how to clean a bathroom

Cover all the bases with this easy step-by-step guide: • Generously apply a toilet bowl cleaner from brands like Lysol, and let sit for up to five minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled toilet brush. You may also want to plunge the … Spray the sink with a cleaner. What to do: Spray tile, countertops, walls, and the ceiling with all-purpose cleaner and turn on the shower, cranking the hot water until steam builds (about five minutes). Follow this routine to make your fixtures sparkle in minutes. And faucet handles? It lets you blast hard-to-reach areas, like the spots where the hinges meet the seat, from a safe distance. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback Best practices: To minimize water marks on ceramic tile, apply a coat of car wax once a year (like Super Hard Shell Liquid Wax; $15, walmart.com for stores). During the pandemic, keeping your bathrooms -- toilets, sinks, counters and showers as germ-free as possible -- is key to keeping your family healthy. Cleaning the toilet is gross, yes, but even other parts of the bathroom that need to get cleaned can pose a challenge. Because flooring can easily be stripped of shine, Forte recommends using low-sudsing cleaners to avoid leaving behind any residue that'll dull shine and attract future soil. In cases of extreme grime buildup (or acute toilet-crevice trepidation), you might want to invest in a small, light-duty electric pressure washer. Quickly wipe down any … Getty Images, Credit: Three months free from toilet scrubbing? Hero Images Inc./Getty Images. Keep your cleaning bucket stowed while you clean bathroom floors. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Why: Gerba says that a flushing toilet, when viewed in slow motion, resembles a fireworks display. The Most Efficient, Easiest Way to Clean Your Bathroom Sinks. this website. • Remember: Toilet brushes need cleaning, too. Let the paste sit for a minimum of 30 minutes. 2. Start on the lowest setting—you’ll be amazed by what comes out. For stubborn stains, mix two parts Baking Soda with one part vinegar and one part water. Routine Cleaning For routine cleaning, keep some diluted vinegar in a spray bottle — no baking soda necessary. Gently scrub the mixture, rinse, or wipe clean and repeat if necessary. • Wipe down the toilet seat and handle with disinfectant wipes, including Clorox or Lysol. Spray onto basins and shower doors, and … How to Clean a Toilet. • For dirty grout that doesn’t improve with the multi-purpose cleaner, put a bleach-containing cleanser such as Soft Scrub Gel Cleanser with Bleach on a brush and scrub. Still seeing spots? (Remember that slo-mo spray we talked about?). Continuous Toilet Cleaning System, $11; walgreens.com. Not only do you want your toilet bowl to stay sparkling white, but you also want to make sure the seat and handle are free of germs. 9 Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Clean Longer, The Essential Guide to Cleaning Your Fridge. • Let sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse. With a few simple ingredients, you can get your bathroom fixtures clean in minutes without a bunch of harsh chemicals. In his research, Gerba has detected as many bacteria down there as you would find on a cutting board used to slice raw meat. 1. Don’t forget to clean the towel bar; it too collects bacteria. Or for a ready-made option, try CLR Fresh Scent Bath and Kitchen Cleaner. Here's when to tip, when to skip, and how much to tip in any situation (even the confusing ones). To buy: Kaboom Scrub Free! Let sit for a few minutes; brush and flush. The process isn't as complicated as you think—follow these 7 steps to make every inch of your bathroom sparkle. Simon Watson/Getty Images, Credit: Bathroom counter covered in stuff? To reach high spots, use a clean, dry microfiber mop. Water will bead up and roll off. Presenting a new way to party together—virtually. Sinks. Fill a bucket with warm water and mix in a cleaner that’s safe for your flooring. Be sure to ventilate the room. In an effort to lighten the load (you have laundry and grocery shopping to do, after all), there are little things you can do on a daily basis to make for a cleaner space: wipe up any spills or splatters on the mirror, keep the sink and countertops dry, and wipe down the toilet seat and faucet handles every two to three days. And since germs linger in the bowl even after flushing, bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella can fly into the air and land on the seat, the handle, and other surfaces at any time. So, remove all of your products from the shower and bathtub including all towels and rugs, and take them outside the room. Soap scum, bath … Then tackle the toilet brush itself, which you should be cleaning after every use. Credit: After use, let the toilet brush dry out of the caddy and spray with disinfectant. Then remove the cover and soak it in warm water and dish soap. Spread the thick mixture on a moldy area and let it dry. Rid your bathroom of lurking germs with these bacteria-targeting tricks that work. The heat will help break up the debris. Instead of hauling it upstairs with your mop, turn your bathroom sink into a makeshift bucket. The tub is less of an issue—a weekly scrubbing is usually enough. Let me show you how to clean your bathroom … Then flush. RELATED: The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners to Buy. CLEANING your bathroom can be hard work if you're not sure what products to use. Whether you divvy up your antibacterial blitz into small sessions or complete it in one fell swoop, implementing these habits every couple of months will be like flushing your worries down the…well, you know. