We get it: The bathroom is not only one of the most important rooms in the house, it’s also one of the most difficult to clean.
Below, you’ll discover how to get more out of your efforts and keep this busy room clean longer.
1-Nip moisture in the bud.
Nothing delays mold stains like a dry shower. Hang a squeegee over the showerhead and have the last person in the shower clean the walls, tub and shower doors. A few extra minutes of work can minimize cleaning time in the long run.
You can also remove moisture quickly by opening a window and turning on the exhaust fan while you shower. Leaving the door even ajar will allow moisture to escape. And don’t forget to open the shower curtain once it has dried.
2- Cover shower walls and doors with a water repellent.
We like EnduroShield or RainX. They keep water, minerals and soap scum from building up and running off, so you’ll scrub less.
3- Avoid soap chunks in the sink.
Use a liquid soap pump or even a hands-free soap dispenser. If you forgo the soap dispenser, your sink and countertop will stay cleaner.
4- If you provide space in your medicine cabinet or dressing table for cosmetics and hair products, you can keep them handy. A tidy countertop makes the bathroom look cleaner.
5- Install large towel bars.
Towels dry faster and your bathroom looks neater if you hang them on a bar. Don’t have wall space? Consider installing a towel rack or hooks above the door.
6- Use long-lasting cleaning products.
We like Lysol’s Mr. Clean bathroom cleaner with shine protection and Click Gel automatic toilet cleaner. These formulas help sinks, tubs and toilets resist stains for up to seven days.
7- Keep a bottle of disinfecting wipes under the sink.
This way you can quickly wipe away toothpaste spills, water stains and other messes as soon as you see them, and they won’t have a chance to dry and will be harder to remove. We also like the new cleaning products from Lysol or Clorox, which are great for removing stains.
8-Always keep used dryer sheets on hand.
They allow you to quickly and easily pick up hair and dust particles on the floor without having to get out the vacuum and delay a thorough cleaning.
9- Fight deposits on the floor
Several times a month, spray the bottom liner of a vinyl shower curtain with an all-purpose cleaner containing bleach to remove soap scum, water minerals and mildew. Let the shower rinse it off (before you get in) and you won’t have to wash the curtain as often.
Carolyn Forte is director of the Appliance and Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
TELL US: What’s your trick for keeping your bathroom clean?
