best bathroom cleaning tips
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in any home, making it a prime target for dirt, grime, and bacteria. Keeping it clean not only helps maintain hygiene but also ensures a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. However, cleaning the bathroom can be a daunting task for many. To help simplify the process and ensure optimal cleanliness, we’ve compiled the **best bathroom cleaning tips** that will leave your bathroom sparkling. Let’s dive in!
#### 1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, gather all the necessary supplies to be well-prepared for an efficient cleaning session. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need:
– **All-purpose cleaner** or disinfectant
– **Glass cleaner** or vinegar solution for mirrors
– **Toilet bowl cleaner** and toilet brush
– **Scrubbing brushes** (one for general use and one for more delicate areas)
– **Sponges or microfiber cloths**
– **Grout cleaner** or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
– **Rubber gloves** for protection
– **Old toothbrush** for hard-to-reach spots
– **A squeegee** for shower doors
Having everything on hand makes the cleaning process more efficient, as you won’t have to run back and forth.
2. Declutter Before You Clean
best bathroom cleaning tips
Before scrubbing and wiping, declutter your bathroom surfaces for a few minutes. Remove all toiletries, towels, bath mats, and other items from countertops, shelves, and the floor. Decluttering will give you clear access to all the surfaces you need to clean and prevent cleaning around items.
Place these items in a separate room or outside the bathroom to keep them out of the way until the bathroom is spotless.
#### 3. Start from the Top
The best way to clean any room, especially the bathroom, is to work from the top down. This way, dust, dirt, and cleaning solutions that fall will be taken care of by the time you get to the floor.
– **Dust ceiling corners, light fixtures, and vents.** Use an extended duster or a microfiber cloth attached to an extension pole to remove dust, cobwebs, and debris from the ceiling and vents.
– **Clean walls and tile surfaces.**
If your bathroom has tiled walls, especially in the shower or tub area, use a mixture of water and white vinegar or a specialized tile cleaner to wipe down the tiles. This helps remove soap scum, mould, and mildew.
– **Focus on grout lines.** Grout can often harbour mould and discolour over time. Add a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste to the grout, and scrub with an old toothbrush. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. This will help brighten and refresh the grout.
#### 4. Clean the Mirrors and Glass Surfaces
Mirrors tend to accumulate water spots, toothpaste splashes, and fingerprints. Here’s how to get them spotless:
– Spray your mirror with a glass cleaner or make a DIY cleaner by mixing equal parts vinegar and water.
– Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth in circular motions. Microfiber works best for streak-free cleaning.
best bathroom cleaning tips
– For glass shower doors, use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots and soap scum buildup.
Pro Tip: If your glass has persistent water spots, try rubbing the surface with a lemon cut in half. The acidity will help dissolve mineral deposits, leaving your glass sparkling.
#### 5. Deep Clean the Shower and Bathtub
The shower and bathtub are prime areas for soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains. Follow these steps for a thorough clean:
– **Pre-treat soap scum and mildew.** Spray your tub or shower walls with a commercial bathroom cleaner or a homemade vinegar and water solution. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to loosen the grime.
– **Scrub thoroughly.** Use a scrubbing brush or sponge to scrub all surfaces. Pay extra attention to areas with visible soap scum or mould.
– **Clean the showerhead.** Showerheads can get clogged with mineral deposits over time. Remove the showerhead and soak it in a bowl of vinegar for an hour, then scrub it with a brush. If it’s not removable, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, and leave it to soak.
– **Rinse and wipe.** After scrubbing, rinse all surfaces with warm water and wipe them down with a clean cloth.
#### 6. Don’t Forget the Toilet
The toilet is one of the most germ-prone areas in the bathroom, so it deserves extra attention.
– **Apply toilet cleaner.** Squirt a toilet bowl cleaner around the inside rim of the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes to break down stains and bacteria.
– **Scrub the bowl.** Use a toilet brush to thoroughly scrub the bowl’s inside, especially under the rim. Flush to rinse.
best bathroom cleaning tips
– **Wipe down the exterior.** Use a disinfectant wipe or spray cleaner to wipe the outside of the toilet, including the handle, seat, and base. Be sure to clean every surface that comes into contact with hands and splashes.
Drop a couple of toilet cleaning tablets into the tank to keep your toilet smelling fresh between cleanings. They help reduce buildup and keep the bowl fresh.
#### 7. Clean the Sink and Faucet
The sink area tends to accumulate toothpaste, soap scum, and water spots. Here’s how to clean it:
– **Wipe down the sink and counter.** Spray an all-purpose or bathroom cleaner on the sink and surrounding countertop. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub and remove stains, grime, and toothpaste splashes.
– **Polish the faucet.** Use a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution to clean and polish the faucet. Buff it with a dry cloth for a shiny, streak-free finish.
– **Unclog the drain.** Pour baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain, then flush it with hot water to break down buildup and eliminate odours.
#### 8. Freshen Up the Floors
Once you’ve cleaned all other areas, it’s time to tackle the bathroom floor. Here’s the process:
– **Vacuum or sweep the floor.** First, remove any hair, dust, or debris from the floor using a vacuum or broom.
– **Mop with a suitable cleaner.** For tile or vinyl flooring, use a mop with a cleaner designed for the material. Hand-wash the floor using a cloth and cleaning solution for small bathrooms.
– **Disinfect frequently touched areas.** Pay special attention to the areas around the toilet and sink, as these are high-traffic spots that can harbour germs.
9. Keep It Fresh Between Deep Cleanings
best bathroom cleaning tips
After putting in the effort to deep clean your bathroom, it’s essential to maintain that cleanliness for as long as possible. Here are a few tips to keep your bathroom fresh between deep cleanings:
– **Squeegee the shower doors or walls** after each use to prevent water spots and soap scum.
– **Use a daily shower cleaner spray** to help minimize buildup.
– **Change towels regularly** and avoid leaving damp towels or bath mats on the floor.
– **Wipe down surfaces daily**, especially the sink and countertop, to prevent grime buildup.
– **Empty the trash bin frequently** to avoid unpleasant odors.
#### 10. Finish with a Fresh Scent
Once your bathroom is spotless, it’s time to make it smell as clean as it looks. Use air fresheners, essential oils, or natural fresheners like baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb odours and keep the air smelling fresh. Placing a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil on cotton balls and leaving them in the bathroom can create a soothing, spa-like aroma.
### Final Thoughts
Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Following these bathroom cleaning tips and breaking the process into manageable steps, you can achieve a sparkling clean space in no time. Plus, regular maintenance will help reduce the time and effort needed for deep cleaning in the future. Remember, a clean bathroom isn’t just about appearances—it’s also about creating a healthy, hygienic environment for you and your family.
Grab your cleaning supplies and transform your bathroom into a sparkling haven!
