There are a few places in your home that you use daily out of necessity. Constant use makes these areas more susceptible to germs and bacteria. It should be no surprise that your bathroom is one of those places. How often you should clean your bathroom seems to be the big question, especially whether to do a deep clean or just a wipe down.
This guide serves as your North Star on proper bathroom cleaning etiquette. Use it as a cleaning schedule template, whether wiping down your sink or degunking your showerhead. If you’re like me, chores are not the most enjoyable part of my day. So get a head start on your spring cleaning with my bathroom cleaning hack here and read on.
8 things in your bathroom you should clean regularly
Bathroom rug
Once a week, toss the bathroom rug in the washer. Wash it on the gentle cycle in warm water and let it air dry (especially if it has a no-slip grip on the back) before putting it back in place. If you’re unsure, always follow the washing instructions on the tag.
Toilet
If you live alone, you can probably get by cleaning the toilet every few days. If you have kids, the rules change. The outside, handle and seat should get a once-a-day wipedown with an antibacterial cleaner or wipe.
Most families can get by with cleaning the bowl once a week, particularly if you use this toilet tank tip. If you have tough stains or gunk in your toilet bowl, we advise pouring Coke (yes, the soda) into a spray bottle and then saturating the stain with the drink. Let it sit for a few hours. You can then easily scrub the stain away with a toilet brush.
Shower curtain
Once a month, you should take down your fabric or plastic shower curtain and throw it in the wash. Here are five tips for cleaning your shower curtain in the washing machine.
Shower and tub
You only need to clean your shower and tub once a week, but if you have a glass shower door, it needs a little more attention. To prevent the build-up of soap scum and keep the glass looking spotless, use a squeegee to wipe away water after every shower. These few seconds can save you from scrubbing at the end of the week.
Bath towels
My family has had this debate for years. How often should you wash bath towels? Well, it depends. Every three to four uses is a good rule of thumb, but there are some conditions where a towel should be washed after one use. Here’s how to know when to wash your towels.
Sink
The germs from your hands collect on the sink knobs and in the sink bowl when you wash your hands. So, even if you live alone, the sink needs a good wipe down every day with an all-purpose cleaner or antibacterial cleaning wipe.
Mirror
Like the sink, the mirror needs a daily wipe-down to remove lint, dust and toothpaste specks. Simply wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after you step out of the bath or shower.
Hair dryer
Yes, even your hair dryer needs a proper cleaning schedule to prevent it from overheating. Here’s a simple way to clean a hair dryer in just a few minutes.