The bathroom is one of the hotspots of germs and bacteria, which can lead to the spread of health problems like urinary tract infections, hepatitis A, and Salmonellosis. A clean bathroom is the indicator of a healthy, hygienic home. Several multipurpose cleaners and equipment are available to facilitate clean bathrooms with minimal effort. However, avoiding some common bathroom cleaning mistakes is essential to enhance the effectiveness of such cleaners and ensure a spic-and-span bathroom.
Not using different sponges for each surface
A sponge absorbs dust and dirt from the surfaces that it cleans. Therefore, using the same sponge to clean different surfaces does not help remove germs and bacteria from the bathroom; rather, it only transfers them from one surface to another. For this reason, one should use different sponges to clean each bathroom surface.
Forgetting to clean the toothbrush holder
A study by the National Sanitation Foundation listed the toothbrush holder as the third grimiest and germ-filled area in one’s home. Toothbrush holders are often unclean because wet toothbrushes are directly placed inside them. Consequently, the toothbrushes drip inside the holder, which collects bacteria and germs over time. Hence, toothbrush holders should be cleaned frequently to facilitate a germ-free bathroom.
Leaving spray-and-go cleansers on surfaces for long
Spraying cleansers on surfaces and not wiping them immediately can cause them to stick to the surfaces. Such cleansers can additionally breed bacteria and dust, leading to an unhygienic bathroom. Thus, spray-and-go cleansers must be wiped off surfaces within two minutes of spraying.
Using the same products for all bathroom surfaces
This is one of the most common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid. Every surface in the bathroom entails a different texture and has distinct cleaning requirements. For example, an abrasive surface cleaner should be used to remove molds or scum accumulated on a surface, whereas non-abrasive or mild cleaners are best suited for bathtubs and tiles. Abrasive cleaners should particularly be avoided on surfaces made of glass, metal, ceramic, plastic, and other such delicate materials.
Not cleaning the exhaust fan
An unclean exhaust fan can prevent air from passing through the duct and lead to the development of mildew and mold in the bathroom over time due to excessive moisture. Thus, cleaning the exhaust fan should be a part of one’s bathroom-cleaning process.
Forgetting to clean the bath mat
Bath mats are exposed to moisture around the clock and tend to collect bacteria, dust, and germs over time. However, a common bathroom-cleaning mistake is to forget cleaning the bath mat. Most bathroom mats can be cleaned using a washing machine. While selecting a bath mat, it is important to avoid ones that are not conducive to high temperatures, particularly if one is living in a region experiencing frequent humidity.
Mixing cleaning products
Mixing certain cleaning products can produce harmful chemicals and should be avoided. For example, mixing bleach and vinegar can lead to health repercussions like coughing, watery eyes, and breathing problems, while chloramine, the solution obtained by mixing together bleach and ammonia, can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Thus, it is best to use such products in isolation or purchase cleaning solutions from reputed brands to avoid the negative consequences.
Not washing the shower curtain
Another common bathroom cleaning mistake is to overlook the importance of washing the shower curtain. The bathroom typically contains high levels of moisture, which can lead to the accumulation of mildew and mold. Thus, it is advisable to wash shower curtains at least four times a year.
Not dusting before cleaning
Dusting is a preliminary step before beginning the cleaning process because directly cleaning the bathroom surfaces can cause dust particles to circulate around the room and lead to allergies. Dry dust should be removed using a feather duster or microfiber towel before proceeding with the cleaning process.
Missing the bathroom corners
The corners are where dust and bacteria typically collect the most. Ignoring the corners of the bathroom leads to an incomplete cleaning process. It is ideal to clean bathroom corners with small, narrow brushes entailing long handles, which can easily navigate narrow spaces and remove the accumulated dust.
Ignoring excessive grout
Grout refers to the fluid that is used to fill in the gaps between tiles. It typically comprises water, sand, and cement and is required to hold tiles together. However, excessive grout accumulation can cause it to crumble and litter the floor of the bathroom. It is best to remove such grout from the tiles. A power tool may be used to remove excessive grout with ease.
Not using the exhaust fan
An exhaust fan helps remove moisture from the bathroom and prevents mildew and mold formation. Thus, it is important to use the exhaust fan during and after one’s bath to ensure the bathroom is clean and tidy.
Not cleaning the toilet brush
Although the toilet brush is an obvious Petri dish for bacteria and germs, most individuals overlook cleaning it. It is important to clean the toilet brush regularly by soaking it in bleach or ammonia solution for an hour.
Keeping the bathroom cluttered
A cluttered bathroom can cause chaos, leading to spillage and making the cleaning process tedious. A minimalist bathroom has all the necessary products, is well-organized, and does not contain excessive products. It is important to declutter the bathroom regularly and dispose of used bottles and other unwanted items so that the bathroom can be easily cleaned.