Cleaning the bathroom is something that nobody likes to do. Unfortunately, it needs to be done, not only to make it look better, but to eliminate germs that can cause illness. Here you’ll find a few tips to make cleaning your bathroom more effective and easy.
Floor – Part 1
This is the one room where I recommend starting at the floor. Before getting started, sweep or vacuum your floor quickly.
Toilet
Cleaning the toilet is a grueling job, but fortunately, it can be done fast. Here are a few steps to follow to get it done quickly. Pour some cleaner in the bowl to soak. I like to give it a quick swish with the brush to make sure the sides and under the rim get covered. Wipe down the seat and outside of the bowl with an antibacterial wipe or spray cleaner. If you want to be more eco-friendly, you can use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. Since it was presoaked, this should only take a few swishes. Finally, wipe down everything again with a dry cloth to make it shine.
Mirrors
Mirrors can be very tricky to clean because if you don’t have the right tools, they can look worse than before you started. Make sure you use glass cleaner or vinegar, and use paper towels or newspaper to wipe them (not cloth as it will leave residue).
The Tub
Bathtubs can be awkward to clean, because there are many hard-to-reach places. Here are a few things that may help. Use a cleanser that will foam or bubble. This allows you to “soak” your tub or shower, even if it’s a vertical wall. Shop around for a tub scrubber that fits your needs. Whether it’s a long-handled one or an extra firm one, pick a scrubber that will be easiest for you to use. I actually use a toilet brush: the handle makes reaching spots easy and the rounded brush gets into the corners great.
Sink
Wiping down the sink and counter is easier if you first fill the sink with hot soapy water. Keep dipping your washcloth or sponge into it until everything is clean. Use an old tooth-brush to scrub around the faucet handles and to get any toothpaste residue off. Don’t forget to dry everything so it’ll really sparkle.
Floor – Part 2
Now it’s time to clean the floor. Since you vacuumed or swept earlier, this is an easy-peasy step. Since bathrooms are small in comparison to other rooms, I suggest getting down and cleaning the floor by hand. A mop just wont clean around the bottom of the toilet and behind it like you can. Don’t forget to close the door to get behind that. And back out of the room, cleaning the floor as you go.
Cleaning your bathroom isn’t too hard – just a chore we dislike. Of course, as with any other room, maintenance will make it easier. Rinse the shower walls and tub after each use. Do a daily swish of the toilet to prevent rust and calcium build up. Wipe down the sink and counter before leaving the room.
Finally, be sure to replace the towels regularly. I recommend changing the hand towel daily in a high traffic bathroom. And don’t forget to clean the curtains and rugs every so often. Even the shower curtain can benefit from a run through the washer.
About The Author: Cara Mirabella is manager and founder of The Household Helper, a site providing tips and resources for cleaning, organizing, meal planning and more. A former “domestically challenged” wife and mom, Cara now coaches other moms, to help them save their time, money and sanity when managing their home and family.
