The Bathroom

The BathroomPicture this hypothetical scene which can give quite a few goose bumps to understand why cleaning of a bathroom is critical- as you enter the bathroom, you cannot see the color of the tiles as they filled with filth, the shower is leaking, the basin is overflowing, and there are more than a dozen cockroaches floating in the bathtub. Considered to be one of the toughest cleaning jobs, it is critical to keep the bathroom clean as it is used many times a day. A dirty bathroom could pose the threat of inviting numerous infections and diseases. You should clean the bathroom on a daily or at the very minimum, weekly basis, depending on the size of the family and the usage of the bathroom.
 
Each and every object in the bathroom needs thorough cleaning. Lets take a look at some of the common ones and how they are to be cleaned.
 
The Bathtub
 
To clean the bathtub, spray it with mildew remover and let it settle for a few minutes. Make sure the bathroom is well ventilated for the fumes from the cleaners to pass. Scrub the walls and the tub with a brush. Use the toothbrush to scrub the drain and faucet areas. After the scrubbing task is completed, rinse with fresh water and thereafter wipe it dry with a clean rug.
 
Cleaning the toilet is the toughest part of cleaning the bathroom, as it could turn out to be a strenuous task. Create a mixture of water and bleach or ammonia and with the help of rubber gloves, pour it in the toilet. Sponge the toilet right from the seat, to the area behind it. Rinse the sponge with fresh water from time to time and resume cleaning.
 
The Sink
 
You can use the mixture of ammonia and water to clean the sink also. Wipe the entire counter of the sink and the faucet, and then rinse the sponge in fresh water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any mildew near the faucet and sink. You should wipe it with a clean and dry rag.
 
The Tiles
 
Run the shower for about five minutes before cleaning the tiles, the steam helps the dirt to loosen making it easier to clean. For removing stubborn stains, use a paste of scouring powder and water, and scrub it off after letting it settle for some time. For cleaning the dull tiles, you could use a solution of vinegar and water, and finally polish with a towel.
 
Bathroom Curtains
 
These are mostly synthetic in nature and can be washed in the washing machine. Replace the curtains on a regular basis to keep away from bacterial infections. You could also clean the curtains and get rid of mildew by soaking them in hot soapy water and thereafter rubbing with a lemon. Pre-wash sprays can also be used to clean the plastic curtains.
 
The Mirror
 
A lot of haze and mist forms on the bathroom mirror, making it easy for dust to settle. This should be cleaned at least once a day or after each bath to avoid the mirror from staining.
 
Shower Door
 
Just as in the case of the mirror, rubbing the shower doors with white vinegar dampened sponge can clean them. To add shine to the fiberglass doors you could paint a coat of acrylic floor finish.
 
Drain
 
Always check for any clogging in the drain before beginning the cleaning process. To remove the clog, you use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, and then flush with cold water.

Useful Tips for Cleaning the Bathroom
   

  • To clean the toilet bowl stains you could use Coca-Cola. Pour a generous amount of the liquid and flush after letting it sit for some time
  • Use tarter and peroxide to remove yellow stains from the tub.
  • Use baking soda or detergents that contain a peroxide base, to get rid of the odor of urine.
  • Borax can be used to remove the mineral build up stains on the bathtub.
  • Lemon juice, white vinegar or even the household bleach can be used to treat the rust on tubs, toilets, tiles and sinks.
  • To clean mirrors, you could use a solution of clarifying shampoo and water, which eliminates the sticky haze caused by hairsprays.
  • Use baby wipes for cleaning the bathroom in an emergency and to remove the soap scum from shower walls and doors.
  • To clean clogged showerheads, use warm vinegar in a ziplock bag and place the fixture into it. After an hour or so, drain the vinegar and clean the mineral deposits with a toothbrush.
  • If your area gets a hard-water supply, avoid using oily bath preparations as it becomes difficult to clean.
  • If the bathtub ring doesn't work, you could wipe it with undiluted ammonia (using rubber gloves)
  • Close the lid of the toilet whenever you flush to avoid contamination
     

Most bathrooms constructed these days are made of easy-to-clean materials and so maintaining them is not difficult. However, it does call for some discipline on the part of all the members of your home to keep the bathroom clean.