Keeping a household bathroom clean is an important part of maintaining a healthy home. A dirty bathroom can harbor harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew. Establishing a regular cleaning routine helps prevent the buildup of grime and germs. But with busy schedules, it can be challenging to stay on top of bathroom cleaning. So how often should you be scrubbing down your sinks, toilets, tub and shower? Here is a guide to developing a bathroom cleaning routine that protects your family’s health.
How Often to Clean a Bathroom Sink
Bathroom sinks should be cleaned 1-2 times per week. Sinks collect grime, toothpaste spatter, soap scum, and germs from daily use. Here are some tips for keeping your bathroom sink sanitary:
– Wipe down the sink basin daily with a disinfecting cleaner or a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. This helps prevent buildup.
– Clean the sink thoroughly 1-2 times per week using an abrasive cleaner and disinfectant. Scrub away all visible grime, mold, and mildew.
– Disinfect the faucet handles each time you clean the sink. Faucets contain germs from unwashed hands.
– Use a toothbrush or other small scrub brush to clean hard-to-reach areas like around the faucet and the drain.
– After cleaning, rinse the sink well and wipe dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots.
– Once a week, remove everything from the countertop and clean the counter surface thoroughly with disinfectant.
Regular sink cleaning prevents the spread of bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella from bathroom activities like using the toilet or changing diapers. It also keeps the sink looking shiny and prevents mineral deposits and grime buildup.
How Often to Clean the Toilet
Toilets should be cleaned 1-2 times per week. But high traffic bathrooms may need more frequent scrub downs. Here are some tips for keeping your toilet hygienic:
– Scrub the toilet bowl completely at least once a week using a toilet brush and toilet cleaner. Make sure to get under the rim where bacteria love to hide.
– Disinfect toilet seats and other surfaces 1-2 times per week or whenever visibly dirty. Use a multi-surface cleaner and disposable wipes or paper towels.
– Check for grime buildup in the crevices, hinges, and other hard-to-reach areas. Use an old toothbrush to scrub these areas when needed.
– Empty, clean, and disinfect trash cans and diaper pails each time you clean the toilet.
– Pour 1⁄2 cup of borax into the toilet bowl after cleaning and let sit overnight to kill germs and freshen.
– Replace toilet brushes every 3-4 months. Old brushes harbor bacteria.
– Use grooming tools like tweezers and razors in one bathroom only to prevent spreading germs.
Frequent toilet cleaning kills germs that cause diseases like norovirus, E. coli, salmonella, and hepatitis A. It also prevents nasty rings and streaks.
How Often to Clean a Bathtub & Shower
Showers and bathtubs should be cleaned 1-2 times per week depending on use. soap scum, mildew, mold and bacteria multiply quickly in the warm, wet environment. Here are some tips for keeping your tub and shower sparkling:
– Squeegee the shower walls after each use to prevent soap scum and mineral buildup.
– Spray shower walls with cleaner after use and let sit before rinsing the next time you shower. This prevents buildup between deep cleans.
– Scrub the tub and shower walls thoroughly 1-2 times per week using a disinfectant cleaner and abrasive sponge. Pay attention to surfaces like the shower door tracks which collect grime.
– Use a mildew-remover spray or baking soda scrub on mildew prone areas like shower curtains and around the tub drain.
– Clean glass shower doors with a squeegee after each use and a glass cleaner weekly.
– Disinfect tub and shower faucets weekly when you deep clean.
– Remove hair from the tub drain weekly using a drain snake or drain filter.
– Use a wet dry vacuum to deep clean tile grout lines weekly.
Thorough weekly shower cleaning removes bacteria, prevents slipping, and keeps surfaces from collecting hard water spots and soap scum buildup.
How Often to Clean the Bathroom Floor
Bathroom floors should be cleaned 1-2 times per week. Floors collect dirt, grime, hair, and other gross stuff you track in from outside. Here are some tips for keeping bathroom floors clean:
– Dry mop or sweep floors daily to remove surface dirt and hair.
– Mop floor thoroughly 1-2 times per week using a disinfecting cleaner. Get into corners and around the toilet where grime hides.
– In high traffic bathrooms, spot clean visible dirt as needed.
– Steam mop tile floors weekly to sanitize grout lines and remove grime buildup.
– Every 1-2 months, scrub floors thoroughly removing grime from grout lines using an old toothbrush and grout cleaner.
– Move small rugs and floor mats weekly and clean floor underneath. Wash mats and rugs in hot water.
