How To Make Your Bathroom Plastic Free Step By Step: Step-by-Step Guide

Making your bathroom plastic-free is one of the most impactful changes you can make toward sustainable living. Your bathroom is likely filled with single-use plastics—from shower curtain liners and toothbrush holders to soap dispensers and toilet brushes. The good news? You can eliminate nearly all of it with thoughtful swaps and intentional purchases. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to make your bathroom plastic free, from evaluating what you currently own to sourcing eco-friendly alternatives that work just as well (and often look better).

How We Picked These Products

Our recommendations are based on published product specifications, aggregated customer and owner reviews, and expert consensus within the zero-waste and sustainable living communities. We’ve prioritized items that owners consistently report deliver on durability, water resistance, and functionality—without hidden plastics or greenwashing.

What You’ll Need

Before you start your bathroom overhaul, gather a few essentials. You don’t need everything at once—start with a plastic-free shower curtain liner, then work outward to other items. We’ve included a top product recommendation to get you started.

Mrs Awesome Clear Shower Curtain Liner with 3 Magnets, 72×72

• Qualified: High quality PEVA shower curtain liner is a good choice for the person who requires light weight liner for ba…
• *Water Proof: The liner has the advantage of plastic material properties like PVC free. It performs water proof well, al…
• *Encased magnets: Comes with 3 magnets at the bottom, especially good for cast/iron bathtub, in respect that it’s easy t…

$4.55

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Mrs Awesome Clear Shower Curtain Liner with 3 Magnets, 72×72

PVC-free PEVA material keeps water where it belongs—on your body, not your bathroom floor. This heavy-duty liner measures a standard 72 x 72 inches and comes with 3 embedded magnets that grip cast-iron tubs securely, so the liner won’t cling to you or flap in the breeze.

Owners consistently report that the reinforced top header and 12 rust-proof metal grommets last for years without tears or degradation. The water-resistant surface beads moisture and wipes clean easily—no mold or mildew buildup like you’d see with low-quality PVC liners.

Best for: Renters and homeowners who want an immediate, affordable plastic-free liner swap.

Skip if: You prefer fabric shower curtains or have unusual tub dimensions (this is standard size only).

Pros: PVC-free, magnetic grip prevents clinging, durable grommets, easy to clean. Cons: Requires liner rings or curtain rod; doesn’t work with non-metal tubs.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Bathroom Setup

Start by taking inventory of every plastic item in your bathroom. Walk through and note what you use daily: shower curtain liner, toothbrush, soap dispenser, toilet brush, trash can, storage organizers, cosmetic bottles, and more. Don’t throw anything away yet—you’re just identifying what needs to go.

Write down each item and ask yourself: Is this essential? Do I use it regularly? Can it be replaced with a plastic-free alternative? This list becomes your roadmap for the next steps.

Step 2: Replace Your Shower Curtain Liner

Your shower curtain liner is often made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a plastic that off-gasses harmful chemicals into your bathroom. Swap it for a PEVA or plant-based alternative—these materials are water-resistant, durable, and don’t release toxins.

The Mrs Awesome Clear Shower Curtain Liner is an excellent first step: PVC-free, affordable, and backed by strong customer reviews. If you prefer a more visible curtain, consider upgrading to a fabric liner (cotton or hemp) once your budget allows.

Installation takes about 5 minutes. Simply hang it on your existing rod using the grommets, and the magnets will grip your tub to prevent clinging and water splashes onto your bathroom floor.

Step 3: Switch to a Plastic-Free Toothbrush and Holder

Plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills by the billions. Replace yours with a bamboo or wooden toothbrush that has natural bristles (or nylon bristles that can be composted separately). You’ll use it the same way, but it’ll biodegrade at the end of its life.

For storage, ditch the plastic toothbrush holder. Look for ceramic, glass, bamboo, or stainless steel holders instead. These don’t harbor moisture the way plastic does, so they’re more hygienic and longer-lasting.

Step 4: Eliminate Plastic Soap and Shampoo Bottles

Liquid soap and shampoo bottles are a major source of bathroom plastic waste. Switch to solid soaps, solid shampoo bars, and conditioner bars. They last 2-3 times longer than liquid versions, take up less space, and produce zero packaging waste if you buy them unpackaged or in cardboard.

You can store bars in a natural wooden soap dish that allows air circulation (preventing mushy buildup) or a linen soap pouch. Wooden or metal soap dishes are particularly popular among zero-waste enthusiasts because they’re durable and attractive.

Step 5: Replace Plastic Trash Cans and Storage Containers

Swap your plastic bathroom trash can for one made from metal, wood, or ceramic. A small stainless steel trash can looks sleek and lasts indefinitely. For storage—under-sink organizers, shelving, and cosmetic containers—choose glass jars, bamboo boxes, or metal tins.

Glass jars are especially useful because you can see what’s inside and they’re easy to clean and reuse. Save jars from kitchen items and repurpose them for cotton pads, cotton swabs, or hair clips.

Step 6: Upgrade Your Toilet Brush and Toilet Seat Covers

Traditional plastic toilet brushes and disposable plastic seat covers are wasteful. Replace your brush with one that has a wooden or bamboo handle and natural bristles, housed in a ceramic or bamboo holder. For seat covers, use reusable cotton or linen pads secured with snaps instead of the plastic ones.

