When it comes to household chores, tackling the bathroom can feel like a daunting task. Look no further than this handy guide to tackling the less-than-glamorous but highly necessary endeavour. All you need to get started are your five senses and some basic cleaning supplies.
Smell
When you walk into your bathroom, are you greeted with a nose-crinkling odour? Damp, unventilated bathrooms are breeding grounds for mould, which can quickly turn any room from fresh to foul. Before you go crazy scrubbing the tiles and grout, try these simple fixes to freshen things up:
- Change the shower curtain. This is a cheap and effective way to eliminate mould. When you notice a thin layer of grime and discoloration at the bottom of your plastic shower curtain, it’s time for a replacement. If you also have a decorative cloth liner, be sure to throw it in the wash every few weeks.
- Wash the towels. You know those hand towels that have been sitting in your bathroom for the last six months? With every use, they accumulate dirt and bacteria, which can quickly contribute to that musty odour you smell. For best results, launder all towels at least once a week.
- Circulate fresh air. If your bathroom has a window, be sure to crack it open after steamy showers to prevent further mould build up. Alternately, get in the habit of running your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after you shower.
- Clean the toilet. Don’t cringe. It’s not all that bad. All you need is a simple toilet brush and some toilet bowl cleaner. Just toss in some cleaning solution, swish it around with the brush, and voila! You will have a fresh, sparkling toilet in no time at all.
Sight
Is your bathroom mirror speckled with toothpaste residue? Do you see a thin layer of grime collecting at the base of your faucets? A simple visual inspection can be highly illuminating in letting you know just how dirty your bathroom really is. Try these techniques to turn your bathroom surfaces from scummy to sparkling:
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Clean mirrors. Mirrors are a dead giveaway of the last time you cleaned your bathroom. Luckily, just a few quick wipes with a paper towel and mirror cleaning spray will eliminate those unsightly toothpaste specks and random fingerprints.
- Wipe down surfaces. Remove all items from your bathroom sink and wipe the whole thing down with cleaning spray. Repeat this procedure for all bathroom surfaces, including the top of your toilet, the ledges of your shower, and any exposed shelves that may be collecting dust.
Touch
Are your wet feet collecting hair and debris from your bathmat or bathroom floor? If so, your toes are telling you that your floors could use a clean. Try these solutions to keep your feet happy (and not hairy):
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Wash bath mats. Like hand towels, bath mats also tend to be overlooked on laundry day. However, they can be magnets for loose hair, bacteria, and general debris. Be sure to toss your bathmats into the wash every few weeks to keep your feet clean.
- Sweep or vacuum floors. When your bathroom floor is dry, use a broom to sweep out the corners and pick up any dust that’s settled in the grout. Better yet, use your vacuum to really get in there. This will take your bathroom cleaning to a whole new level.
Sound
Do you hear a suspicious gurgling sound when the water drains from your sink, shower or toilet? Unclog your pipes with a simple solution:
- Snake the drain. Unless you’re very handy, you’ll probably need a plumber, or your super, to do this job. They basically use a long tool to extract the gunk that’s clogging your pipes.
Taste
Do you notice that your breath tastes more funky than fresh? If so, it’s probably time to replace your toothbrush. Also, don’t forget to wash the cup or toothbrush holder that you keep your toothbrush in, as bacteria can quickly accumulate in the bottom.
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