Your bathroom is one of the most visited spaces in your home, making it a vital part of your routine cleaning. For most people, though, it’s also the room they least like to clean. Cleaning toilets and removing soap scum takes time and a bit of elbow grease. To streamline your bathroom cleaning process, try these tips for making the most effective use of your time.
The Importance of Routine Bathroom Cleaning
Many types of harmful bacteria can be found lingering in your bathroom. Streptococcus, E. coli, and salmonella are only a few of the dozens of illness-causing bacteria you can find here. Cleaning your bathroom regularly, along with routine handwashing, can prevent bacteria from hanging around and spreading.
Gather Your Bathroom Cleaning Supplies
Most bathroom surfaces are easy to clean. But you must ensure you have appropriate supplies to keep your room sparkling clean and fresh.
You’ll need these supplies to get the job done properly:
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose bathroom cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes
- Toilet brush and cleaner
- Sponges, microfiber cloths, or paper towels
- Broom and dustpan or vacuum
- Mop
- Bucket
- Gloves
Using gloves will keep your hands clean and safe while you clean germ-prone areas, and they will also protect your hands from any cleaners you use.
Essential Steps for a Spotless Bathroom
The process of cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to be complicated. To make your bathroom germ-free, follow these steps:
Unclutter the Countertop
One of the easiest parts of cleaning your bathroom is getting rid of the junk cluttering your countertop. The nearly empty bottles of hand cream and unused mascara tubes only take up space. You can also look for anything past its expiration date and toss it in the trash.
Remove Products for a Deeper Clean
You’ll want to remove all products from shower shelves to get the most thorough clean and use your time wisely. Place the towels and rugs in the hallway or laundry room. Move products from the countertops and take out the trash can.
Dust and Sweep
You can get rid of dust and cobwebs using a long-handled duster. You may need to use a step stool to reach higher corners, light fixtures, and vents. Once you’ve removed all the dust, sweep or vacuum the floors to remove the hair and other debris that tends to accumulate on the floor.
Dusting and sweeping first, also called dry cleaning, will make cleaning smudges and dirt easier without creating a mix of dust and hair.
Wipe Down All Surfaces
You can use disinfectant sprays or wipes on surfaces in your bathroom. They kill on contact, making them ideal for use on:
- Faucets
- Toilet and shower door handles
- Door knobs
- Cupboard handles
- Toilet brushes
- Plungers
Every bathroom is designed differently, so spraying or wiping any other surface you touch with your hands is best.
Scrub the Tub and Sink
Before you scrub the tub, note what material it’s made from. Porcelain can withstand most cleaning products, but acrylic, enamel, and plastic may fade or get scraped by powerful chemicals. Avoid using bleach on tubs made from enamel and acrylic. A good rule to follow is to test clean one small spot to rule out potential damage from your cleaning agent.
Clean the Shower
Using an all-purpose cleaner, spray the walls and the floors and let it sit according to the directions. Then, wipe down every surface using a sponge or cloth. Take out the bathtub stopper and hair catcher to remove anything that has gathered. Although it isn’t an enjoyable task, it’s a necessary step in keeping your drain from becoming clogged.
Tackle the Toilet
Scrub inside the toilet bowl a few times each week using bleach-containing products. Use a toilet brush to remove gunk under the rim, and always wear gloves to protect your hands. Thoroughly wipe every part of the toilet seat, tank, lid, and sides of the seat.
Wipe the Mirrors
A toothpaste-stained mirror can be annoying and unsightly. Wipe down the mirror using a soft microfiber cloth or paper towel and glass cleaner.
Mop the Floors
The bathroom floor may be one of the most critical surfaces to clean. After removing items and sweeping, vacuum to eliminate the remaining debris. Use an all-purpose cleaner in a bucket with warm water to mop the floor. Keep everyone away from the bathroom while the floor dries to prevent accidental falls.
Keep Your Bathroom Clean Year-Round
Maintaining a clean bathroom throughout the year is essential, but a busy schedule can make it a difficult task. Highland Park Housekeeping can take that worry off of your shoulders. Our expertly trained housekeepers use the finest quality equipment available along with effective, non-toxic products to keep your bathroom healthy and sparkling clean. To schedule your routine bathroom cleaning, contact Highland Park Housekeeping today.