– Check floors under leaky toilets, tubs, and sinks for hidden mildew. Kill mildew with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Regular bathroom floor cleaning removes germs, prevents slip hazards from dirt buildup, and keeps floors looking fresh.
How to Clean a Bathroom in 15 Minutes
For a quick clean when time is short, focus on disinfecting high-touch areas:
– Toilet: Scrub bowl and seat using disposable wipes or paper towels and toilet cleaner.
– Sink: Wipe down sink basin, faucet, countertop and mirror with a disinfecting multi-surface cleaner.
– Shower: Spray shower walls with cleaner. Let sit until next shower.
– Floor: Dry mop or sweep floor to remove hair and surface dirt. Spot clean stains.
– Empty trash cans and diaper pails. Replace trash bags.
– Tidy up: Wipe down any surfaces with visible grime. Return all items to their place.
Focusing on these high-touch areas helps remove bacteria and soil buildup quickly when time is limited. But be sure to set aside time for a thorough deep clean 1-2 times per week.
How to Deep Clean a Bathroom
For a thorough periodic deep cleaning:
– Start at the top: Clean light fixtures of dust buildup. Wipe down walls, cabinets, and ceilings with a multipurpose cleaner.
– Scrub surfaces: Clean the mirror and counter tops. Disinfect and shine the sink, faucet, and toilet. Squeegee and scrub the shower walls. Descale if needed.
– Scrub floors: Sweep then mop floors thoroughly. Clean grout lines. Vacuum and wash bathmats and rugs.
– Dust and disinfect: Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant including door handles, towel racks, corners, and baseboards. Dust vents and surfaces.
– Glass and mirrors: Clean mirrors and shower doors with glass cleaner. Shine and polish all chrome and metal fixtures.
– Organize: Toss expired products and clutter. Restock supplies. Return items to their place.
– Take out trash: Empty wastebaskets and replace bags.
Doing a thorough deep clean of all bathroom surfaces monthly helps remove soap scum, mineral deposits, mold, mildew, and bacteria for a fresh, sanitary bathroom.
Tips for an Eco-Friendly Bathroom Clean
For a green bathroom clean, look for plant-based cleaners or make your own solutions:
– All-purpose cleaner: Mix white vinegar or lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. For scrubbing, baking soda also works.
– Disinfectant: Opt for cleaners with thyme oil, hydrogen peroxide, or citric acid as active ingredients. Or use diluted rubbing alcohol.
– Glass cleaner: Mix 2 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Add lemon juice for fresh scent.
– Floor cleaner: Add a few drops of plant-based dish soap to water for an all-natural mop solution.
– Scrubbing pads: Choose reusable microfiber cloths and scrub pads instead of paper towels or disposable wipes.
– Minimize waste: Look for concentrated cleaners and recycle spray bottles. Use rags instead of paper towels.
– Ventilate well: Open windows and turn on fans while cleaning to allow for good air circulation.
Eco-friendly cleaners keep bathrooms sparkling using plant-based ingredients that are safer for families, pets, and the environment.
DIY Natural Bathroom Cleaning Recipes
You can make effective, non-toxic cleaners at home using just a few simple ingredients:
All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner
– 2 cups water
– 1⁄4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice
– 20 drops tea tree oil or other essential oil (optional)
– Spray bottle
Glass & Mirror Cleaner
– 2 cups water
– 1⁄4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
– Spray bottle
Scrubbing Cleaner
– 1 cup baking soda
– Liquid castile soap
– Water
– Bowl & scrub brush
Tub & Tile Cleaner
– 1⁄2 cup baking soda
– Liquid castile soap
– 3 tablespoons liquid hydrogen peroxide
– 1⁄4 cup vinegar
– 20 drops essential oil (optional)
– Spray bottle
These homemade cleaners effectively kill germs, remove soap scum, and make bathrooms shine using inexpensive, natural ingredients.
How to Keep Your Bathroom Clean Longer
Preventing dirt and grime makes cleaning easier. Here are some tips:
– Install bathroom mats at entrances and get in the habit of drying feet before entering. This prevents tracking in dirt.
– Close the toilet lid before flushing to prevent germ spread.
– Use daily shower cleaning products to prevent soap scum and mineral deposits from building up.
– Install bathroom exhaust fans and use during and after showering or bathing to reduce humidity and mildew.
– Declutter surfaces so there are fewer places for dust and grime to collect. Store items in cabinets and drawers.
– Clean up spills, toothpaste globs, and splatters right after they happen to prevent bathroom messes.
– Upgrade to low-maintenance surfaces like quartz countertops and ceramic tile that resist grime buildup.
