8 Things People with Clean Bathrooms Always Do
If there’s one room in my home that I’m constantly tidying, cleaning, and disinfecting (especially before guests arrive), it’s the bathroom. With constant moisture, foot traffic, smells, and hair, a bathroom can easily and quickly become a cesspool of germs and general unpleasantness. Fortunately, there are a handful of habits to practice regularly to keep your bathroom clean.
In addition to my own tips, I also asked Sara San Angelo, professional housekeeper and founder of The Cleaning Lady, and Muffetta Krueger, cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants, for their tips on maintaining a clean bathroom so it can feel like the sanctuary it’s meant to be.
Wipe off mirrors a couple of times per week.
Whether it’s water droplets or toothpaste splatter, an unclean mirror can make your bathroom look dirtier than it is. With just a few sprays of your favorite store-bought mirror cleaner (or a homemade cleaner, if you prefer), you can transform your bathroom into a clear and spotless room. With enough repetition, this habit will perpetually keep your mirror clean.
Keep cleaning supplies in the bathroom.
San Angelo recommends keeping a few bathroom cleaning product essentials under the sink for quick clean-ups. This weekly practice can also help extend the time between deeper cleanings.
“A bathroom cleaner and a clean cloth save time while promoting more cleaning because you are not running to different rooms to locate your supplies,” she says. “When the cleaning mood hits you, you are ready to go!”
Squeegee the shower walls.
Even if you don’t live in an area with hard water, other types of scale and soap scum can build up around your shower — especially if you have glass doors that make it extra visible. Using a daily shower cleaner and/or a squeegee helps your shower look and feel clean.
“After each use, take a few moments to squeegee the shower walls to remove excess water,” says Krueger. “This simple step can significantly reduce the buildup of mineral deposits and keep your shower looking spotless for longer.”
Use toilet bowl cleaner tablets.
If there is one spot in your entire bathroom that you should keep clean regularly, it’s the toilet. To eradicate stains and odors, toilet bowl cleaner tablets are effective options that don’t require any effort when it comes to maintenance. I prefer these Lysol in-the-bowl tablets that stay on and clean the toilet after every flush, while also neutralizing odors. If you prefer cleaners with more natural ingredients, these Blueland tablets are equally efficient, but they do require a quick scrub with a toilet brush.
Turn on the vent fan after showers and baths.
There is no muggier feeling than stepping into a bathroom after someone has showered, which is why San Angelo stresses the importance of turning on the vent fan. This will absorb moisture and some odors so your bathroom has normal air quality.
“Mold and mildew can be real problems in the bathroom because of moisture so it’s best to turn the vent on after showering or bathing,” she says. “This will circulate air, help dry out the room, and reduce mold and mildew growth in the shower or tub.”
Disinfect surfaces.
One of the fastest ways to get my bathroom clean is a disinfectant wipe. In addition to disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like the toilet seat, door knobs, and faucet, they also help clear away dust and debris. A couple of disinfectant wipes (my favorites are these Clorox ones that make my bathroom smell like a beach) are especially useful when you’re in a time crunch and need to clean your bathroom for guests.
Organize and declutter regularly.
Sometimes your bathroom can be technically clean and sanitized, but even just a little bit of clutter can make your bathroom look unkempt. Krueger recommends taking a few minutes per week to organize toiletries, towels, and other items.
“A cluttered bathroom not only appears messy, but also makes it challenging to clean thoroughly,” she says. “Utilize storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, or baskets to keep everything in its place to enhance visual appeal, make it easier to access items, and maintain a tidy bathroom.”
Use an extendable duster.
If you’re lucky enough to have a bathroom window, then you know that one of the biggest drawbacks is letting in dust and other small particles. To avoid any accumulation of debris, use an extendable duster for quick cleaning. These are especially useful for dusting off hard-to-reach places like the tops of frames, shelves, and lighting fixtures.