A Guide to How Often You Should be Cleaning Your Bathroom

How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom?

July 16, 2024

One of the most important parts of maintaining a clean home is the bathroom, as it is the room most likely to be filled with bacteria. Over the years, many studies have shown that fecal matter can be found on multiple bathroom surfaces, including the walls, floor, and sink. That said, bathrooms are also prone to harmful mould and mildew growth.

Let's take a look at some common bathroom cleaning tasks that should be done regularly to keep everything as clean as possible and reduce the levels of bacteria or other potential contaminants. As certain areas require more frequent cleaning, we'll organize the list by how often they should be done.

Daily Cleaning Tasks

These tasks should be completed every day when it is convenient. It may be easier to do them all at a set time as part of a routine or, if you'd prefer, they can be done individually whenever you're in the bathroom naturally. As long as they're done daily, the order isn't too important.

Wipe Down Surfaces: These include counters, sinks, walls, and other places where dust, grime, and bacteria can build up. A simple anti-bacterial spray and a paper towel will do. If you use a towel or a rag, you'll want to wash it immediately to kill any remaining bacteria.

Clean the Sink and Faucet: This will prevent soap scum and hard stains from forming, which can be increasingly difficult to remove the longer they're allowed to set in. You can use the same anti-bacterial spray from the previous step.

Quick Toilet Cleaning: It doesn't have to be intensive but minor cleaning every day will prevent larger problems from building up. A quick wipe-down with an antibacterial cleaning spray on the handle and the seat, plus removing any stains that appear should do.

Empty the Trash Can: Speaking of odours, the trash can is another likely source of bad smells. By making sure it doesn't build up, things will be tidier and the room will smell much nicer.

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

These weekly tasks can be done all on the same day or at various points throughout the week as is more convenient for you:

Scrubbing the Shower and Bathtub: Soap scum and mildew can build up and be a much more intensive fix later on if left unattended for too long. You can avoid unsightly bathtub rings as well. You'll want a dedicated cleaning product for this as stains can be tougher here than on other surfaces.

Thorough Toilet Cleaning: A deeper clean with a thorough disinfectant will help prevent stains and promote overall cleanliness. This should include a toilet bowl cleaner and a brush to remove stains, as well as cleaning the sides, handle, tank, and lid.

Mirrors and Glass Surfaces: Windex or a similar product and a paper towel or rag will remove unsightly streaks and give that glass a beautiful shine.

Mopping: This will eliminate dirt and prevent grimy buildup from taking hold. If you don't own or don't want to use a traditional mop, a Swiffer WetJet or a similar product can significantly reduce the time and effort involved.

Bath Mats and Towels: Bath and hand towels, as well as bath mats, should be washed to refresh fabrics and remove any lingering bacteria. Any rugs, especially those around the bottom of the toilet, should be run through the washing machine and disinfected as well, as they're a common breeding ground for bacteria.

Monthly Cleaning Tasks

These tasks should be completed monthly, ideally on a set day like the 1st, 15th, or last day of each month to help establish the routine:

Grout and Tiles: These should be deep-cleaned to remove stains and prevent the growth of hazardous mould and mildew. Ideally, you'll want foaming spray specifically designed for the specific surface (porcelain, for example).

Showerheads and Faucets: These should be cleaned and descaled to improve water flow and prevent mineral buildup. If you don't have limescale remover, soaking in vinegar will work.

Shower Curtain: Cleaning the shower curtain and liner, either by hand or in the washing machine (depending on the fabric), will remove bacteria and keep it looking fresh. The liner may also need to be replaced to prevent mildew.

Vents and Fans: Since a dirty fan can send bacteria into the air, dusting and cleaning all vents and fans will improve the air quality and allow them to operate more efficiently.

Metal Fixtures: Polishing metal fixtures like shower handles will restore their shine and remove any tarnish.

Seasonal or Bi-Annual Cleaning Tasks

These cleaning tasks should be conducted at least every three to six months or as needed:

Drains: Sink and shower drains should be checked and cleared to ensure proper flow and reduce the risk of clogs.

Furniture: Cleaning under and behind furniture like a vanity can remove dust and hidden dirt that can build up over time.

Grout and Caulking: Inspecting and resealing grout and caulk on bathtubs keeps them looking beautiful and can prevent dangerous water leaks.

Windows and Blinds: Windows and blinds should be dusted and washed to improve light and remove grime that can build up, especially on metal blinds.

Cabinets and Drawers: Cabinets and drawers should be reorganized and sorted to remove unnecessary junk, maximize space, and reduce clutter.

Conclusion

By keeping up with maintenance and sticking to regular routines, you can make sure that bathroom cleaning takes place before a major issue presents itself and potentially forces you to make expensive or time-consuming repairs to remove mould, mildew, or other contaminants.

As a general rule, the easiest way to prioritize good hygiene is to stay on top of high-traffic and high-touch areas like toilets and sinks. For example, you probably touch the toilet handle and the bathroom sink multiple times per day, so they should be cleaned far more regularly than a window that might get opened once or twice a week.

Other than the cleaning itself, the most important step in maintaining a clean bathroom is to create a bathroom cleaning schedule that breaks down tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal lists. This ensures that everything gets done regularly and that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy a beautiful, clean, and healthy restroom!

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