10 tips for the cleanest bathroom ever

Cleaning the bathroom can be a total drag. A hotbed for bacteria, germs, hair and other nasties, it's a dirty job that just has to be done. If you have to do it, you may as well do it right, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your entire Saturday hosing down the bathroom.

Check out a few of these tips for making sure your bathroom gets spit-shine clean without ruining your entire weekend.

Save time when you clean your bathroom with a little multitasking. Pour your cleaner of choice in the toilet before you start. Let it soak while you clean the rest of your bathroom. Optional: Use the bathroom sink for your bucket. (No bucket to rinse out, plus the sink basin soaks while you clean everything else.)

Keep a squeegee in your shower, and wipe down the walls after every shower. This keeps water spots and soap buildup from forming. You'll only need to scrub the shower walls down more thoroughly once a month or so.

Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar. Tie the bag in place (a grocery store bag works great) over the shower head. Let it soak overnight. Rinse away the buildup with ease in the morning.

The most effective way to remove mildew from grout is to use a toothbrush and bleach. Dip the toothbrush straight into the bleach and scrub. If you tackle the mildew as soon as you see it, you can prevent it from spreading to other areas of the tub. Use an old electric toothbrush to save your arms from pain. Bonus tip: Reseal your grout every six months to keep moisture at bay.

Get your bathroom super clean by spraying the walls, ceiling and counters with cleaner. Turn your shower on super hot, and let the steam accumulate. Shut off the shower, close the door, and let the cleaner sit in the steamy room for about 20 to 30 minutes. Wipe everything down with a cloth. (Use a microfiber mop to hit the ceiling.)

Martha Stewart recommends cleaning the pipes in your bathroom sink every two months to keep your drains from clogging. Simply pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Allow the mixture to bubble for a few minutes before rinsing with a pan of boiling water. (P.S. Try this for the garbage disposal too!)

If your little ones have bath toys, clean and disinfect them at least once a month. Simply fill a bucket with warm water, add 1/2 cup of vinegar (per gallon of water), toss in the toys, and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. Air-dry.

Forget window cleaner. Brew a few bags of black tea, let it cool, and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your mirrors with the tea, and wipe away with newspaper for a streak-free shine. You can save the tea to use again later!

Not surprisingly, the toilet brush accumulates germs pretty quickly. Give the brush a cleaning by soaking it in all-purpose cleaner or bleach for about 20 minutes.

Yes, you can wash your plastic liner in the washer! Just add a few towels to the load as well. Wash with gentle soap and add 1/2 cup of baking soda during the wash cycle and 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse. Allow the curtain to air-dry.