Among all the rooms in your home, the bathroom is probably the one room you want it to be spotless and smelling nice at all times of the day. Unfortunately, it is also the place most prone to bacterial contamination, scale buildup, and grime infestation. Therefore, it requires a lot of time, effort, and elbow grease to keep it sparkling clean and fresh.
It may seem like a daunting task, but establishing a good cleaning regime will help you in the long run. Here is a detailed self-cleaning guide: bathroom edition will help you clean your bathroom efficiently and effectively.
De-clutter and dust space
Begin by removing all the accessories, toiletries, towels, and rugs from the bathroom. Then, wipe all the surfaces with a microfiber cloth to get rid of the dust. Use a vacuum to pick up all the fallen dust and debris from the floor.
Once you have done that, you need to tackle each part of your bathroom individually for a thorough cleaning.
Clean the tile grout
Shiny, spotless tiles look very aesthetically pleasing, but the dingy, discolored tile grout can ruin the overall look of your bathroom. Depending on the severity of the situation, you can use the following methods to unveil the grout’s original color.
- Spray a cleaning solution or a 50-50 mixture of water and vinegar on the grout. Let stand for 5 minutes and scrub away with a soft brush
- Use the household chlorine bleach to scrub the grout with a soft brush and rinse well
- Sprinkle baking soda on the grout, spray hydrogen peroxide on it, and scrub well after 10 minutes
- For the tile grout in the shower area, mix half a cup of baking soda, one-fourth cup of hydrogen peroxide, and a teaspoon of dish soap. Spoon this magic mixture onto the grout and give it 5-10 minutes before scrubbing
Side note: Whenever you are using strong chemicals, remember to keep the room well ventilated and wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Tackle the toilet
Apart from the apparent buildup, toilets carry countless germs. Regular cleaning can keep the toilet bowls sparkling and hinder the appearance of any yellow spots.
- Start with generously applying a toilet cleaner all around the bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub with a stiff-bristled toilet brush and then flush
- Spray a disinfectant over and under the toilet seat and wipe away using a clean cloth
- Clean the toilet brush after every use as well. Dry it thoroughly and spray it with a disinfectant
Jump into the shower
Showers and tubs are most susceptible to mold, mildew, and hard water stains, but with regular upkeep, you will be able to keep the problem at bay. Read on to learn how you can clean every part of your bathing area.
- Vinegar is an excellent solution to the hard water stains on the chrome fittings in your bathroom. Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, soak a microfiber cloth in the mixture, wrap it around the showerhead, and secure it with a rubber band. Wait 15 minutes before removing the cloth and drying it with a clean cloth
- Use an old toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution to clean the handle, pipes, and other hard to reach areas
- For mold and mildew, mix one-fourth cup of bleach with a three-fourth cup of water and apply the solution directly to the stain. Scrub with a brush or a sponge after a couple of minutes
- For glass doors, mix one-fourth cup of distilled vinegar with a three-fourth cup of water, microwave it for a minute and spray it on the glass. Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth or newspaper after 3-5 minutes
- You can also use a commercial cleaner with a pH range of 7-8 if the water in your region is extremely hard. Use it on dried glass doors and wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel after a few minutes
- For cleaning the tub, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the tub. Mix two tablespoons of dish soap in half a gallon of warm water. Dip the sponge in the water periodically as you scrub the tub
- For serious buildup in the tub, you need an acid-based cleanser. Apply the cleaner all over your tub and let it soak for the recommended amount of time. Clean the loosened dirt and buildup with a sponge and rinse it thoroughly
Scrub the sink
Sink can harbor a lot of incognito germs and bacteria, as well as the apparent buildup. Therefore, you need to disinfect the sink, faucets, and handles.
- Spray a disinfectant bathroom cleaner generously all over the sink and its fittings. Let it sit for a while and then wipe it clean with a sponge or a cloth
- You can always use disinfectant wipes for the faucet and the handles
- Keep a glass cleaner at hand to clean the splatter on the vanity mirror
Clean the floors
The regular cleaning of the bathroom floors ensures that your floors do not lose their shine while also keeping the dirt and grime in check.
- Prepare a mixture of water and cleaning solution, which is safe for the flooring in a bucket. Soak the mop, squeeze out the excess water, and sweep the floor until you are satisfied with the results. You can also add a cup of white vinegar to the bucket
- Follow the aforementioned tips to tackle the tile grouts on the floor
- For particularly stubborn stains and grime, soak the area with a solution of equal parts of water and vinegar, and use a small brush to scrub
- Make sure to dry the floors entirely before placing the rugs
Final thoughts
To save yourself from hours of labor, employ a few upkeep tricks such as:
- Use a handheld vacuum to pick up any dirt and fallen hair from the floor
- Clean the mirror above your sink with a paper towel after every use
- Rinse and wipe down the sink morning and night
- Wipe the glass doors with a squeegee every time to take a shower
- Use organizers and tray for your toiletries and the cleaning supplies