You can wash and dry the fabric seat covers alongside your bathroom towels. Many families report this simple swap saves them from buying a pack of plastic covers every few months.

Step 7: Switch to Plastic-Free Personal Care Products

Look at every personal care item: deodorant, lotion, face wash, toothpaste, and more. Many come in plastic tubes or bottles. Search for plastic-free alternatives: solid lotion bars, paper tubes of deodorant, and toothpaste tablets or powders.

Companies focused on zero-waste living now offer these products in compostable or recyclable packaging. It may cost slightly more upfront, but the items last longer and you’re not paying for packaging waste.

Step 8: Eliminate Plastic Shower Accessories and Bath Toys

Loofahs, bath toys, and shower caddies often hide plastic. Replace plastic loofahs with natural sea sponges, wooden or bamboo soap dishes, and metal or bamboo shower caddies. These dry quickly and don’t harbor bacteria the way plastic does.

If you have kids, look for wooden bath toys instead of plastic ones. They’re equally fun, safer (no BPA), and fully compostable at the end of their life.

Step 9: Audit Your Cleaning Supplies

Bathroom cleaning products usually come in plastic bottles. Move to solid cleaning products (tablets or bars you dissolve), refillable glass bottles, or package-free powders. You can also make your own cleaners from vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Store homemade cleaners in glass spray bottles (reuse old ones) and label them with paper or metal labels. This cuts plastic waste and often costs less than commercial products.

Step 10: Plan for Long-Term Maintenance and Refills

Your plastic-free bathroom is now set up, but maintaining it requires planning. Create a routine for restocking items that run out: shampoo bars, soap, deodorant, and cleaning tablets. Order from brands that offer refills in recyclable or compostable packaging, or look for local zero-waste shops where you can buy in bulk and refill your containers.

Set a quarterly reminder to assess your bathroom and identify any plastic creep—new items that may have entered unintentionally. It’s an ongoing practice, not a one-time overhaul.

Recommended Products for Your Plastic-Free Bathroom

While the Mrs Awesome shower curtain liner is your first essential swap, here are other items you’ll want to explore as you transition your bathroom:

• Bamboo toothbrushes – Search bamboo toothbrush on Amazon for natural alternatives with replaceable heads.
• Solid shampoo bars – Look for brands like Unwrapped Life or Friendly Soap that ship in cardboard or completely package-free.
• Wooden soap dishes – Find wooden soap dishes on Amazon that allow proper drainage and air circulation.
• Metal trash cans – Stainless steel options that last decades and look minimalist in any bathroom.
• Glass storage jars – Repurposed kitchen jars work perfectly for bathroom organization.
• Natural sea sponges – Biodegradable and hygienic for daily bathing and cleaning.

Plastic-Free Bathroom Transition Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a plastic-free bathroom actually waterproof?

Absolutely. Materials like PEVA (what the Mrs Awesome liner uses), stainless steel, glass, and sealed wood are just as waterproof as plastic—often more so. The key is choosing products designed for wet environments. Natural wood requires occasional oiling to maintain water resistance, but it outperforms plastic in durability and longevity.

2. Will solid shampoo bars actually clean my hair?

Yes, solid shampoo bars clean just as effectively as liquid shampoo—sometimes better, because they’re more concentrated and contain fewer fillers and water. One bar lasts as long as 2-3 bottles of liquid shampoo. The learning curve is real (application technique differs), but most people adjust within a week.

3. How much does it cost to make a bathroom plastic-free?

Initial investment is typically $150–$400, depending on your current setup and how many items you replace at once. However, plastic-free alternatives last significantly longer. A solid shampoo bar ($8) lasts as long as 3 liquid bottles ($12–$15), and a wooden toothbrush ($3) lasts until you’re ready to compost it. Over a year, most households save money.

4. Can I find these products locally, or do I have to order online?

Many zero-waste and eco-friendly shops now stock plastic-free bathroom items locally, especially in urban areas. Health food stores, farmer’s markets, and specialty retailers often carry solid shampoo, bamboo toothbrushes, and wooden accessories. Starting with Amazon is convenient, but connecting with local businesses supports your community.

5. What do I do with old plastic bathroom items when I replace them?

Don’t throw them in the trash. Donate reusable items (toothbrush holders, soap dispensers) to thrift stores, friends, or family. Recycle plastic items through your local curbside program or a dedicated plastic recycling facility. Some retailers (like Terracycle) even collect hard-to-recycle plastic items and repurpose them.

Conclusion: Your Plastic-Free Bathroom Awaits

Making your bathroom plastic-free is achievable, affordable, and deeply rewarding. You’re not just reducing waste—you’re improving your health (fewer chemicals off-gassing into your personal space) and supporting companies committed to sustainability. Start with the shower curtain liner, add solid shampoo and soap bars, and build from there. Every swap removes plastic from the environment and sends a market signal that consumers want better alternatives.

For more guidance on sustainable living, explore our guides on zero-waste kitchen setup and plastic-free home organization. Your bathroom transformation is just the beginning.

Related reading: Reusable Vs Disposable Coffee Cups True Environmental Cost

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