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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. Cleaning

7 cleaning mistakes everybody makes in their bathroom

Tips and advice for next time. - by Laura Barry
  • 20 Sep 2018
7 cleaning mistakes everybody makes in their bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom is no one’s idea of a good time. There’s usually spray chemicals, scrubbing, mould, soap scum and all sorts of other delightful bathroom phenomena that needs removing, and you’re more than happy to get in, get the job done, get out, and call it a day. But did you know there’s actually a few simple rules you should be following when cleaning a bathroom? There are five cleaning mistakes that everybody makes in the bathroom…

1. Using one product for the whole room

It seems like a good idea to pick up a multipurpose spray and use it for everything in the bathroom, however different surfaces needs different products if you want them to be cleaned correctly. Tiles require a mil abrasive cleaner to remove soap scum and mould. Vanities and bathtubs require something non-abrasive as their surfaces are easily scratched and damaged, and the toilet will need a strong antibacterial cleaner. Mirrors and glass require glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.

2. Not cleaning hair and toothbrushes

Cleaning the bathroom doesn’t stop at wiping down all the shiny surfaces. Toothbrushes need to be replaced every three months, but should be thoroughly cleaned once every one to two weeks by soaking them in vinegar and rinsing them off, this will remove bacteria. Toothbrushes should be kept out of direct light and away from the toilet. Don’t forget to remove hair and build-up from hairbrushes too, as skin and other bacteria accumulates in them.

scrubbing vanity
Getty

3. Inadequate ventilation

Everybody knows that working with harsh chemicals in an enclosed space is bad for our health, yet when it comes to bathrooms, we seem to over look this rule. These days, many bathrooms, such as apartments and small houses, aren’t very big and don’t have enough ventilation. If this applies to your home, try to choose mild or natural cleaners, and avoid using chemical cleaners with strong smells, or bleach, unless the situation truly requires it.

4. Not washing your shower curtain liner

When you start to notice a cloudy residue buildup on your liner, you should pop it in the washing machine with some old towels and a bit of bleach, with hot water on a delicate cycle. To extend the shelf life of your liner, pull the curtain closed after you shower, as an open and squished up liner will quickly attract mold and mildew.

blue cloth wiping tap
Getty

5. Not cleaning the toilet brush

The toilet brush is the home to many unhealthy bacteria. Clean yours by filling a bucket with hot water and adding two-three capsules of bleach (see the bottle label for advice on this). Put your toilet brush in the bucket and leave for an hour, then take the brush out and rinse under hot water. Leave to dry then replace in holder.

6. Not giving the products enough time to work

We’re all guilty of trying to rush through the cleaning chores, but you need to allow enough time for products to do their job once they’re applied to your floor, shower, vanity or toilet. Always follow the instructions on the packaging for optimum results.

purple bottle spray toilet
Getty

7. Not cleaning the pipes

Martha Stewart recommends cleaning your bathroom pipes every month or two to prevent grease, oil, and hair buildup. She suggests pouring a ½ cup baking soda down the drain, followed by a ½ cup of white vinegar. Let the foamy mixture settle for a few minutes while it dissolves the fatty acids, then pour boiling water down the drain.

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  • Better Life
  • Cleaning
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The one thing almost everyone forgets to clean

The one thing almost everyone forgets to clean

How to properly clean your toilet

How to properly clean your toilet

How to wash new towels properly to keep them fluffy

How to wash new towels properly to keep them fluffy

The $5 smiley sponge sending shoppers into a frenzy

The $5 smiley sponge sending shoppers into a frenzy

{headline}

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12 of the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

12 of the best floor mops for tiles, laminate & wooden floors

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Before and after: A luxe bathroom makeover for under $4,000

Before and after: A luxe bathroom makeover for under $4,000

{headline}

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This one product will solve all of your shower curtain problems

This one product will solve all of your shower curtain problems

How to make plants work in your bathroom

How to make plants work in your bathroom

How often should you clean your water bottle?

How often should you clean your water bottle?

5 cleaning mistakes everybody makes

5 cleaning mistakes everybody makes

5 things that make your kitchen look messier than it is

5 things that make your kitchen look messier than it is

32 things to clear out of your kitchen before Christmas

32 things to clear out of your kitchen before Christmas

6 things you need to know about your kitchen sponge

6 things you need to know about your kitchen sponge

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