No matter how clean we think we are, the truth of the matter is – there’s probably always more to be done. I know, not fun news, but true nonetheless. And few rooms embody this better than the bathroom. Despite many of us smugly conducting regular cleans (or at least what we think equates as regular) this might not be enough.
Through conversations with friends, family and colleagues, I’ve come to the conclusion that none of us seem to be cleaning items with the same frequency. With many seriously under-cleaning some of the grimiest places in the bathroom as they focus in what they see as a priority instead. A naughty little habit that could actually cause some damage, especially in bathrooms. Not cleaning frequently enough causes a buildup of harmful germs, mould and bacteria. Which in turn, can lead to skin infections, respiratory issues and stomach illnesses.
Bathrooms are warm and wet, so germs grow very fast on wet surfaces – meaning we need to make sure our cleaning routine keeps up. From the toilet seat to the hand towels, here’s how often you should be cleaning everything in your bathroom.
Toilet
It goes without saying this is one of the dirtiest places in the bathroom, and therefore, its regular cleaning is utterly essential. You should be deep cleaning your loo once a week, which includes; scrubbing the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush and bowl cleaner, wiping down the toilet seat, lid and rim using an antibacterial spray, cleaning the outside of the base, and flush handle. And don’t forget to also mop or wipe the floor around the base of the toilet.
That being said, the job isn’t done there. One weekly deep clean isn’t enough to ensure a clean loo that won’t spread harmful bacteria and germs throughout your home. Make sure to wipe the seat and flush handle with a disinfecting wipe daily, especially if anyone is sick or if messes occur, as well as a daily swish in the bowl if messes are visible.
Hand towel
Another one that can get easily neglected is the changing of hand towels. Be it laziness or sheer forgetfulness, swapping these out on the regular is essential for minimising the spread of germs around your home – plus, a fresh fluffy towel simply looks and feels better.
What to read next
Hand towels need washing every two to three days, and even more often in busy households or if several people are using the same one. Because they’re handled so frequently – often by damp hands – they can quickly pick up bacteria, skin cells and moisture, which can lead to musty smells and make them less hygienic than they look. Hang them somewhere they can dry out properly between uses, wash them according to the care label, and swap them out sooner if they start to smell or stay damp for long periods.
Toilet brush
Okay, definitively, this is the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, and cleaning it and replacing it should be top of your cleaning to do list – especially because you’ve probably been neglecting it ever since you got it.
You should clean your toilet brush every few uses. There are a few different ways to clean your toilet brush, but the simplest would be to soak both the brush and its holder with disinfectant, then allowing them to air-dry completely before putting the brush back in the holder – storing it while wet can encourage bacteria and odours.
As a general rule, replace a reusable toilet brush or brush head around every six months, or sooner if it becomes discoloured, starts losing bristles, traps debris or develops a smell that won’t wash away.
Bath mat
Another massively overlooked item in the bathroom you’re not cleaning frequently enough is the bath mat. Both literally and metaphorically, we walk all over it. Ignoring or forgetting the fact it is constantly absorbing water run-off and without washing, likely harboring a whole host of damp, bacteria and possibly mould.
You should wash your bath mat somewhere between every three washes and around once a week, as the combination of moisture, dead skin cells and regular foot traffic can make it a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. Follow the care label, let it dry out fully between uses and replace it once it starts looking worn, smelling musty or showing signs of mould.
Bath sheet
We all have our own routine when it comes to bath towels, but as it turns out – there’s a definitive right and wrong time to wash them. Bath sheets should generally be washed after every three to four uses, or more often if they’re not drying fully between showers. Their larger size means they can hold on to moisture for longer, creating the perfect conditions for bacteria and musty smells to build up. Hang yours somewhere well ventilated after each use, rather than leaving it crumpled on the floor or over the side of the bath, and make sure it’s completely dry before using it again.
Shower
No, just because you clean yourself in there, it does not mean your shower is clean – if anything it means quite the opposite. You should be giving your shower a clean down after every single use. A deep clean won’t be necessary every time but a rinse down to remove any stray hair, soap scum or product residue is essential to stop blockages or gunk from building up and causing issues. And if you have a glass screen, this will also need a daily squeegee to keep water stains and scum away.
Once a week, give it a proper clean. Scrub the floor, walls, and glass doors with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down taps and metal fixtures to prevent water spots and be sure to clear out the drain of any loose hair. Shower curtains will also need a wash, plastic or vinyl should be washed every 2-4 weeks and fabric ones 1-2 months. And make sure to stretch them out after each shower so they can have a chance to properly dry, avoiding the risk of mould and mildew.
Sink
One of the items, in my educated opinion, that is rarely cleaned as much as it should be – is the humble bathroom sink. This should be cleaned daily, hate to break it to you. Unwashed handles and basins pass germs and viruses between people, meanwhile dried toothpaste acts like glue and when left to its own devices welds unseemly mounds and splatters around the basin. And not to mention stagnant water in the drain and basin breeding mould and bad smells. Overall – nasty stuff.
Daily, wipe the basin, faucet, and counter with a damp microfiber cloth to catch toothpaste splatters, stray hairs, and water drops. And for the weekly deeper clean, apply an all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant to the entire sink, handles, and drain. Let it sit for a minute or two to lift grime, scrub with a sponge, rinse with water, and dry with a clean towel. If you want to be really swatty, add in a declutter and organisation session for the under-the-sink cupboards once a month, too.
Floor
Your bathroom floor should ideally get a proper clean around once a week, although busy family bathrooms may need a little more attention (especially if you have men in the house – they know why). It’s surprisingly easy for hair, dust, toothpaste splatters, stray skincare products, general grime and yes, urine, to build up underfoot, particularly around the toilet and bath. Start by vacuuming or sweeping up loose debris, then mop with a cleaner that’s suitable for your flooring, working into the corners and around those easy-to-miss edges. And, tempting as it is to shut the door and forget about it, letting the room – and floor – dry out properly afterwards will help keep it fresher for longer.
Toothbrush and holder
Have you ever cleaned your toothbrush holder? Well, now you will. Your toothbrush holder should be cleaned at least once a week. Toothpaste drips, water and residue can quickly collect at the bottom and turn it into a rather unpleasant little breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria that sits all around the one item we put in our mouths twice a day. Like I said, you’ll definitely start cleaning it now.
Wash it with hot, soapy water – or pop it in the dishwasher if it’s dishwasher-safe – then dry it thoroughly before putting your toothbrushes back. As for the toothbrush itself, rinse it well after every use, store it upright where it can air-dry properly, and replace it around every three months, or sooner if the bristles start looking frayed or worn.
Shower head
Aim to clean your shower head around once a month to prevent limescale, soap residue and mineral deposits from clogging the nozzles and reducing water pressure. Scrub away surface build-up with a sponge and bicarbonate of soda, then, for stubborn deposits, soak the shower head in a bag filled with equal parts white vinegar and water for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with hot water.
Mirrors
For me, the first thing I notice when using someone else’s bathroom, is how clean their mirrors are. Perhaps an occupational hazard, in fairness. But a grubby bathroom mirror is easily made, thanks to water stains, toothpaste splatter and fingerprints.
Aim to clean your bathroom mirrors around once a week, or more often if they’re regularly splashed with water, toothpaste or skincare products. Keeping on top of smears and moisture stops grime building up and helps prevent water marks, while also keeping the whole bathroom looking noticeably fresher.
