How to Keep
Your Bathroom
Clean in 2024
Keeping a clean, hygienic bathroom is an important aspect of promoting a healthier, happier living environment. The beauty of maintaining such a space isn’t just about aesthetics, it's about fostering a routine of cleanliness that infuses order and discipline into our daily lives.
In this article, we’ll recommend some simple yet effective measures to keep your bathroom gleaming and germ-free in 2024!
A Quick Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining a clean bathroom requires consistent effort. A brief daily cleaning routine can greatly help preserve the freshness and cleanliness of your bathroom, making it a pleasant space to use:
Tiles
The tiles are often the first to catch water splashes, soap scum, and other residues. A daily wipe-down with a damp cloth or a swift mop can keep them looking fresh and free from stains. It's advisable to dry the tiles with a clean cloth to avoid watermarks and build-up of soap scum. This simple routine will ensure that your tiles remain sparkling, reducing the need for a more rigorous cleaning later on.
Toilet & Sink
The toilet and sink are crucial areas that require daily attention to maintain hygiene. Using a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down all surfaces, including handles and faucets, will keep them clean and germ-free. A toilet brush can be used to clean the inner bowl daily to prevent staining and build-up of limescale. Regular cleaning will also help in monitoring the condition of these fixtures, enabling early detection and fixing of any issues such as leaks.
Shower & Bath
The shower and bath areas are prone to soap residue and water spots. A quick rinse post each use, followed by a fast wipe-down, can prevent water spots and soap build-up. Keeping the shower door or curtain open afterwards will promote air circulation, helping to prevent mould and mildew. A squeegee is a handy tool for wiping down surfaces quickly and effectively.
Mirrors & Fixtures
Mirrors tend to collect splashes and fingerprints, while fixtures can accumulate grime over time. A daily wipe-down using a microfibre cloth for mirrors and a gentle cleaner for fixtures will keep them shiny and spot-free. This routine will also help maintain the finish of the fixtures, prolonging their lifespan.
Floors
A quick sweep or mop of the bathroom floor daily will keep it clean, dry, and safe from slip hazards. Tackling any spills or spots immediately will prevent staining and make the cleaning process easier.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the build-up of moisture, which can lead to mould growth and unpleasant odours. Ensuring that windows are open or the exhaust fan is running during and after showers will promote airflow and help maintain a fresh bathroom environment.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
A weekly deep cleaning session is essential to tackle areas that may have been overlooked during the daily cleaning routine. This helps to maintain a high level of cleanliness and functionality in your bathroom, ensuring it remains a pleasant and hygienic space for daily use.
Tiling
Over the week, tiles may accumulate grime and soap scum that wasn’t entirely removed during the daily wipe-downs. A more thorough cleaning with a gentle bathroom cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar will help in removing these stubborn residues. Additionally, grout lines between tiles can harbour mould and mildew; using a grout cleaner or an old toothbrush with baking soda and water mixture can effectively clean the grout, restoring its original colour.
Toilet & Sink
During the weekly clean, it's advisable to use a stronger disinfectant to thoroughly clean the toilet and sink. Don't forget to clean behind the toilet and underneath the sink where dirt can accumulate. It’s also a good time to check the plumbing for any slow leaks that might have gone unnoticed.
Shower & Bath
Weekly cleaning should include a more thorough scrub of the shower and bath area to remove any build-up of soap scum and water stains. Special attention should be given to the shower head and taps, which can be descaled using a vinegar solution. Shower curtains or doors should also be cleaned to remove any soap scum or mildew.
Mirrors & Fixtures
A detailed cleaning of mirrors and fixtures will ensure they remain spotless and shiny. Using glass cleaner for mirrors and a suitable cleaner for fixtures will maintain their finish and function.
Floors
A thorough mop using a disinfecting floor cleaner will ensure any bacteria or germs are eliminated. It's also a good time to check for any loose tiles or other flooring issues that may need attention.
Ventilation
Cleaning the exhaust fan or ventilator grilles will ensure they function correctly, promoting better air circulation in the bathroom and helping to prevent condensation.
Additional Areas
Don’t forget other areas such as the countertops, shelves, and any other surfaces. Wipe them down with a suitable cleaner to remove dust and grime.
Deep Cleaning Your Bathroom
Choosing The Right Tiles
Selecting the right tiles goes a long way towards the ease of cleaning and maintenance in your bathroom There are a variety of tile materials to choose from, each with its unique set of properties and cleaning requirements. Ceramic tiles, known for their durability and water resistance, are among the popular choices. They generally require simple cleaning routines such as wiping with a damp cloth or mopping with a mild cleaning solution.
