Here’s a Quick Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
The bathroom is one of the ideal breeding grounds for germs due to the humid, moist environment, which is ironic considering that we go to that small room to clean ourselves. The floor is the bathroom’s dirtiest surface because when you flush the toilet, germs land on the surfaces. You can reduce the incidence of germs lurking in your bathroom by cleaning your bathroom often. This bathroom cleaning checklist will guide you to know what needs to be cleaned daily and what can wait until the end of the week.
Shine the Mirror
If you look at the mirror and you think it whispers you are not the fairest of them all, most probably, it’s because you have not been giving it the proper care it deserves. A mirror gets steam after hot baths, and the water runs down, causing streaks. Also, dust and stains from toothpaste and dirty hands will not go unnoticed. So, as The Spruce advises, you can opt for distilled white vinegar or commercial glass cleaner to clean the glass then shine it using a dry microfiber cloth.
Scrub and Disinfect the Toilet
On Martha Stewart, we are enlightened that you should pay attention to the toilet’s exterior as much as the interior. Therefore start by disinfecting the outside of the toilet and letting the disinfectant sit for five minutes as you clean the toilet bowl. You can use mild cleaners if you drain the water out of the toilet bowl, but there is no need to drain the water if using harsher ones. Always use a generous amount of the cleaning agent and apply to the rims and bowl, then leave it for five minutes. Begin scrubbing the exterior as the disinfectant does its work in the bowl, then clean the interior. Use a bristle brush to scrub then rinse by flushing. Keep the brush, gloves, and other items you used clean to avoid germs spread after your hard work.
Clean Cabinets, including Medicine Cabinet
A cluttered bathroom cabinet will make the entire bathroom look disorganized regardless of how clean it is, so start by removing everything in the cabinets, including the medicine cabinets. Real Simple explains that you can use a toothbrush to scrub the dirt away, then spray the walls and surface with a commercial cleaner and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Some people worry that wooden cabinets can be damaged by water but using warm soapy water has been proven the most effective way of cleaning them. A teaspoon of mild soap mixed with a cup of warm water is enough, but you can adjust depending on how many cabinets you intend to clean. You can also use a mild mixture of vinegar and water since it does not remove the finishing. However, remember to always work along the grain, from top to bottom, then finish off by rinsing and polishing the knobs.
Clean Sink and Countertop
Every day after brushing your teeth or shaving your beard, wipe the sink and countertop to get rid of the spills, hairs, dust, and other dirt. However, the thorough cleaning should be weekly when you should also give the sink a good scrubbing and disinfect it, and the countertop. For you to do this, you must remove everything you have placed on the countertop then use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to get rid of the stains. A clean, dry cloth and plain water are enough to rinse the sink and countertop. You can also pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar mixed in the ratio of 2:1 down the drain to ensure you will not be calling the plumber anytime soon.
Scrub/Wipe the Shower Walls and Door
Every day after taking a shower, wipe the doors and walls of your shower to avoid a soap scum build-up. Also, the water spots staining the glass are not a sight to behold. After the shower, you can ensure the shower curtain dries up quickly by closing it. As for weekly cleaning, thoroughly scrub the floor and walls to prevent mildew from forming. If you have a tub, scrub it clean in a circular motion beginning from the top. Do not forget to de-clog the drain and wipe the shower curtain, curtain rods, and rings.
Mop the Floor
After everything else is clean, you are left with the floor, which also has to be disinfected because, as oh so Spotless discloses, bathroom floors host bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can trigger allergies and cause diseases. Most people leave it for last because of the strong chemicals required to clean, but it does not have to be a headache-inducing task if you incorporate it into your daily cleaning routine. Clear the floor of everything on it and sweep to remove loose-lying dirt. Use a mixture of warm water and soap to mop and scrub the grout in corners with a brush. If you have a drain, rinsing is easy because you can use a hosepipe with plain water. If that is not an option, a spin mop will do an excellent rinse job.
Empty the Trash Can
Of course, this does not have to be done daily, but as soon as you see your trash can is beginning to fill up, you do not have to wait for it to overflow with garbage to empty it. The frequency, therefore, depends on how much trash you generate. Lining the can with disposable bags is a better way of ensuring that all you have to do is dispose of the garbage, and the can remains spotless. That does not mean you should not disinfect the trash can too; the simple fact that it holds dirt should encourage you to wash and disinfect it regularly.
Wash Bathmats
Ensure that you air your dump bathmats every day to prevent mold development but thoroughly wash them weekly. Some sources advise cleaning the rugs quarterly, but it depends on the frequent use of bathrooms. For instance, the guest bathroom may not need weekly rug washes.
