Quick and Easy Tips for Cleaning the Bathroom.

How to Clean the Bathroom

When I once moved into a forty-year-old apartment building, along with its forty-year-old bathroom, I learned how gross a dirty bathroom can truly be and the bacteria that came along with it.

I spent many hours trying to clean the bathroom with every commercial cleaner under the sun. I spent tons of money, returning time after time to the grocery store buying yet another lime remover, scum buster and odor controller.

I figured eventually I would find the magic product. Time and patience is key and I eventually got things right.

First Thing First

First remove any items from shower area and sink counters that will get in the way of cleaning, pick up any throw rugs and bath mats. Take them outside and shake them off or bring them to the laundry room for washing.

Reference: How to Clean Rugs with Rubber Backing

Then spray or sprinkle tub, shower, sink and toilet with your preferred cleaners (they should be appropriate for the surface you are cleaning). If any surface is in need of a heavier clean, after spraying or sprinkling with the cleaner, scrub and let sit. Allow the cleaner to sit for 10 minutes before you start to clean.

I quickly run a Swiffer or something similar over the floor to pick up debris like loose hair then when I’m done with the tub and shower, sink and toilet I’ll finish up with cleaning the floor properly.

Cleaning the Bathtub and Shower

The shower and bathtub should be cleaned, at the least, once a week, possibly more if you have a large family to keep soap scum and bacteria at bay.

Use a sponge, green scouring pad, or scrub brush (whatever is appropriate for the surface) to scrub. Start with shower walls and work down to the tub. Rinse surface when finished.

Clean fixtures and dry to avoid water spots then replace items you removed before cleaning.

To help keep the shower walls cleaner longer, use a squeegee where you can and wipe down fixtures with a hand towel after showering.

Cleaning the Toilet

After the cleaner has been allowed to sit, wipe down the outside areas of the toilet then clean the inside of the toilet bowl. Make sure to scrub under the rim as well. Wipe down outside areas to avoid water spots.

If the inside of the toilet is stained and the toilet is white, a pumice stone can work wonders. It must be kept wet while cleaning. Be sure to read the package instructions.

Cleaning the Bathroom Sink and Mirror

Clean the sink bowl. Use an old toothbrush to clean around the drain, faucets and around the outer rim of the sink if necessary. Clean sink fixtures then countertop. Wipe down faucets to avoid water spots. Don’t forget to clean any cabinet doors.

Spray the mirror with your cleaner then wipe down, use a soft cloth to wipe dry and avoid streaking. If there is a frame around the mirror, spray the rag first then clean mirror surface. When finished, replace toiletries.

Cleaning Bathroom Floors

After you’ve cleaned all bathroom surfaces and fixtures, use appropriate cleaner for the floor type and mop. A swiffer mop or a swiffer sweeper are good choices for cleaning floors. Extra attention may need to be given to an area of the floor where hairspray may have landed to remove the sticky residue. Wipe down baseboards and replace rugs.

Removing Bathroom Odors

To keep odors at bay in the bathroom, try making your own room spray, it’s so simple and you only need a few ingredients.

Bathroom Room Spray

In a bowl mix together 3/4 cup water with 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol then add essential oil or a mixture of oils (about a total of 20 drops depending on the oil you are using). Pour into a dark glass spray bottle and label. Shake prior to use.

Some essential oil favorites that can be used individually or blends are:

• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Lime
• Citrus Scents
• Cinnamon
• Cedarwood
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Tea Tree Oil
• Rosemary

You can also try putting some drops of essential oil inside the toilet paper roll for freshness.

Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t have to be a time consuming job and to help keep that way, remember to use the fan for air circulation and keep the window ajar if there is one.