When cleaning our house, I always find an excuse not to clean the bathroom first. We have a very small bathroom and it easily gets crammed with all kinds of stuff – potty trainer, baby tub, towel basket and endless bottles of creams. This has made cleaning a daunting task for me.
After completing my bathroom organizing project a few months ago, cleaning has become part of our daily routine. Here are a few tips on how to prevent the bathroom from being a breeding ground for molds and mildew:
1. Wipe. Wipe. Wipe. (1 minute)
My husband and I discovered recycled disposable paper towels in our local grocery store which we now use to dry our hands after washing. Before throwing the paper towel away, we use it to wipe the sink surface and faucet. This way, we prevent the buildup of water stains – a quick fix to give the bathroom a clean look.
In cleaning the bathroom, you may want to start drying off the surfaces with disposable towels or a dry cloth. Make sure that the cloth you are using is clean for it might spread more germs rather than wipe them off. Remember to dry the cleaning cloth after each use and wash it after using it twice.
2. Sanitize (1 minute)
Grab a disinfecting wipe and clean the sink, faucet, mirror and the surface of the tub. This will remove the dust from the surface and sanitize the frequently used areas at the same time. Use a second wipe to clean the toilet from top to bottom including the cover and rim.
3. Deep clean (2 minutes)
Use a toilet cleaner to wash the interior of the toilet bowl. Let it stand for at least one minute. While waiting, spray some all-purpose cleaner on the seat and its cover. Grab a damp cloth or wet disposable paper towels and wipe the seat, its cover including all hard to reach corners. Then clean the interior of the toilet with a brush to finish up.
4. Make it shine (2 minutes)
Spray some glass cleaner on the mirror and wipe the surface using paper towels. You can also use reusable cloth but be sure they are made of absorbent material. Otherwise, it would leave a trail of water stains on the surface, making it look worse than before.
5. “Swiff” the floor (4 minutes)
Dust off the rugs and remove them from the bathroom temporarily. Grab a damp mop or a damp Swiffer to remove hair and dirt from the floor tiles. Be sure to thoroughly go through the spaces in between the tiles as these could house bacteria and molds. Return the rugs but be sure to wash them at least once a week to prevent bacteria from building up.
Photo by Tamy Manet
