The bathroom is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation for many of us. However, it can quickly become a source of frustration when dust accumulates, clinging stubbornly to every surface due to the room’s frequent dampness.
But fear not—we’ve uncovered a cleaning routine that promises to rid your bathroom of excessive dust for good, and it comes straight from a cleaning expert who knows how to tackle this pesky problem.
Ann Russell, affectionately known as the ‘TikTok auntie’, has become an online sensation for her practical and effective cleaning tips.
In response to a plea from a social media user who was desperate to get on top of her bathroom dust dilemma, Russell shared a deep cleaning routine that will not only combat the current dust situation but also prevent it from getting out of hand.
The secret to Russell’s method lies in the order and tools used for cleaning. She explained that bathroom dust is a mix of toilet paper fibres, skin cells, and towel lint.
She advised gently sweeping the walls and ceiling with a duster mop, capturing the loose dust before it settles elsewhere.
Following this, a thorough vacuum using the upholstery nozzle—the one with the brush—should be used to go over the entire bathroom, ensuring that all the dust is sucked away before any water is introduced.
Next comes the damp cloth technique. Russell recommended taking a cloth, dunking it in water, and wringing it out until it’s just damp enough to pick up dust without leaving surfaces wet.
This cloth should be used to wipe down all surfaces, starting with the cleaner areas and moving towards the more unhygienic spots, such as the toilet.
This ensures that you don’t spread germs around your bathroom. After this step, you can clean your bathroom as you usually would.
Russell explained: ‘I have found it much easier to get a bowl of soapy water and starting at the far corner, just wipe, wipe, wipe and do it on your hands and knees as you work your way out the bathroom’
Russell’s routine is not just a one-off deep clean; it’s a sustainable approach to keeping dust at bay.
You can significantly reduce the accumulated dust by maintaining this routine and adding a quick wipe down of the bathroom vanity after brushing your teeth. Keeping a stash of cloths in the bathroom makes it easy to grab and wipe down surfaces as needed.
‘If you keep on top of it and you get the worst off first, it never seems to get quite as bad again,’ she said.
When it comes to your regular weekly or fortnightly bathroom clean, Russell advised dusting with a dry cloth first before using any cleaning sprays and wiping with a damp cloth.
This prevents the formation of damp dust clumps, which are much harder to remove and can leave surfaces looking grimy.
Have you tried Ann Russell’s method, or do you have a different approach that works wonders? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Also read: This cleaning trick is causing a stir online—are you doing it all wrong?
