when you're swapping out a shower liner or taking down your shower curtain to wash it. Yep, these are my shower hooks and they're sturdy enough to stay balanced when you switch out the liner or shower curtain.

Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $14.99.

Promising review: "I love the Shower Gem. I have four in my shower and the work great! Everything has a place and when it needs cleaning I just put them in the dishwasher. I would recommend it to everyone!" —pam griffith

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

Check out BuzzFeed's full Tushy bidet review.

Promising review: "Life changer. No more clogged toilets, plumber visits due to wipes creating issues, endless 'paperwork' sessions...just an all around upgrade that has increased my confidence in my cleanliness no matter how formal or intimate the rest of the day may be!" —Nick S.

Get it from Tushy for $129 (available in 10 color combos).

Please don't make me explain *why* it's good to have a spare roll of toilet paper by your side. Also be sure to measure your toilet tank before you hit Buy because some reviewers say this doesn't fit because they didn't measure before purchase!

Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four finishes).

Get it from Amazon for $17.42+ (available in three finishes).

Promising review: "Perfect for our bathroom! We recently moved and the new master bath doesn't have a linen closet, so we had to get creative with how to store everyday items like towels. Since they were going to be out in the open, I wanted something that was functional yet decorative. This fit the bill perfectly! We have towels from Ikea, and even tightly rolled, the rack was a bit tight, so I just used my hands and gently pulled each hook out a bit and now the towels fit perfectly. I am very happy with this purchase!" —Faye_Bon_Fury

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in eight colors).

This game changer includes a toothpaste dispenser, four cups and holders, and a place to store your toothbrushes.

Promising review: "I love this item! I saw it originally on TikTok and thought it would be perfect for our bathroom! We have one bathroom upstairs and five people who use it. This cleared up so much counter space for us! There are ventilation holes where the cups go to help make sure they dry properly. The toothpaste dispenser has really been working to get every last drop out of the tube. Would definitely recommend for a family or kids bathroom. There is also a little storage compartment behind the toothpaste that is great for extra brushes, cotton swabs, or flossers." —Sariyah J

Get it from Amazon for $16.44 (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is a great product! I live in a house where one of us prefers the TP roll stay on the spindle, while the other would rather hold the TP in his hand to unwrap. Now everyone is happy! 😀 The 'cellphone' holder doubles as a great acoustic addition if you are going to place a Bluetooth speaker on the shelf. My music was slappin' as I cleaned the bathroom LOL. I will say this: It's best to have an extension piece for your drill, or a long screwdriver, or installation will take longer than it should." —Constance Mayaki

Get it from Amazon for $19.98.

It's put together and sold by Eucalyptus Blooms, a small woman-owned shop based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Promising review: "Exceeded my expectations!!! I received my bundle quickly and it was packaged well. Very fragrant and I appreciated the hook that was included with the bundle to hang it right in my shower. I am definitely enjoying the aroma of eucalyptus as I shower." —Mcjunkinst

Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms for $13.49+ (available in four sizes).

Can be used on tub surfaces and shower walls. Simply press the tab levers to securely attach.

Promising review: "After slipping in the shower on several occasions, it was time to look for some sort of assistance. My initial thought on these suction cup products was, were they really going to be able to hold my 185 lbs. after grabbing them for leverage to help prevent another slip and fall? SHOCKED!! Not only was I shocked at the gripping capacity of these suction cups, but being so simple to move around is a big plus. It took a couple of adjustments to find the perfect spot for me, which would have been a mess using a permanent grab bar. Would and have recommended these to anyone needing that extra help in the shower or anywhere else there's a smooth surface for the suction cups to adhere to. Great for the grandkids too because of the ease at which they can moved at any time!" —Kokomo Mike

Get it from Amazon for $11.89+ (available in three styles).

Promising review: "My husband works from home and does a LOT of work from the bathtub (lucky him!). This fits his mug of tea, cellphone, and laptop perfectly! I was worried because our tub is attached to the wall and there is not a lot of tub edge on the wall side, but this fits very securely. He even has room for a book on one side. There is a removable tray for you to lay your cell or a book in. It also looks very stylish." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $46.99+ (available in eleven colors).

Get it from Amazon for $12.97.

Also check out a suction-cup mirror.

FYI, it installs like a regular outlet cover. Of course except with the wonderful shelf. Can also be installed so the shelf is below the outlet.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! I have much less clutter on my sink thanks to this. If there's anyone not sure if it will fit due to an object, all you need is 1.25 inches of space between the edge of your existing outlet plate and the piece of furniture. I have a GFCI with a standard wall plate." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in four colors). And check out a larger outlet shelf.

Promising review: "These shelves are so beautiful! My bathroom doesn't have a counter around the sink so this is perfect. It is modern and sleek and the wood and cast iron shelves are VERY well built and sturdy. I was surprised that these are so high quality considering the price." —Vincent

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in six colors).

Promising review: "Perfect! They were exactly what I was going for! Great quality, very durable, and actually have some weight to them. Great purchase for replacing all of the hardware in my kitchen and bathroom for the camper I am remodeling. Definitely would recommend, especially at such an amazing price. Great value for great quality!" —Summertime

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in quantities one through 60 and in black, gold, or silver).

