Staying on top of bathroom cleaning crucial
Surfaces collect bacteria, other buildup over time
The bathroom is one area of the home that you shouldn’t put off cleaning. Unlike living areas or bedrooms, bathrooms are exposed to much more than everyday dirt or dust and the occasional spill. Surfaces like sinks, toilets, bathtubs and shower fixtures can collect bacteria, hard-water deposits, mold or mildew, soap scum and other gross buildup over time, so it’s crucial to stay on top of regular bathroom cleaning.
As a general rule, plan to complete a few key cleaning tasks about once a week, though some bathrooms might need more frequent scrubbing, depending on how often they’re used. A shared kids’ bath, for example, will get grimy much more quickly than a powder room visited mostly by guests.
No matter how you work it into your cleaning routine, make your bathroom sparkle with this guide on how to clean bathroom fixtures.
How to clean a bathroom sink
Whether you have a bathroom vanity or pedestal sink, your bathroom sink is often the first fixture you see when entering the room. And sinks can’t be hidden behind a shower curtain if the last occupant left them messy. So, you’ll want to keep them clean and shining, even if only to start each new day on a high note. Clean your bathroom sink with a general-purpose spray cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water (1 cup vinegar to 1 cup water).
For stubborn grime, scrub the bathroom sink with a mildly abrasive cleanser or a paste made from baking soda and water. Vinegar works well for removing soap scum. Dry the sink with a soft cloth to keep it gleaming. To help keep your bathroom sink clean, get in the habit of wiping down the basin and surrounding countertop when you’re done getting ready or brushing your teeth for the day.
How to clean the bathroom faucet
Dish soap, water and a cleaning cloth are typically all you need to clean a bathroom faucet. However, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions first to determine the recommended cleaning method and tools for your faucet’s material. Some finishes, such as oil-rubbed bronze or unlacquered brass, should only be cleaned with water and a soft cloth. Even for protected finishes, like chrome or stainless steel, avoid scrubbing with stiff-bristled brushes or abrasive sponges, as these could damage the faucet’s finish. After cleaning the surface, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to buff the shine and prevent water spots.
For tough grime that won’t budge with just soap, try cleaning your bathroom faucet with a solution of 1 cup vinegar to 1 cup water applied with a cleaning cloth. If you’re not sure whether vinegar is suitable for your faucet’s finish, test it in an inconspicuous area first. To clean around the edges of the faucet, use a dedicated toothbrush to gently scrub away grime. A small amount of baking soda with a few drops of water can also help clear away stubborn stains or buildup around the faucet.
How to clean a bathtub
Porcelain or ceramic bathtubs should be cleaned with either a general-purpose cleaner, vinegar and water, or a paste made from baking soda and water. Never use undiluted bleach on a porcelain tub. Undiluted bleach can remove the finish on porcelain, which pits the surface, making it look and feel rough. Use a stain-removing cleanser on rust.
Acrylic and fiberglass tubs do not have pores in them, so they’re easy to keep clean with a small amount of dish soap and water. Wipe the surface of the tub with a soft cloth for ongoing maintenance. If anyone in your household uses bath oils, wipe down the tub immediately after bathing to avoid scum buildup.
How to clean showerheads and faucets
The best cleaning method for showerheads and faucets depends on the material. To remove lime from showerheads made with chrome, stainless steel or other protected metal surfaces, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. Attach the bag over the showerhead with a rubber band. Wait one hour, then remove the bag of vinegar and turn on the shower to flush away the vinegar and sediment. Polish with a soft cloth.
For fixtures with oil-rubbed bronze or brass finishes, it is often recommended that you use only water for cleaning. This is especially true of fixtures with “living” finishes that are intended to change over time. Refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions since cleansers can damage a specialty surface. And if in doubt, always test a cleaning product on an inconspicuous part of the fixture so that any damage to the finish is hard to spot.
How to clean the toilet and toilet bowl
To clean your toilet, spray the exterior with a general-purpose cleaner or mixture of vinegar and water. Wipe clean. Use a mild cleaner such as dish soap with water to clean the surface of the toilet seat. Sanitize the bowl by scrubbing with antibacterial toilet cleaner or ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Wipe off any splashes or drips on the surrounding area with a soft dry cloth.