Keeping a clean bathroom is an important part of maintaining good hygiene and health in the home. However, with busy schedules, it can be easy to let the bathroom cleaning slide. So how often should you actually clean the bathroom? Here we’ll look at how frequently different areas of the bathroom need cleaning and some tips for keeping it clean.
How Often to Clean the Toilet
The toilet is used multiple times a day, so it tends to get dirty the fastest. Here’s how often the toilet needs cleaning:
- Clean the toilet bowl at least once a week – Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush and toilet cleaner to remove bacteria, grime, and mineral deposits. Make sure to get under the rim where dirt loves to hide.
- Clean toilet exterior as needed – Wipe down the outside of the toilet, including the seat, lid, tank, and base with a disinfecting cleaner or bathroom cleaning wipes whenever you notice dust, dirt, or grime building up.
- Disinfect toilet handles and buttons daily – These high-touch areas harbor lots of germs, so disinfect them daily with bathroom cleaning wipes.
How Often to Clean the Sink
Bathroom sinks also see a lot of daily use. Follow this schedule for cleaning the sink:
- Clean sink basin weekly – Give the sink basin a thorough scrub weekly using a soft sponge or brush and bathroom cleaner. Pay attention to the drain area where soap scum, toothpaste, and grime accumulate.
- Disinfect sink handles and faucet daily – Wipe down handles and faucet with bathroom cleaning wipes or a disinfectant cleaner daily to remove germs.
- Clean sink exterior and counter as needed – Wipe down sides of the sink and bathroom counter whenever you notice significant dirt, drips, or dust.
- unclog sink drain as needed – Use a sink snake or drain cleaner monthly to remove built-up gunk and keep water flowing freely.
How Often to Clean the Shower
Showers and tubs get grimy quickly, but don’t require daily cleaning. Here’s how often to scrub the shower and tub areas:
- Clean shower walls weekly – Give walls a thorough scrubbing with a shower cleaner and brush weekly to remove soap scum, minerals, and mildew.
- Clean shower door tracks monthly – Remove shower doors and scrub built-up grime from tracks monthly to allow doors to glide smoothly.
- Clean shower door glass as needed – Wipe down sliding glass shower doors with a squeegee after each use to prevent water spots and mildew growth between deep cleanings.
- Scrub shower floor weekly – Use a brush and shower spray to remove dirt, hair, and grime that collects on the shower floor weekly.
- Disinfect shower handles and fixtures daily – Wipe down showerheads, spigots, and knobs daily to remove germs.
How Often to Clean the Bathtub
Bathtubs should be cleaned on the following schedule:
- Clean bathtub weekly – Give bathtubs a thorough scrubbing with a soft sponge and bathroom cleaner weekly to get rid of soap scum, mildew, and grime.
- Disinfect tub handles and faucets daily – Wipe down handles and faucet fixtures daily to remove bacteria and germs.
- Unclog tub drain monthly – Pour a drain cleaner down the tub drain monthly to dissolve hair and soap buildup.
How Often to Clean the Floors
Here’s how often bathroom floors need cleaning:
- Sweep bathroom floors daily – Sweep up hair, dust, and dirt with a broom or dry mop daily.
- Mop bathroom floors weekly – Mop floors weekly using a bathroom floor cleaner and mop to sanitize floors and remove stuck-on grime.
- Clean behind toilet weekly – Get in the habit of lifting the toilet seat and scrubbing behind the toilet weekly to remove grime.
How Often to Clean the Mirrors and Glass
Bathroom mirrors, glass shower doors, and windows should be cleaned:
- Clean mirrors weekly – Wipe down mirrors weekly with a glass cleaner to remove fog, smudges, and grime.
- Clean glass shower doors after use – Squeegee doors after showering to prevent mineral spots and soap buildup between deeper weekly cleanings.
- Clean windows monthly – Clean bathroom windows monthly with a glass cleaner and soft cloth or sponge.
How Often to Change Towels
Towels accumulate bacteria and need regular washing. Here’s how often to change them out:
- Wash bath towels after 3 uses – Launder bath towels after 3 uses to prevent bacteria from building up.
- Wash hand towels after 2 uses – Hand towels used for drying hands and wiping counters should be washed every 2 uses.
- Wash floor mats weekly – Launder bathroom floor mats weekly to remove dirt, bacteria, and grime they collect.
Tips for Keeping a Clean Bathroom
Follow these tips for maintaining a clean bathroom between deep cleanings:
- Ventilate the bathroom – Leave the bathroom fan on or open a window while showering and for 30 minutes after to allow moisture to escape. Moisture breeds mold and mildew.
- Use bathroom rug – Place a washable rug outside the shower or tub to soak up drips and prevent slips. Wash it weekly.
- Take out the trash – Empty the bathroom trash can daily so odors and bacteria don’t build up.
- Declutter surfaces – Keep countertops and surfaces clutter-free for easier cleaning. Store items out of sight in cabinets or baskets.
- Clean up spills right away – Immediately wipe up any water or product spills to prevent stains and buildup.
- Keep cleaning supplies stocked – Have bathroom cleaner, wipes, a toilet brush, and other supplies on hand so cleaning is quick and easy.
Conclusion
The bathroom requires regular cleaning to remove germs, prevent buildup of grime, and control mold and mildew. Focus on cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs weekly. Wipe down surfaces and handles with disinfecting wipes or cleaner daily. Sweep floors daily and mop weekly. Launder towels and mats frequently. Keeping a schedule and using these bathroom cleaning tips will help maintain a fresh, hygienic bathroom.