Barwood Shop is a small biz based in New York State.

Get it from Barwood Shop on Etsy for $5.99+ (available in three sizes and six wood finishes).

Promising review: "I wish I purchased this sooner. I have a very hairy double-coated dog, and this gets ALL the shampoo out of his fur. The flow is adjustable, and he will let me spray the top of his head, which he won't let me do with the dog shower attachment at our apartment dog bathing station. The hose is long enough so I can get completely under his belly. I also use this wand to clean the shower walls. I have tried other styles and brands, and this is the best dog shower attachment I have ever purchased. Very easy to install and it looks nice and sleek in the bathroom." —Heather

Get it from Amazon for $45.69.

Good Vibes is a Black woman–owned small business run in Philadelphia, PA, that makes an array of plant-based cleaning products. The product itself is very soapy, so be sure to dilute it properly before going to town on all of your surfaces. You can also use it as a laundry booster or spot cleaner for clothes or carpet.

Promising review: "All the Good Vibes products work well, this is my favorite scent. I use it mostly for cleaning bathrooms and the floors throughout my home. It did an amazing job, however, cleaning the outside of a car that hadn't been washed in over a year. Two thumbs up!!" —my favorite

Get it from Good Vibes for $12.50.

Promising review: "You need one. Seriously. Saw this brush multiple times on TIkTok. It sold me. When I got it, I went into clean mode and the darn thing is just amazing. You'll love it. It's so sturdy and works very well." —Kristin Haadsma

Check out BuzzFeed's full Rubbermaid Power Scrubber review for more deets!

Get it from Amazon for $17.38+ (available in five styles).

ICYMI, this product first became famous when it appeared on Shark Tank. And people at BuzzFeed adore it. Check out our review of the Squatty Potty.

Get it from Amazon for $69.99.

If you're thinking "THIS MUCH FOR A POOP STOOL?!" then no problem. There are *much cheaper* versions, like the original for $24.99 (three colors) or a nice teak version for $59.99.

Promising review: "Rather than ditching furniture into a landfill, which is bad for the environment and one's pocketbook, this product allows you to give new life to existing furniture. Between the Soto touchup and new handles, my entertainment center looks like new....for less than $35. If you can use liquid paper, you can use this. I just ordered another bottle for porcelain. This is a fantastic product. You will love it!" —LexiNYC

Get it from Amazon for $18.95 (available in 24 colors).

It fits on any toilet bowl, and has 16 colors, five brightness levels, and a 170 degree radius.

Promising review: "At first I thought that the idea of an illuminated toilet bowl was funny. However, given the choice of an illuminated toilet bowl, turning on the light, or missing, an illuminated toilet bowl is a great idea. This unit is much better than the first I used because there are no suction cups (which never stay attached) and it use AA batteries instead of AAA, and it has a five-level dimmer for middle-of-the-night eye comfort." —William D.

Get two from Amazon for $27.99.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Promising review: Would buy again, every time.Promising review:Promising review:We moved into our new home, and the shower had a really yellow grout.I used this grout pen, and my husband was so impressedPromising review: I was embarrassed about our tubs because the people we bought our house from didn’t caulk or seal them properly and this resulted in mildew buildup. Promising review:Promising review:his device circulates bleach product into the toilet bowl after every flush, where it is needed to prevent staining such as water lines from calcium buildup.This product solves that problem with no drawbacks and don't look unsightly like the clamp-on bars of chlorine that are permanently inside the bowl.Promising review:with every flush, suds wash through with the water and it really makes a fresh differencePromising review:The pattern actually looks like marble, not a weird pixely repetitive pattern, so that's great as well.Promising reviewsuper easy to applyPromising review:Promising review:Even with semi-regular flushing, cat waste is pretty nasty stuff and built up quickly in the bowl.Promising review:Promising review:it allows me to utilize the empty vertical space instead of shoving things all the way to the back wallPromising review:Our tub/shower has a grippy bottom and scum and dirt cakes on there so easily.Promising review:Promising review:I’ve used CLR, Clorox bowl cleaners, and others but this is my favorite.Promising review:I used the Tilex and my shower was noticeably cleaner after just soaking in the spray for a few minutes.Promising reviewit minimized clutter, keeps things organized and separate, and it also looks nice.Promising review:Wow my bathroom drawers are ELEVATED now. They look clean as hell and I can actually find stuff.Promising review:Promising reviewThey make everything uniform and high-end lookingPromising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:This cleared up so much counter space for us!Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:It took a couple of adjustments to find the perfect spot for me, which would have been a mess using a permanent grab bar.Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:My bathroom doesn't have a counter around the sink so this is perfect.Promising reviewGreat quality, very durable, and actually have some weight to themPromising review I have a very hairy double-coated dog, and this gets ALL the shampoo out of his fur. I have tried other styles and brands, and this is the best dog shower attachment I have ever purchased. Very easy to install and it looks nice and sleek in the bathroom."Promising review:Promising review When I got it, I went into clean mode and the darn thing is just amazing.Promising review:Promising review: