People don’t like to clean the bathrooms for one obvious reason: They think it’s the germiest place in the house. That’s actually not true; your computer keyboard is by far the biggest bacteria farm. Don't worry, it won't be so bad, and you'll get a nice treat and a sparkling clean bathroom at the end of it. We're going to suit up, get in there, and give your bathroom the attention it deserves. After all, it's where you go to get yourself clean.
TIME: 1 hour (max)
YOU’LL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
- Latex or Disposable gloves
- Bathroom Cleaner or All-Purpose Cleaner
- A mild abrasive cleaner
- Glass Cleaner
- Aluminium foil
- An old sponge
- Laundry Soap
- Old T-shirts for rags or lint-free dishcloths
- A toilet brush
- Toilet paper
- A stick mop or Swiffer
- Floor Cleaner
- Leather Cleaner
- Old Tea Towels or Cleaning Cloths
- Sponges
- Duster
- Squeegee
- Room & Linen Spray
- Candle
Things to Remember: You should always clean from top to bottom in your bathroom, starting at the top by the windows and shower head and working your way down to the floors. If you deep clean every two weeks or so, you can get away with a light surface clean the rest of the time!
STEP ONE: DECLUTTER
I like to remove everything possible from the bathroom before I start. I usually lay a used bath or Turkish Towel on the floor, or my bed hold everything while I clean. Every shampoo bottle and bath mitt from the shower, anything on the vanity, rugs, bathmats, shower curtains, towels, and any small furniture like a bath stool, the bathroom scale, trashcans…everything! This is a great time to throw the shower curtain, bath mat, and towels into the washing machine, so they're ready for your freshly cleaned bathroom later.
STEP TWO: DRY SWEEP
Start drying clean with dusting and sweeping first before bringing in your disinfectants. The only thing worse than trying to clean hair and dust? Wiping up a wet sludge of hair and dust. Ugh!
STEP THREE: PREWASH
Before you start cleaning, sprinkle a mildly abrasive cleaner on the inside rim of the toilet. Smush it around with the toilet brush to form a paste. Close the toilet lid on the brush handle and let it sit there for a bit.
STEP FOUR: SURFACES
I do the outside of the vanity first because it’s so easy and satisfying. Use a mild, marble-safe surface cleaner and a dry, lint-free cloth to spray and wipe. Next, spray ALL the tiled surfaces, bathtub, towel bars, hooks, and faucets with your cleaner. Close the door and turn the shower to the hottest setting for a few minutes until it gets good and steamy in there. Make yourself a cup of tea, then go back in and wipe everything down with your lint-free cloth. Easy.
BTW: I occasionally use an abrasive paste in my sink, then use a spray cleaner on the vanity. Polish the faucet and taps after cleaning. TOP TIP: Rub a little Leather Cleaner your faucet and taps to make them shine and resist water spots!
Gloves on! Time to do the loo. Spray the top of the tank and the flush handle. Next, work down the sides around the tank and toilet base. I use toilet paper first around this bit because it's so yuk, you'll want something disposable. Finish with your rags or cloth and polish clean.
Do the inside of the bowl last. BTW: Please don’t keep one of those revolting plastic brushes sitting in Eau de Poop water next to your toilet bowl. It’s nasty. I stopped leaving a toilet brush + cup combo next to the toilet after my son Ben (now 23) tried to brush his hair with it. Ugh. Instead, I keep it in a bucket tucked away in my cleaning closet. Brush in and around the bowl and rim. Close the lid, flush, and then finish the seat with a good spritz of cleaner. Wipe dry with toilet paper. Done!
STEP FIVE: GLASS (We Have The Best Hack!)
Next is the shower door. Spray with Glass Cleaner, then scrunch your aluminium foil into a tight little ball. Use it to scrub the glass. It sounds crazy, but it won't scratch, and the soap scum will glide off. Use the same technique on the faucets and watch them return to life! Now, spray the entire shower stall with Bathroom Cleaner or All-Purpose Cleaner and go to town with your scrubber or sponge. I’m eyeing this guy for a super-fast clean, but for now, I like an old, abrasive kitchen sponge, which I MAKE SURE TO THROW AWAY after using in the bathroom, so nobody tries to use it in the kitchen afterwards. *Gags*
Next, come the mirrors. Spray with Glass Cleaner and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. You can re-do the faucet and tap again if you over-spray. They won’t mind a bit.
STEP SIX: FLOORS!
You’re almost done! After vacuuming, I spritz the floor with Floor Cleaner and then use a stick mop to polish it dry. After 5 minutes, tops.
STEP SEVEN: STYLE IT!
I like to treat myself to a new candle, room spray, fresh flowers, or a cute little plant in the bathroom. If I'm on a budget, a simple cutting from the yard will also do the trick! A gorgeous scent is the perfect finishing touch. And Greenery always perks up a bathroom.
Stand back and check out your gleaming bathroom sanctuary. Well done!
xmk
