Cleaning is hard. I mean, it’s not hard to do if you do it regularly, but there are always things that get missed. Little things like dusting the tops of bookshelves, sucking everything up from behind the furniture, and moving the fridge to get all the gunk underneath. Then Spring comes along and many people decide to get all of the little things done that they rarely do. If you are one of those people, we’ve got some things that you should really be cleaning. This time we are focusing on the bathroom.
Bath Mat
It would be great if only clean feet hit the clean bath mat. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Since the whole family is in and out of the bathroom all day long, it’s pretty likely your bath mat needs attention. Start by giving it a safety check to see if it is losing its no-slip backing or if it no longer lies flat, as both are trip hazards. Most bath mats can go in the washing machine. Some can be air-dried and others put in the dryer. Check your rug’s tag and follow manufacturer directions. Once it’s clean you will notice a difference in it’s feel and appearance.
Organizing Tip: When you buy a new bath mat for a frequently used bathroom, buy two. This way you can routinely throw one in the wash and reach for a clean one to put down in its place. You’ll be amazed at how nice it is to always have a clean one on hand instead of having to wait for the dirty one to be clean again. This will also help with wear and tear because you are rotating the bath mats.
Shower Curtain
Shower curtains don’t need to be cleaned often, but spring cleaning is the perfect time to take care of this task. Most fabric curtains can be taken down and washed—again, check the tag and follow the directions. You don’t want to have to go out and spend extra money if you don’t have to. As for waterproof liners, inspect them to see if you find mold and mildew forming along seams or areas that often stay wet. Replace with a fresh liner or remove the soiled one and clean it. You can carefully soak it in a bleach solution and scrub out the moldy spots. Your curtain will smell clean and not leave a weird odor after every shower.
Toothbrush
It might be time to toss that toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should switch to a new toothbrush every three to four months or when bristles become frayed. The ADA does not recommend any cleaning methods as a substitute for a new brush. Remember, this is something that goes into your mouth at least twice a day, you want it to be as clean as possible!
Organizing Tip: Buy a multi-pack of toothbrushes so you have extras available as soon as you need them. This is also helpful for when guests are over and forget to bring their toothbrush.
Toothbrush Holder
Have you noticed any weird gunk or debris on the bottom of your toothbrush? The spot where you store your toothbrush typically has an accumulation of drippings and toothpaste. Use some hot soapy water to clean your holder. A small scrubbing brush is good for reaching into tight spaces. Clean as often as desired.
Hairbrush
Cleaning your hairbrush and combs should be a regular task. After all, dirty hair and a buildup of products is not something you want to brush back into your clean locks. Clean your brushes by first removing any hair from the bristles. (A comb and a pair of scissors are helpful with this task.) Then shampoo your hairbrush in warm water, rinse well and allow to dry. Your hair will thank you for a clean item running through it.
Loofah
You may not have given much thought to the pores in your loofah, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria that can even lead to skin infections. Yuck! They recommend to weekly soak it in a diluted bleach solution for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly. You don’t want to end up with any bleach on your skin! The Clinic also recommends replacing your loofah every three to four weeks.
Trashcan
Cleaning your trashcan is really important regardless if you put a liner in it. Grab the bathroom trashcan and banish the germs. Give it a good cleaning inside and out with warm water and dish soap. Allow it to dry well. Add a liner for easy maintenance. Putting a liner in will also allow you to not clean it as often.
Vents
From floor vents to bathroom fans, these often-forgotten spots definitely need a spring cleaning. Those on the floor have dirt and hair fall into them, while ones on the ceiling can collect dust. To clean them, first remove the vent cover. Then use the brush attachment to your vacuum to clean the top and underside of the cover. Use your nozzle attachment to vacuum up debris, then replace the clean cover. For fan vents, a wet sponge is useful for collecting dust that has accumulated on the cover.
Drain Stoppers
Why wait for a clog? Now is the perfect time to fish out any accumulation of hair and prevent buildup. Remove the drain stoppers from your sink and shower. Give them a scrub and return them to the drain.
Do a bit of spring organizing and reclaim storage space by purging your drawers and cabinets. Jose Zuniga of MakeSpace recommends sorting through everything in your medicine cabinet and vanity drawers. “Throw out anything that’s expired, including old medication. Only keep the items that you use on a regular basis, such as your toiletries and grooming supplies, in your bathroom,” he says. “Now that you’re left with only the items you use on a regular basis, look to your walls. They’re prime real estate for storing your bathroom supplies without hogging any floor or counter space. For the extra items that you don’t use often—like first aid supplies and spare rolls of toilet paper—put them in a labeled basket or clear storage container and store it on a closet shelf,” he recommends. As you organize, give shelves and drawers a quick wipe to ensure you’re starting with a clean slate.
Armed with a fresh eye for attention to detail, your bathroom will not only look clean, but it will feel clean, too.
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