– Seal tile grout and use caulk around sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets to prevent mildew and grime from collecting in crevices.
Good daily habits like wiping surfaces and removing clutter helps bathrooms stay fresher longer between deep cleans.
How to Clean a Bathroom After Being Sick
It’s important to disinfect bathrooms thoroughly after someone has been sick. Here’s how:
– Protect yourself: Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning and disinfecting. Open windows and turn on fans.
– Clean first: Clean all surfaces thoroughly before disinfecting. Dirt and grime reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants.
– Disinfect: Use EPA registered disinfectants approved to kill illness-causing germs. Read labels and follow all instructions. Bleach solutions may also be used.
– High-touch surfaces: Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, counters, sinks, toilets, and electronics thoroughly. Also disinfect shower walls if sickness involves vomiting or diarrhea.
– Soft surfaces: For carpets, bedding, and upholstered items, use household cleaners or laundry soaps with disinfecting claims on the label. Avoid vacuuming which can spread germs.
– Containment: Use lined trash bins to contain soiled tissues and other contaminated items. Empty frequently.
– Wash items: Towels, clothing, and other washable items should be laundered on the highest heat setting recommended. Avoid shaking dirty laundry.
Thorough cleaning and disinfecting after an illness helps destroy germs lingering on bathroom surfaces and prevent spread to family members.
Cleaning Products to Avoid
Some conventional cleaning products contain toxic chemicals you may want to avoid:
– Chlorine bleach: Can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Is toxic if swallowed. Safer alternative: Hydrogen peroxide based bleach.
– Ammonia: Can cause burns and is toxic if swallowed. Safer alternative: White vinegar.
– Acid-based toilet bowl cleaners: Corrosive on contact with skin. Safer alternative: Baking soda-based scouring paste.
– Antibacterial soaps: May contribute to antibiotic resistance. Safer alternative: Soap and water.
– Aerosol sprays: Chemical propellants can irritate lungs. Safer alternative: Pump spray bottles.
– Air fresheners: Release toxic volatile organic compounds into air. Safer alternative: Ventilate and use essential oils.
– Disposable wipes: Contain harsh chemicals and create waste. Safer alternative: Reusable microfiber cloths.
Choosing safer, eco-friendly alternatives helps reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals and toxins during routine bathroom cleaning.
Warning Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional
While regular cleaning maintains a tidy bathroom, sometimes it’s best to call in a pro:
– Persistent mildew and mold: If DIY cleaning can’t get rid of recurring mold or mildew growth, especially black mold, professional mold remediation may be needed. Mold can worsen respiratory issues and damage surfaces.
– Bad odors: Foul odors that won’t go away may signal hidden mold growth or a disconnected vent pipe. Professionals have tools to locate and address the source of smells.
– Leaks: Ongoing leaks around sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets should be repaired to prevent damage. Professionals can fix faulty plumbing.
– Floor damage: Scratches, big stained areas, and damaged grout or caulk may require flooring professionals to properly repair or replace floors.
– Chipped or damaged surfaces: Professional refinishing or replacement may be needed for worn, cracked or chipped tile, fiberglass, porcelain, grout, enamel or stainless steel.
If your bathroom has damage beyond what regular cleaning can handle, don’t delay calling a qualified professional. Catching issues early prevents further deterioration.
Cleaning a Bathroom on a Budget
Deep clean your bathroom for less by:
– Making your own all-purpose cleaner from white vinegar, water, and essential oils
– Baking soda – acts as a scrub and deodorizer for sinks, tubs, and toilets
– Old toothbrushes – to scrub grout lines, crevices, chrome fixtures, and tile
– Microfiber cloths – can be washed and reused versus paper towels
– Generic cleaners – compare active ingredients on labels and choose budget brands
– Bleach – kills mold and disinfects on the cheap
– Hot water – for rinsing away grime before scrubbing
– Elbow grease – go low-tech with some old-fashioned scrubbing power!
With some basic ingredients and tools, it’s possible to clean all bathroom surfaces thoroughly without spending a lot.
Conclusion
To keep your bathroom sanitary and prevent germ buildup, plan to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces about once to twice per week. Focus on surfaces that accumulate grime and bacteria like sinks, toilets, and showers. Implement eco-friendly or DIY cleaners when possible. Develop good daily habits like wiping surfaces after use and decluttering to make cleaning faster. Call on professionals to handle bathroom issues like leaks, mold, and damage beyond your DIY skills. Consistent cleaning using these tips will result in a fresh, healthy bathroom space your whole household can enjoy.
