With the festive season over, many households are turning their attention to the annual deep clean. Seeking a way to cut costs in the new year, one journalist embarked on a mission to find a high-performing yet affordable bathroom spray, testing seven supermarket alternatives against the market leader, Flash.
The Cleaning Challenge: Seven Sprays Put to the Test
The comprehensive review, conducted in January 2026, saw bottles from Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons compared on price, usability, and results. The goal was clear: to discover if any could rival the cleaning power of Flash Bathroom Spray, which costs £2.35 for an 800ml bottle (29p per 100ml).
The Flash spray set a high benchmark, earning a perfect 5-star rating. It produced a long-lasting foam that coated surfaces effectively, left a lasting fresh scent, and delivered a sparkling clean with minimal effort.
The Surprising Winner and the Disappointments
Among the challengers, one standout performer emerged. Tesco's Bathroom Spray, priced at just 85p for 750ml (11p per 100ml), impressed with its fresh, zingy fragrance and excellent results. It created a good foam, tackled limescale effectively, and produced a shine without excessive scrubbing, securing a strong 4 out of 5 stars.
Other budget options proved less successful. Morrisons' spray, also 85p, required heavy scrubbing and ultimately needed a follow-up with Flash to finish the job, earning just 1 star. Lidl's offering (85p) had little effect on grout and its scent faded quickly, scoring 2 stars. Sainsbury's (85p) and Aldi's (85p) sprays received middling 3-star ratings for average performance, while Asda's (88p) foam disappeared too quickly, warranting 2 stars.
Style Over Substance: The Premium Letdown
A notable disappointment was the M&S Bathroom Spray, costing £2 for 750ml (27p per 100ml). Despite its beautiful art deco-style bottle and luxurious eucalyptus and sage spa fragrance, it failed to foam like a dedicated bathroom cleaner. It performed more like a general-purpose spray, requiring significant scrubbing and earning a low 1-star rating.
The Final Verdict: A Clear Budget Champion
While Flash remained the most effective overall, the test conclusively found a superior budget alternative. Tesco's bathroom cleaner delivered almost the same impact for a significant £1.50 saving per bottle. For shoppers looking to maintain a sparkling bathroom without breaking the bank, this supermarket own-brand offers a compelling and cost-effective solution.
