Cleaning the bathroom is unlikely to be your favourite chore. Who’s ever claimed to love scrubbing grout or wiping the shower door time and time again? However, looking around at a sparkling bathroom once you’ve finished is very satisfying.
We’ve rounded up tips from top cleaning experts on how to clean a bathroom with products you probably already have at home, making the process easier and saving you time along the way.
Here are 11 hassle-free tips that will give you stain-free surfaces and shiny taps.
Do a little every day
Why do hotel bathrooms always look so immaculate? The quick answer is because they’re cleaned every day. Even when the same guest is occupying the room, the floors tend to be swept and surfaces given a once over with a cloth.
Of course, it’s not practical to clean your entire bathroom every day but doing a few small things such as wiping down counters, rinsing the sink and spot cleaning the mirror can perk up your bathroom in a few minutes. The rest can all be tackled weekly.
Create a sustainable weekly and fortnightly routine
Going a long time between cleanings can leave you with a much bigger project on your hands, and one that will take more time than it should. Create a weekly and fortnightly routine that covers the entire bathroom, and stick to it.
Keep cleaning supplies handy
There’s no rule that says all your cleaning supplies have to be stored under the kitchen sink. In fact, it can be more convenient to keep a dedicated cleaning basket in the bathroom, so you have everything you need right where you plan on using it. This can include all-purpose cleaning spray, glass cleaner, gloves, microfibre cloths and brushes. That way, you don’t have to waste time running around the house looking for supplies when it’s time to clean.
Remove soap scum with a dryer sheet
If you have hard-to-remove soap scum in your shower or bath, reach for a dryer sheet instead of your sponge. Add a few drops of water to the dryer sheet and gently rub the area. Rinse the residue off and the majority of the scum should be gone.
Dryer sheets can also be used to restore the shine to your chrome fixtures.
Squeegee your shower after every use
Using a squeegee after every shower can help keep those panes clear and free of water spots. Use a snake-like sweeping motion instead of pulling the squeegee vertically to avoid streaks.
Look to the pantry for help
For a quick and easy way to clean your shower, keep a spray bottle filled with vinegar and water in the shower and give it a quick once-over after each use. According to Good Housekeeping, this 60-second task can save you a lot of time later when you do a deeper clean as the dust and dirt will come right off.
Alternately, you can use a cleaning wand filled with soap and water. Keep it hanging on a plastic hook in the shower for easy access.
Clean and freshen your drains
No need to spend lots of money on expensive drain cleaners. To keep water flowing smoothly, begin by pouring a kettle of boiling water down the drain. Next, scatter over about 1/2 cup of baking soda, and let that sit for a few minutes. Finally, pour a mix of one cup of vinegar and one cup of hot water on top of the baking soda. Cover the drain, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Finish with another kettle of boiling water to eliminate excess build-up, and you’re done.
Remove the showerhead for a full clean
Submerge the showerhead in a container or a zip lock bag full of white vinegar and leave it while you clean the rest of the bathroom. By the time you’re ready to tackle it, the vinegar will have broken down all the grime, making it easy to wipe the showerhead clean.
Reattach the showerhead to the shower pipe and run water through the head for a few minutes to clear out the vinegar.
Clean your toothbrush holder
If you have a glass jar or plastic cup that doubles as your toothbrush holder, all you have to do is throw it in the dishwasher.
Don’t forget the small details
Make sure to clean all the small details in the bathroom, such as the taps, skirting boards, doorknobs, light fixtures and towel racks. These areas can easily be overlooked, but they can collect dirt and dust just like any other surface. Give them a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
Ventilate the room
After you have finished cleaning the bathroom, be sure to open a window or turn on the exhaust fan to ventilate the room. This will help to remove any lingering fumes from cleaning products from the air.
Can you add to these tips? Why not share them in the comments section below?
Also read: Are cleaning products driving the evolution of superbugs?