Cleaning the bathroom may be one of the most dreaded cleaning tasks on everyone's lists, but there are ways to make the chore a bit easier. Although there is no way to make the job fun, these tips help cut down on cleaning time and effort.
People with sensitive skin should wear vinyl or rubber gloves to prevent a reaction to cleaning chemicals. When using anything with chemicals – even bleach or vinegar – provide as much air circulation as possible, such as turning on fans and opening doors and windows.
1. Clean the shower headUnclog and shine the shower head with a bag of white vinegar. Fill a quart-sized plastic bag with vinegar and slowly slide it over the shower head until the head is submerged. Use a rubber band around the shower arm to keep the bag in place. Let it work for a couple of hours. Remove the bag and wipe off the shower head with a wet cloth.
2. Clean the fanThere is no need to risk life and limb standing on a chair to clean a dusty fan. Instead, use a vacuum with an extension. A can of compressed air also works well, but if you are not tall, you likely will need that chair.
3. Remove mold and mildewTo remove mold and mildew in a bathtub's corners, soak cotton balls in rubbing alcohol. Place them over the mold and mildew. Turn on the bathroom fan or open the bathroom window. Wait approximately an hour, then remove the cotton balls and wipe down the areas.
4. Remove soap scumRub a soap-scummy door with used fabric softener sheets. Dampen the sheets and use them as you would disinfecting wipes.
5. Unclog drainsThe chemical reaction between white vinegar and baking soda works to loosen drain clogs. Open the drain top or pull out the stopper. Pour in some baking soda and add white vinegar. Quickly place the bottom of a pot or a plate on top of the drain opening (this keeps the mixture where it belongs). Continue blocking the drain until it stops fizzing. Remove the pot and pour almost-boiling water down the drain to wash everything away.
6. Remove wallpaper discolorationDisinfecting wipes double as a cleaner for wallpaper that soap scum has discolored. It also removes dust that has matted to the walls.
7. Remove toilet hard-water stainsHard-water stains are difficult to get out, and toilet brushes just aren't tough enough. Use a pumice stone to attack the stains in the toilet, then brush and clean as usual.
8. Mitigate toilet-brush-holder nastinessIt shouldn't be a surprise to see what is at the bottom of the toilet brush holder considering for what the brush is used. Make things a little fresher by pouring some bathroom cleaner into the bottom of the holder. Refresh the cleaner once a week (or less frequently if the brush is not used often).
