The bathroom is such an integral area of our homes, one that we use day in, day out, so it is important that this space is clean, hygienic, and well-organized.
When it comes to cleaning the bathroom – and organizing a bathroom – it can become a daunting job that we put to the back of our minds. This is where the little but often approach comes in. I find that carrying out simple tasks on a regular basis keeps my bathroom consistently clean and tidy with minimal effort.
My bathroom used to be a chaotic mess, which I never thought I had time to keep on top of. Until one week I decided to change this; I came up with a short 15-minute routine that I could complete every week to ensure the unnecessary build-up would be a thing of the past, and I have never looked back since.
My 15-minute weekly routine
My bathroom now effectively runs itself during the week providing I carry out this simple routine. I like to complete my routine on a Sunday evening, so that my bathroom is ready and fresh for the week ahead.
Spend just three minutes on each section to complete this easy routine, and can only recommend it.
1. Clear the countertops
The first place to start is always the bathroom countertops. As much as we try to keep bathroom countertops clear, during the week there is normally a build-up of miscellaneous items that are left out. Start by putting these back into their designated areas in the cupboard and drawers, ready for the next time you'll use them.
After this, quickly wipe down the countertops. Professional cleaner Angela Rubin says that the best tool for this is a microfiber cloth, available on Amazon, as they are gentle and non-abrasive to your counter surfaces. Pay special attention to wiping around your bathroom faucets as grease and limescale can accumulate easily in these areas. My preferred limescale remover is this one also available on Amazon.
Carrying out this step also prevents the buildup of toothpaste splatters and watermarks. A homemade formula of vinegar and water is also great to use in the form of a spray, simply spritz your countertops and go over with your microfiber cloth to lift dirt and scum residue.
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2. Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
Mirrors and glass seem to pick up dirt of their own accord, that is why I like to go over my mirrors and glass shower door weekly in the bathroom. There are many ways to clean a mirror without leaving streaks and it can be done easily by following a few simple steps.
My preferred method is to start by spraying the mirror with distilled water which is essentially boiled water that has been cooled back down to room temperature, this gives my mirrors a simple refresh. I then go over them with a microfiber cloth to erase any streaks. The distilled water attracts and stores dust particles, which makes it easier to clean and dust at the same time.
I then simply spray down the glass panel, walls, and shower head of my shower with my Method Daily Shower Shine, available on Amazon. I like this brand due to the eucalyptus and mint fragrance and the fact it's 100% natural. I let this sit on the surface as it is designed for cleaning without having to rinse.
There is no need to wipe this off, just simply let the shower spray work its magic. The steam and running water from your next shower will remove any residue that may still be present while filling your bathroom with the refreshing smell of mint and eucalyptus. Using natural cleaners with a scent is my favorite way to make a bathroom smell nice.
3. Toilet maintenance
After you have cleaned the mirrors and shower glass, the next area to tackle is the toilet. Start by using a toilet bowl cleaner to scrub the inside of the toilet. I like to use the Ratolo Electric Toilet Brush from Amazon, which cuts cleaning time down to less than a minute as it is so effective at removing dirt and scum build-up around the toilet bowl. It also removes stubborn stains with ease and has a battery life of over 90 minutes.
‘Once the toilet bowl has been cleaned, do not forget the rest of the toilet,’ says cleaning expert Prerna Jain. ‘Wipe down the exterior surfaces including the flush handle and the areas around the base. Dispose of any empty toilet paper rolls or clutter around the toilet and put it into the trash can.’
Prerna Jain is the founder of Ministry Of Cleaning, a top-rated cleaning service with years of industry experience.
4. Sweep and wipe the floors down
The final cleaning step you'll need to do is the floor, starting by sweeping or vacuuming to remove any dust and debris. Then, I go over the floor once with my Swiffer dry and wet mop available on Amazon. This mop works both wet and dry and is the perfect tool to carry out a quick once over on your floor, as the specially designed cloth that attaches to the mop comes in both forms, attracting dust when dry and lifting and removing dirt when wet. I find this works great for a fast clean floor with no need to ring out a mop head or prepare a bucket of hot soapy water.
5. Rotation for the week ahead
The last step in my 15-minute cleaning and organizing regime is to rotate out the trash and dirty towels for the week ahead. Begin by emptying the bathroom trash can and replacing the liner, but remember to separate the items that are recyclable before adding the bag to your normal garbage.
Next, gather all towels, linens, and bathmats in your bathroom and throw them into the laundry. According to Muffetta Krueger, founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants this not only keeps your bathroom smelling fresh but also prevents the growth of mold and mildew on damp linens.
Ensure you have enough clean hand towels and bath towels readily available and that used towels are hung up to dry properly. Once dry, fold them neatly before returning them to their designated place.
Muffetta Krueger is a cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic with over 16 years of operational management experience in the service industry. Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants provides housekeepers, house cleaners and maids, and is based in New York.
FAQs
How often should you deep clean your bathroom?
Generally speaking, you should deep clean your bathroom at least once a fortnight, which includes scrubbing the bathtub, toilet and shower walls. However depending on use, some parts of the bathroom need to be cleaned more frequently.
How often should you wash your towels?
Towels should be cleaned on average once every week. This is due to dead skin cells, bacteria, and sweat accumulating over time, and beyond seven days of use is unhygienic. The weekly rule is one that can be applied to all types of towels including tea towels, flannels, and hand towels. If you would rather, you can always wash and change them more often.
This quick, weekly cleaning and organizing routine has changed the game for me and made it much easier to maintain a clean and clutter-free bathroom. Consistency is key though, so make sure you take 15 minutes every week to perform this routine to keep your bathroom squeaky clean.
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