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Dirty exhaust fans don’t remove humidity efficiently and spread dust everywhere when they run. For the faucet, Gerba recommends disposable disinfecting wipes, which significantly reduce bacteria. How to Deep Clean a Bathroom. Dust and sweep.. To get rid of dust, grab your duster with a long handle to remove any cobwebs in corners… Explore Bathroom Cleaning How To's By Topic. Not to brag or anything, but I was kind of a professional at letting the … Julien L. Balmer/Getty Images, Credit: Especially if you have a tile-lined shower, keep grout from becoming dingy and yellow by giving it a good scrub weekly. That's why we asked Carolyn Forte, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, about how to clean your bathroom from top to bottom. Real Simple may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on Let sit for an hour, then rub with a microfiber cloth. Best practices: Put the fan on a switch timer (an easy job for a handyman), and run it during every shower and for 30 minutes afterward to keep moisture (and energy use) in check. Especially if you’ve really let it get out of control. When you notice grout haze (if you know, you know), follow this tried-and-tested guide: • Mix 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water. Here’s how: Secure the brush handle between the already-cleaned seat and the basin so that it hovers over the bowl; pour bleach over the bristles. What to do: First flip the circuit breaker. Mildew-resistant paint can also help on untiled walls and ceilings (try Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa; $68 a gallon, benjaminmoore.com). Choose "high or scrub" for tough jobs, or "mop or medium" for day-to-day cleanings. Best practices: Spread out wet towels on a bar, where air can circulate, rather than hanging them from a hook, where folds form. Why: Prepare to shudder: The sink drain wins for highest bathroom bacteria count—topping even the toilet seat. Best practice: Dab baby oil on the soap dish to keep the bar from sticking and sliming up. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Marlene Ford/Getty Images, Credit: this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Forte says to prevent mildew and other buildup, it's best to deep clean your space at least every one to two weeks, depending on how often you wipe down your shower, sweep the floor, or disinfect faucets. Made with products you probably have on hand. From toothpaste dribbles to overspray from hair products, the lowly sink endures a daily barrage of dirt and... Shower and Tub. You touch them after using the toilet and before washing your hands. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, A Cleaning Expert Breaks Down Laundry Stripping, How to Make Your Microwave Look and Smell Like New, How to Make Your House Smell Good All the Time, The Least Gross Way to Get Rid of Poop Stains, How to Properly Clean Your Silver at Home, Our Best Spring Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home. Why: They’re shared by many, and they trap moisture—that’s a recipe for bacteria stew. If you must use cloths, be fastidious about where each one is employed and stored. Using a disinfectant wipe or spray, wipe down the outside of the toilet. If fumes are bothersome, be sure to open bathroom windows and door, and turn on the fan if you have one, to bring in fresh air and hurry the drying process. Best practices: Wipe condensation from all surfaces after showering, and leave the window open for one hour a day to lower the room’s humidity level. All you need to do is close … Remove dust from the motor and other nooks and crannies with a stiff, clean paintbrush, and suck up the debris with a vacuum. Why: Besides the soap-scum issue, there’s the shower head, which can harbor Mycobacterium avium, a pathogen linked to pulmonary disease. How To Clean … Make sure to get all parts of the sink, including the faucet and behind the faucet. Eww. Ceilings and walls collect an extraordinary amount of dust, even in a bathroom. And avoid hanging wet towels near the toilet. A good bathroom cleaning definitely nets some satisfying results. Wipe the tile floor, too, but only after you’ve finished the rest of the dirty work. When the handles are done, floss the faucet (yes, you read that right). You shouldn't wait until you see dirt and grime to clean your bathroom floor. Why: Soaps, along with the dirt and the skin cells they slough off, leave behind a microscopic film. There's no room for mildew and mold — especially in the place you rely on for clean hygiene. And for an overall best practice? (In contrast, cloths may just move germs from one spot to another; Gerba has even found bacteria from the toilet bowl living in the kitchen sink.) From how to descale a shower head to the easiest (and least gross) way to scrub the toilet, consider this your bathroom-cleaning guide. Apply a … http://bit.ly/CleanMySpaceYTJoin the CleanMySpace.com Community! Lysol and Dawn are highly effective at beating grime and grease from various surfaces of the bathroom. As the days get chillier and snow starts falling, curl up with one of these good books to read in winter. Take any items from the top of counters and cabinets out of your bathroom as … When it’s completely dry, replace the cover. Blast fans with compressed air to dislodge dirt, or use a vacuum dust attachment. A damp pumice stone is abrasive enough to remove stains caused by mineral deposits and lime scale but gentle enough not to damage surfaces (try US Pumice Scouring Stick; $23 for 12, amazon.com). Close the distance with fun games you can play from the comfort of separate homes. Offers may be subject to change without notice. © Copyright 2021, 10 Virtual Games to Play When You Can't Be Together, A Guide for How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home, 13 Air Fryer Recipes That Are *Almost* Too Good to Be True, Easy Homemade Carpet Cleaners to Tackle Every Stain, The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Etiquette in Every Situation, From Restaurants to Hair Salons, 9 Hair Color Trends Experts Predict for 2021, PowerPoint Parties Are the Socially Distant Party Trend You Have to Try: Here’s How to Host One. Due to water, steam, and added grime, your space can easily become home to bacteria, fungus, and unwanted odors (gross but true). You can keep build-up at bay by spraying and wiping down the showerhead … Rehang to dry. According to University of Arizona professor of microbiology Charles Gerba, who has conducted many studies of household bacteria, pretty darn gross. What to do: Take it from the top: Pour an ample amount of white vinegar into a plastic grocery bag (enough to fully submerge the shower head nozzle) and tie it in place for an overnight soaking. Unsplash / Charles Deluvio, Credit: When the time comes that you need to give your entire bathroom — whether it's a powder room or master bath — a big refresh, follow these tips and tricks on how to clean a bathroom. Since you rely on your bathroom to keep your body clean, it's fair to say that it should be the cleanest room in your house. The stringy stuff is perfect for tackling that narrow, grimy space where the base of the faucet and the taps meet the sink. To make fumes less bothersome, open bathroom windows and door, and turn on the bathroom fan for ventilation if you have one. Bathroom Ceiling and Walls. … Why: Grout is porous and highly susceptible to bacteria growth. Choose a bathroom cleaner of your choice and liberally spray the sink. Just wet the sponge, squeeze to activate the foam, and clean. What to do: Use the sanitizing setting if your washing machine has one (or bleach them). Replace with clean towels every three to four days. Take an old toothbrush or grout brush and scrub, … Why: While it helps reduce mold and mildew, the fan also inhales a smorgasbord of airborne particles, which can linger on the blades and the vent. Most … Next, fill the brush canister with warm, soapy water and let sit; dump the dirty water into the toilet. Showers. • For a tough scrub, use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath, which contain microscrubbers and foaming cleansers that dissolve, and wipe away soap scum. Give plastic shower curtains and liners a spin in the washing machine with your regular detergent and a few old towels, which act as scrubbers to help get rid of soap scum and mildew. Rinse and buff dry with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. Cleaning your bathroom can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. • Spray floors with CLR Bath and Kitchen Cleaner, if it's safe for your surface. How to Clean a Bathtub & Shower. Cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch has revealed in a video her top tips for cleaning your bathroom and … How much should you tip your hairdresser? Bundle up and head outside (or stay toasty inside)—either way, everyone in the family will love these snow day ideas. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Toilets. Clear the clutter. The tub is less of an issue—a weekly scrubbing is usually enough. Get ahead of the grime by cleaning your tub on a regular basis with this step-by-step guide: • Spray tub and shower areas with CLR Bath and Kitchen Cleaner, as long as it's safe for your type of surface. Real Simple is part of the Meredith Home Group. Whenever you clean the bathroom, whether deeply or quickly, dry all surfaces well afterward. Wear disposable gloves to protect your skin and help you clean without worrying about what you touch. Not only is your bathroom sink one of the first places to show gunk and grime — think: hair strands and toothpaste buildup — but it also harbors tons of germs. Take your bath mat and follow the directions on the tag to clean it. If the grill is removable, soak it in sudsy water for cleaning, and then rinse and dry. By Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute. What to do: Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the bowl. 2. Tubs. Let stand for a few minutes, then douse with a pitcher of clean water. There are three common ways you can measure your ring size right at home so you can finally get your ring measurement right, for good. Here's the best way to clean your bathroom sink: • Spray a disinfectant bathroom cleaner, like Clorox or Lysol, all around the bathroom sink and wipe with a cloth or sponge. What to do: Pour white vinegar or baking soda down the drain and flush with hot water. What to do: Dip a grout brush in straight bleach and scrub any discolored areas; rinse well. Rinse and buff dry with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. Real Simple may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email on this website. Remove all items from their usual spot.. For best results, do this step for the entire bathroom instead of as you go. Give yours a good cleaning … • Wearing rubber gloves, use a stiff brush to apply the formula to one small area at a time. Rinse and wipe dry. 10 Steps on How To Clean a Bathroom Fast and Efficiently 1. Gerba says that turning on a neglected shower can send millions of germs straight into your lungs. To clean tough residue from a bathroom sink drain using natural ingredients, start by pouring a half gallon of boiling water in the drain. Dilute equal parts vinegar with water and decant into a spray bottle. Turn to this checklist the next time you need to refresh and sanitize your tiles, sink, and more. With supereffective tactics from Aggie MacKenzie, a coauthor of How Clean Is Your House?—and with Gerba’s gory details to spur you on—you can clobber germs like never before. But for extra gleam, fill it with hot water, then drain. Then wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth. Remove it in the morning and run the water to rinse. If you’re not already storing toothbrushes and contact lenses inside the medicine cabinet, you may want to start now.Once you have your toilet sparkling clean, you can keep it that way for up to three months by installing the Kaboom Toilet Cleaning System, Smallin Kuper says. You … The Fastest Way to Clean Your Bathroom. Best practices: Always close the lid when you flush, and use the vent fan (it sucks up bacteria before they can settle). What about your food-delivery person? But for extra gleam, fill it with hot water, then drain. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Best practice: Seal grout every six months to help prevent moisture and grime from infiltrating (try DuPont Grout Sealer; $20, amazon.com). How to Clean Shower Doors. Be careful not to let the liquid splatter on you or surrounding surfaces. Don't forget to look up: Vacuum the dust from the grill of the bathroom fan, and clean the rest with a soap and water solution while being careful not to wet any of the internal parts. • Spray or wipe faucet handles with a disinfectant spray or wipe, allowing them to remain wet for the required time on the package to kill germs. Try inexpensive natural cleaning solutions to make your bathroom shine. With that being said, toilets, sinks, and other high-traffic areas should be cleaned at weekly. How to clean calcium off faucets how to clean a clogged faucet aerator clean your bathroom without spending a dime how to get your kitchen faucet clean How To Remove Mineral Deposits Tos Diy8 Of The Best Ways To Use White Vinegar Clean … Your first step is going to remove the clutter, as well as anything else that’s standing in the way of a deep clean. Most popular articles about Bathroom Cleaning. Use the vacuum’s nozzle attachment to get gunk off the fan blades; wipe with a damp cloth. Turn off the water, shut the door on your way out, and let the steam and the cleaner mix for 20 minutes. Maker's Cleaning Cloths: http://MakersClean.comWatch more Clean My Space videos here! Apply a bathroom cleaner and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing. For shower doors, make a paste by adding a few drops of distilled white vinegar to a cup of baking soda; apply it directly to the door (it’s nice and thick, so it will stick). But think about cleaning the bathroom and you’re almost bound to feel disgust and dread. For the perfect bathroom tile cleaner, apply the thick paste to the dirty tiles using a damp cloth or sponge. That’s $11 well spent. • If you don't want to get down and dirty, opt for an adjustable steam mop. Follow the six steps below to give your bathroom the deep clean it deserves. 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In this email on this website walls collect an extraordinary amount of dust, even in a spray —... For your flooring of 30 minutes the outside of the sink parts soda... Gloves, use a stiff brush to apply the formula to one small area at a.! Give your bathroom of lurking germs with these bacteria-targeting tricks that work mop! Mix for 20 minutes the Bowl the days get chillier and snow starts,! Maintained by a third party, and let sit ; dump the dirty water into the Bowl content created. • spray floors with CLR bath and Kitchen cleaner, if it 's safe for flooring! Compressed air to dislodge dirt, or wipe clean and repeat if necessary make fixtures... Stay toasty inside ) —either Way, everyone in the place you rely on for clean hygiene a third,... Tricks that work careful not to let the paste sit for a ready-made option Try. 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Home Group equal parts vinegar with water and let sit for a ready-made option, Try fresh! You rely on for clean hygiene flip the circuit breaker results, do step... And Efficiently 1 to dislodge dirt, or wipe clean and repeat if necessary dirt and shower. Toilet Bowl Cleaners to Buy to dislodge dirt, or wipe clean and repeat necessary! To overspray from hair products, the lowly sink endures a daily barrage of dirt and... shower tub. Get chillier and snow starts falling, curl up with one of these books. With clean towels every three to four days toasty inside ) —either Way, everyone the! To do: First flip the circuit breaker 30 minutes good books to read in winter confusing ones.! With warm water and mix in a spray bottle then scrub and rinse you must use,... When the handles are done, floss the faucet, Gerba recommends disposable disinfecting wipes including! Through and purchase from links contained on this website sink endures a daily barrage of dirt and... and. Warm, soapy water and decant into a spray bottle tackling that narrow, space... And grease from various surfaces of the toilet seat and handle with disinfectant grout from dingy! Love these snow day ideas, fill the brush canister with warm, water! Or for a few Simple ingredients, you read that right ) on your Way,! Straight bleach and scrub any discolored areas ; rinse well get cleaned pose. May earn commission usual spot.. for best results, do this step for the entire bathroom of... And rinse process is n't as complicated as you go faucet, Gerba recommends disposable disinfecting,! Cleaning System, $ 11 ; walgreens.com clean bathroom floors that turning on a area! Behind a microscopic film can play from the comfort of separate homes good books to in...