Five Things You Always Miss When Cleaning the Bathroom

Five Things You Always Miss When Cleaning the Bathroom

A fresh bathroom doesn't just make your home feel more inviting; it also reduces the risk of unwanted bacteria and bad odors. But cleaning what is perhaps the most important room in the house means more than just scrubbing the toilet and the sink. With a few simple routines, you can keep the surfaces sparkling clean without it taking up too much of your time. Follow our smart checklist for a guaranteed clean result.

1. The Floor Drain

Bad odors in the bathroom can often be traced back to the floor drain. The water trap is designed to prevent bad smells from coming up from the sewer pipe, but if hair, soap, and dirt accumulate there, it can start to smell. Use gloves when you work to prevent spreading bacteria. Avoid boiling water, as it can damage pipes in older buildings.

Start by lifting off the strainer. Then lift out the water trap—a modern water trap looks like a small bucket—and remove dirt from both the inside and outside. Baking soda and white vinegar, for example, are an effective and environmentally friendly way to dissolve grease. When you put the water trap back, make sure the rubber gasket seals tightly. Finish by filling the water trap with fresh water and then replace the strainer. Throw the debris in the trash, not the toilet.

2. The Shower Curtain

The easiest way to wash your shower curtain is in the washing machine. Most curtains can handle a 30°C or 40°C cycle. Throw in a few towels at the same time; they act as "scrubbing sponges." Hang the curtain up immediately after the cycle is finished so it can dry in the bathroom.

If it has been a while since you washed the curtain, it might need a deep clean. Place the curtain in a wet bathtub with warm water, a cup of white vinegar, and a cup of baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes and scrub with a soft brush if needed. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

A smart tip for keeping the curtain fresh is to never leave it bunched up after a shower, as this causes mold to form quickly. Wash the curtain at least once a month and use mild detergents. The curtain should ideally end a few centimeters above the bathroom floor. If it drags on the floor, it has a hard time drying, which leads to mold growth.

3. The Showerhead

Keep the showerhead fresh by unscrewing it once a month and cleaning the inside with a toothbrush. If you have hard water that clogs the holes, you can use a needle to clear out the limescale buildup.

If it's been a long time since you cleaned the nozzle, it might need a deep clean. A classic household tip is to leave the showerhead in a bowl filled with white vinegar overnight. Scrub with a brush in the morning to remove limescale and dirt, then rinse thoroughly with water. Always use rubber gloves when cleaning with white vinegar, as it is corrosive.

4. Door Handles and Moldings

Door handles and moldings in the bathroom often collect dust and bacteria. Start by dusting to remove loose dirt. For an effective and environmentally friendly clean, mix 1 dl of white vinegar, 4 dl of water, and 1 tsp of dish soap in a spray bottle. Use a damp microfiber cloth and rubber gloves. Spray the solution onto the cloth and wipe the door handles and moldings thoroughly. Note: Vinegar solutions should not be used on stone surfaces.

5. The Toothbrush Holder

The mug where you keep your toothbrushes is one of the dirtiest things in your home. It's a breeding ground for bacteria from your toothbrush, as well as airborne dirt from the toilet and sink. Wash the mug in the dishwasher or wash it by hand with warm water and dish soap once a week. Then, wipe it out with a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria.

If toothpaste and grime have gotten stuck in the bottom of the mug, it might need a deep clean. Mix a little water with baking soda to form a thick paste. Scrub the inside of the mug with a sponge until the buildup disappears.

Good luck!

Does your bathroom need a thorough deep clean, but you just can't find the time? We are happy to help. With us, you get a sparkling clean result and more time for life outside of cleaning. Book your home cleaning here.