Glass tiles, with their sleek appearance and stain resistance, are relatively easy to clean but require a gentle touch to avoid scratches. On the other hand, natural stone tiles bring an elegant aesthetic but require a bit more upkeep to maintain their natural beauty. They may need sealing to prevent water absorption and staining, and special stone cleaners to preserve their finish.
Porcelain tiles are highly water-and-scratch-resistant, making them suitable for bathroom floors. They can be cleaned with warm water and a bit of gentle detergent. Quartz tiles, on the other hand, boast a non-porous surface which makes them resistant to staining, however, they should be kept away from harsh chemicals during cleaning.
Always ensure that tiles are properly installed and grouted. Well-grouted tiles prevent water seepage, which could lead to water damage or mould growth, particularly in the hidden nooks and crannies of the bathroom. Moreover, incorrect or poor grouting may allow water to seep behind the tiles, leading to unseen mould growth and potential water damage.
Cleaning Your Bathroom Tiles
Deep cleaning your tiles and grout is a task that can breathe new life into your bathroom, making it feel pristine and new. Begin with dusting off the surface of the tiles to remove loose dirt and debris, followed by wiping them down with a warm water-soaked cloth to further clean the surface. For a more thorough clean, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and gently scrub the tiles using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge, paying special attention to stained or sticky areas. Rinse the tiles thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.
Grout, being porous, can absorb dirt, grime, and even mould, thus requiring a more detailed cleaning approach. Start by spraying the grout with equal parts of warm water and vinegar, allowing it to sit for about five minutes to loosen the dirt. For stubborn stains, apply a baking soda and water paste, then spray with the water-vinegar solution before scrubbing gently with a grout brush or old toothbrush. Once cleaned, rinse the grout thoroughly with warm water. For persistent discolouration or mould, consider using a commercial grout cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions, or hydrogen peroxide applied carefully with a soft brush. After cleaning, it’s advisable to seal the grout with a silicone-based sealer to protect it from future staining and to make the next cleaning session easier.
Bath, Toilet, Shower, & Sink
A thorough cleaning of the core bathroom fixtures—bath, toilet, shower, and sink—is essential to maintain a hygienic environment. Begin by applying a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner, allowing it to sit as per the product instructions to loosen grime. For the toilet, a disinfectant cleaner is ideal; ensure to scrub under the rim, around the edges, and the base. In the shower and bath, pay attention to corners and grout lines where mildew may lurk. The sink, being a high-touch area, deserves thorough cleaning around the faucet and drain. Use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to reach into nooks and crannies, ensuring a deep clean. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water, and wipe dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
Mirrors and Glass Surfaces
Mirrors and glass surfaces in a bathroom add a touch of elegance and create a sense of space, but they can quickly become spotty or streaky due to water splashes and fingerprints. For an impeccable shine, start by dusting off any dry debris or spots using a microfibre cloth. Apply a streak-free glass cleaner or a homemade solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Spray the solution onto the glass and wipe down with a clean, dry microfibre cloth, moving in a circular motion to avoid streaking. For stubborn spots or soap scum, a slightly abrasive cleaner suitable for glass can be used, but ensure to test a small inconspicuous area first to prevent scratches. Additionally, consider using a squeegee after each shower to keep glass doors spot-free.
Deep Cleaning Bins
Bins in the bathroom are often overlooked, yet they can harbour germs and odours if not cleaned regularly. It's advisable to deep clean your bathroom bins weekly or bi-weekly depending on the usage. Start by emptying the bin and removing any liners. Rinse it out with warm water to get rid of loose debris. Apply a disinfecting cleaner or a mixture of warm water and disinfectant soap, scrubbing the insides and outsides of the bin with a long-handled brush. For odour control, you can use baking soda; sprinkle it at the bottom of the bin before placing a new liner. It’s also a good practice to spray the bin with a disinfectant spray or a mixture of water and essential oils like tea tree or lavender for a fresh scent. Ensure the bin is thoroughly dried before replacing the liner to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
Freshen Up Your Bathroom with New Tiles in 2024
Maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom is achievable with a disciplined daily and weekly cleaning routine, ensuring a pleasant space for relaxation and personal care.
Discover a range of easy-to-clean and stylish bathroom tiles to make your cleaning routine a breeze. Explore our collection today and transform your bathroom into a sparkling sanctuary.
