We Asked 3 Pro Cleaners What the Dirtiest Spot in the Bathroom Is, and It’s Not What You Think

published Oct 7, 2024
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A bathroom with mint green-colored walls and yellow tiles has a toilet, windows, and a sink

A bathroom is certainly a necessary room, but it can also be a sanctuary to relax in or a comfortable place to get ready for the day. While the best way to make that happen is to keep it clean, you may be missing a couple of places that can cause the spread of germs. Even if you are meticulous with your cleaning and have a rigid weekly or even daily cleaning routine, two spots often get neglected. 

“When we think of dirty areas in the bathroom, our minds often jump to the toilet and the faucet and sink, and while these areas are indeed places where germs gather, they tend to be cleaned more frequently because we’re aware of them,” says Trish Duarte, franchisee of MaidPro Temecula and Murrieta. Handles, on the other hand, are one of the most touched and least cleaned parts of the bathroom. “Every time we reach for a drawer or flush the toilet, we also leave behind a trail of germs that can land on handles,” she says.

Additionally, your bathroom walls are another place that rarely gets cleaned, according to Rosa Picosa, an official cleaning spokesperson for Fabuloso. Fortunately, three experts shared a few useful tips to make sure these areas never get overlooked again. 

Use a disinfectant spray or wipe for handles.

For Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, it’s imperative to clean all handles — including the toilet handle, drawer handles, and any surfaces that are touched with unwashed hands, such as light switches and doorknobs — with a disinfectant spray or wipe. “If you need to dry these right after wiping them down, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth,” she says.

Use a multipurpose cleaner and microfiber cloth for walls.

Walls (anywhere in your home) are often neglected, whereas floors get most of the attention. However, Duarte explains that bathroom walls can get quite dirty, even if it’s not exactly visible to the naked eye.

“Toothpaste, saliva, and other splatters create a breeding ground for bacteria on the backsplash or wall behind the sink,” she says. “Similarly, the walls under the hand towel and beside the toilet are silent carriers of germs. Every time we dry our hands or reach for toilet tissue, we unknowingly transfer germs to these areas. Clean these areas weekly and spot clean as needed if you notice visible stains.”

To thoroughly clean your bathroom walls, Picosa recommends using Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2x Concentrated, which can be diluted with water, along with a microfiber cloth or sponge for tougher stains. If you prefer a product with more eco-friendly ingredients, Duarte recommends Force of Nature

Keep bathroom cleaning products nearby.

For Mock, keeping your bathroom cleaning products within reach, particularly under the sink or in a drawer, is the easiest way to remind yourself to be diligent with cleaning the dirtiest or most neglected spots in a bathroom. While cleaning an entire bathroom can be an arduous task, Picosa recommends doing a little bit at a time to keep it spotless on a more regular basis.

“At the end of the day, a little extra love during a cleaning session can go a long way, but if you’re feeling too overwhelmed, remember, it doesn’t have to get clean in one day!” she says.