THE HOUSE CLEANING SERIES TIPS: THE BATHROOM

It needs to be done for the sake of a healthy household

Let’s face it. Bathroom cleaning probably isn’t on your top 10 list of fun things to do, especially if you have children (of any age) or a messy spouse or partner. But, it is something that has to be done. For some, it has to be done for the sake of sanity, for others it’s just on the list, but overall, it needs to be done for the sake of a healthy household.

I’ve read articles on bathroom cleaning and how to clean your bathroom a little bit every day, how to clean it in less than five minutes and even how to get the family to pitch in (really, the entire family)? I’ll let you decide how much time and who cleans the bathroom, so in the meantime, I am going to let you know what you need to clean and the best tools to do the trick. I’ll even remind you of a few things you look at every day and forget to clean.

Every bathroom has a few standard pieces of ‘equipment’, let’s say; toilet, shower or tub or shower/tub combo, a sink, counter (small or big) and a mirror. They all take a slightly different approach to cleaning and I will share with you some effective ways and even shortcuts to a clean bathroom.

Toilet

Necessary tools:  Gloves, toilet brush, toilet bowl cleaner, disinfecting wipes and clean rag.

First of all, I like to wipe the dust, hair and other miscellaneous items from the toilet into the bowl. This makes cleaning easier.

• Next, I apply disinfecting toilet bowl cleaner under the lid of the bowl (I prefer tinted cleaner as it’s easier to see where it’s applied). I use the toilet brush to clean under the rim and the entire bowl. Flush when you’re done.
• The last step is to use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the entire toilet, top to bottom (excluding the bowl). (Make sure you toss the used wipes in the trash).  After, I use the clean rag to wipe over the wet surface.
• Toilet tip: Always flush your toilet with the rim down to decrease the spread of germs.

Counter / Sink / Faucet

Necessary tools: Gloves, all-purpose bathroom cleaner, scrubbing sponge and clean rag.

• Start out by clearing off the entire sink and counter. If you have hand or bath towels and even cups or toothbrushes nearby, it’s a good idea to remove them so they don’t get sprayed by the bathroom cleaner.
• Spray all-purpose bathroom cleaner all over the counter, sink and faucets. I prefer to use an all-purpose cleaner made specifically for the bathroom with soap scum remover built in. Wait approximately 30 seconds.
• Use your scrubbing sponge to tackle the caked on toothpaste or hair gel (your kids left behind).
• Scrub the surfaces and go back over them with a freshly rinsed sponge to wipe up any and all cleaner. If you have areas that need extra attention, spray more cleaner on and repeat the process.
• Go over the surfaces with the clean rag.
• Sink and faucet tip: If your current cleaner isn’t getting the job done, try a mixture of white vinegar and water (equal parts) or mix equal parts of baking soda and water and apply with an old, clean rag and rub the surface until it’s clean.
• Counter top tip: If you have a new counter and aren’t sure what type of cleaner to use, read the directions and test a small area to make sure the cleaner isn’t too abrasive for your surface. Some specialty stores make cleaners specifically for certain types of surfaces.

Mirror

Necessary tools:  Glass cleaner and paper towels.

• Start by spraying the entire mirror with glass cleaner. I like to let mine work on the surface for a few seconds.
• Wipe clean with a paper towel. Repeat again if necessary.
• Mirror tip: If you don’t have glass cleaner or paper towels, put distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and wipe your mirror with crumpled up newspaper. (Some people love using newspaper on mirrors and windows and some don’t.  If you have it around, try it.  You might like it).

Shower / Tub / Shower-tub Combo

Necessary tools: Gloves, all-purpose bathroom cleaner with soap scum capabilities, scrubbing sponge and old plastic drinking glass.

• Start by removing all of your shower or bath tub paraphernalia. (If you have a fabric shower curtain, it might be a good time to wash it.  If you have a plastic liner, it might be a good time to replace it.  Or, better yet, hang the curtain up over the curtain rod and keep it dry during your cleaning).
• I like to spray all surfaces with water or fill the plastic cup with water to wet the surfaces (this includes the inside of a shower door if you have one).
• Spray the bathroom cleaner over all Let it sit for approximately 30 seconds.  Note: Make sure you have proper ventilation when working in enclosed areas.  Use the scrubbing sponge to go over every surface.  Repeat the process again if necessary.
• Spray or wet the surface again with a cup to remove any remaining cleaner.
• Shower/tub tip: If soap scum is a real problem, try using a something like an ‘eraser’ (you know the kind). This might take some elbow grease but it works like a charm, especially on fiberglass shower inserts and glass doors.
• Shower head tip: If your shower head isn’t putting out the same water pressure it once did, fill a plastic sandwich bag about three quarters full with white distilled vinegar.  Submerge the shower head in the vinegar.  Wrap a rubber band or tie something around the shower head arm to hold the bag of vinegar in place for approximately 30 minutes.  (You can also remove the shower head and soak in a bowl of vinegar).

With the basics out of the way, there are a still a few areas that need attention.  They are easy to forget but necessary for the health of your home and family.

Bathroom Floors

Necessary tools: Broom, dustpan, mop and disinfecting floor cleaner or vacuum (yes, some still have carpet in the bathroom).

• If you’re stuck with carpet in your bathroom, go ahead and give it a good once over at least once a week. I suggest a good scrubbing every three months.
• If you have tile or laminate flooring, sweep your floor and use the dustpan to collect and discard your findings.
• Next, use a mop with disinfecting cleaner or try one of those new kits that have a mop with a detachable pad with cleaning solution already included.
• Allow 30 minutes to dry and make sure you have the proper ventilation.

Walls, baseboards and cabinets

Necessary tools:  Water and clean rag

• Because there are so many types of wood used in making bathroom cabinets and because they can have stain, paint or any unknown combination, it is suggested you refer to the manufacturer’s directions on how to clean them.
• As a safe bet, submerge a clean rag in luke-warm water.
• Ring out the rag completely.
• Wipe down the walls, baseboards and cabinets.

Exhaust Fan

Necessary tools:  Water, kitchen sink and tools for fan removal

• Remove the exhaust fan (refer to the manufacturer’s directions).
• Submerge fan in luke-warm water in your kitchen sink.
• Let it sit for approximately 10 minutes.
• Use a clean brush (toothbrush, dish brush, etc.) and carefully clean out in-between the slots in the fan.
• Let dry.
• Re-install.

Knobs / pulls

Necessary tools:  Water and clean rag

• Because there are so many types of drawer knobs and pulls used on bathrooms cabinets, it is suggested you refer to the manufacturer’s directions on how to clean them.
• As a safe bet, submerge a clean rag in luke-warm water.
• Ring out the rag completely.
• Wipe down the knobs and pulls.

That’s it on bathroom cleaning. There you have it, the nitty gritty on how to clean your bathroom from top to bottom.  Who knows…it might be on your top 10 list of fun things to do!

— Amanda Pokorny

Read here on WHY YOU NEED TO OWN A VACUUM AND HOW IT WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER