Cleaning the bathroom can be a total drag. A hotbed for bacteria, germs, hair and other nasties, it’s a dirty job that just has to be done. If you have to do it, you may as well do it right, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire Saturday hosing down the bathroom.
Check out a few of these tips for making sure your bathroom gets spit-shine clean without ruining your entire weekend.
1. Multitask:
Save time when you clean your bathroom with a little multi-tasking. Pour your cleaner of choice in the toilet before you start to let it soak while you clean the rest of your bathroom. Optional: Use the bathroom sink for your bucket. (No bucket to rinse out, plus the sink basin soaks while you clean everything else.
2. Squeegee the bathroom walls
Keep a squeegee in your shower and wipe down the walls after every shower. This will keep water build up from forming. You’ll only need to scrub them down more thoroughly once a month or so, according to Martha Stewart.
3. Soak the shower head
Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. Tie the bag in place (a grocery sack works great) over the shower head. Let it soak overnight. Rinse away the build up with ease in the morning, Real Simple recommends.
4. Toothbrush it
The most effective way to remove mildew from grout is to use a toothbrush and bleach. Dip the toothbrush straight into the bleach and scrub. If you tackle the mildew as soon as you see it, you can prevent it from spreading to other areas of the tub. Use an old electric toothbrush to save your arms from pain. *Bonus tip: Real Simple suggests resealing your grout every 6 months to keep moisture at bay.
5. Steam it up
Get your bathroom super clean by spraying the walls, ceiling, and counters with cleaner. Turn your shower on super hot and let the steam accumulate. Shut off the shower, close the door and let the cleaner sit in the steamy room for about 20 to 30 minutes. Wipe everything down with a cloth. (Use a microfiber mop to hit the ceiling.)
6. Clean where the eye can’t see
Martha Stewart recommends cleaning the pipes in your bathroom sink every two months to keep your drains from clogging. Simply pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble for a few minutes before rinsing with a pan of boiling water. (P.S try this for the garbage disposal too!)
7. Don’t forget the toys
If your little ones have bath toys, clean and disinfect them at least once a month. Simply fill a bucket with warm water, add 1/2 cup of vinegar (per gallon), toss in the toys and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. Air dry.
8. Use tea to clean the mirror
Forget the window cleaner. Brew a few bags of black tea, let it cool and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your mirrors with the tea and wipe away with newspaper for a streak-free shine. You can save the tea to use again later!
9. Give the toilet brush some love
Not surprisingly, the toilet brush builds up germs pretty quickly. Give the brush a cleaning by soaking it in all purpose cleaner or bleach for about 20 minutes.
10. Wash the shower curtain in the machine
Yes, you can wash your plastic liner in the washer! Just add a few towels t the load as well. Wash with gentle soap and add 1/2 cup of baking soda during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse. Allow the curtain to air dry, according to Bob Vila.
Don’t forget to share these tips with your friends so they can get their bathroom sparkling clean with a little less hassle too!