8 Overlooked Bathroom Spots Cleaning Experts Say Need More Attention
Make sure you tackle them during your next big clean.
I’m the kind of person who needs to hire cleaners every few weeks just to keep my one-bedroom apartment looking clean and clutter-free. But no matter how many times they come by, there’s always at least one spot in my bathroom that never seems fully clean. This isn’t me casting blame, either: cleaning a bathroom is tough, time-consuming work—and there’s almost always something that could stand to be scrubbed, soaked, or disinfected a little more thoroughly.
However, a few spots are more consistently forgotten, whether you’re cleaning yourself or have hired someone to do it. To find out what they are, I spoke with Noah Pinsonnault of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab to pinpoint the bathroom areas often missed during regular cleanings—and how to address them for a squeaky-clean space.
The shower curtain liner
A dingy shower curtain or liner can make the whole bathroom feel dirty, even if everything else is spotless. Depending on the material, you may be able to clean your shower curtain by machine-washing it (check the care label first) or by wiping it down.
“Spreading out the liner after each shower will help it dry more effectively and reduce how often you need to clean it,” says Pinsonnault. If you notice any stubborn odors, stains, or tears, it might mean it’s time for a replacement.
The sink and shower fixtures
If you see a cloudy residue on your faucet or showerhead, it's likely hard-water stains from mineral buildup—and a quick wipe-down usually won’t do the trick.
To remove hard-water stains from a showerhead, dip a toothbrush in white vinegar and scrub gently. For chrome fixtures like sinks and faucets, soak a cloth in a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, wrap it around the fixture for about 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse clean.
The top of the medicine cabinet
You might always remember to clean the mirror, but when was the last time you cleaned above the medicine cabinet? To tackle this area, use a duster or microfiber cloth first, then wipe with a damp cloth if needed.
The sink and drain stopper
It’s easy to make sure your sink bowl and handles are clean, but people often miss the drain and stopper.
Toothpaste, hair, soap scum, and product residue can easily collect in these spots, allowing pink mold to thrive, notes Pinsonnault. “Clean around the drain regularly with a multi-purpose cleaner to prevent buildup,” he says.
If the sink drains slowly, you may need to use a drain cleaner as well.
The exhaust fan cover
Since exhaust fans are usually high up, they can feel like they’re out of sight, out of mind. However, the fan helps control moisture levels, and it’s way less useful if it’s covered in gunk.
Every few months, or when buildup occurs, vacuum the cover or wipe it with a damp cloth. Remember, excess moisture can lead to mold growth, so it’s imperative that your exhaust fan is working properly.
The grout lines
Grout lines are the spaces between tiles, and while they may look clean, they can trap soap scum, dirt and mildew over time. Because grout is porous, it can also become stained or discolored without regular upkeep.
To clean grout lines quickly, use a grout-safe cleaner or a DIY solution (the Cleaning Lab recommends mixing 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water). Apply it with a stiff brush, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub and rinse clean.
Underneath the sink
That hidden cabinet needs a thorough cleaning from time to time; otherwise, it can become a dumping ground for old products, leaky bottles, and dust. Take everything out, check for drips or water damage, wipe the shelves, and toss expired or empty items. Then, consider adding a cabinet organizer to keep the area neat.
The toilet handle
You might not be cleaning this high-touch spot thoroughly enough. Whenever you clean the toilet (at least once a week), disinfect it. “Read the label on your disinfecting spray carefully,” says Pinsonnault. “Most cleaners need to remain on the surface for a specific amount of time to disinfect effectively and won’t work properly if wiped away immediately.”
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