Why You Can Trust CNET You're Probably Not Cleaning Your Bathroom Often Enough
Pro tip: Some things need to be cleaned daily.
From your sink and toilet to your bath mats, you need to be regularly cleaning your bathroom.
Your bathroom needs to be cleaned regularly. With the frequency of its use, lurking germs and bacteria can take over the space quickly. And that means you need to clean some areas in your bathroom weekly, if not daily.
From wiping down the sink to degunking the shower head, this guide will break down the best way to deep clean every part of your bathroom. And the great news is these steps won't take you very long. In fact, you can even clean your bathroom in about 10 minutes. Here's the regular cleaning schedule you should follow to prevent grime and germs from building up, and to save you time in the long run. For more cleaning tips, explore how to wash your bedding the right way and how to clean your kitchen in under 15 minutes.
Bathroom rug
Once a week, toss the bathroom rug in the washer. Wash it on the gentle cycle in warm water and let it air dry (especially if it has a no-slip grip on the back) before putting it back. Always follow the washing instructions on the tag if you're unsure.
Toilet
If you live alone, you can probably get by with cleaning the toilet every few days. If you have kids, the rules change. The outside, handle and seat should get a once-a-day wipe down with an antibacterial cleaner or wipe.
Most families can get by with cleaning the bowl once a week, particularly if you use this toilet tank tip. If you have some tough stains or gunk in your toilet bowl, we advise pouring Coke (yes, the soda) into a spray bottle then saturating the stain with the drink. Let it sit for a few hours. The stain should easily scrub away with a toilet brush.
Shower curtain
Once a month, you should take down your fabric or plastic shower curtain throw it in the wash. Here are five tips for cleaning your shower curtain in the washing machine.
Shower and tub
You only need to clean your shower and tub once a week, but if you have a glass shower door, it needs a little more attention. To prevent the build up of soap scum and keep the glass looking spotless, use a squeegee to wipe away water after every shower. These few seconds can save you from scrubbing at the end of the week.
Bath towels
My family has had this debate for years. How often should you wash bath towels? Well, it depends. Every three to four uses is a good rule of thumb, but there are some conditions where a towel will need to be washed after one use. Here's how to know when to wash your towels.
Sink
The germs from your hands collect on the sink knobs and in the sink bowl when you wash your hands. So, even if you live alone, the sink needs a good wipe down every day with an all-purpose cleaner or antibacterial cleaning wipe.
Mirror
Like the sink, the mirror needs a daily wipe down to remove lint, dust and toothpaste specks. Simply wipe it down with a microfiber cloth after you step out of the bath or shower.
Hair dryer
Yes, even your hair dryer needs a proper cleaning schedule to prevent it from overheating. Here's a simple way to clean a hair dryer out in just a couple of minutes.
For more, check out how to kill mold in your washer and keep it away, and how to clean cat pee from your couch.
More cleaning tips and tricks
- You're Not Cleaning These 9 Things in Your Home Often Enough
- You've Never Cleaned Your Pillow? Here's Why You Should Right Now
- How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Brushes? We'll Explain
- Try This Easy Hack to Safely Clean Oven Grease From Hard-To-Reach Places
- How to Remove Stubborn Makeup Stains From Your Bedding
- How to Clean Gym Clothes the Right Way Without Losing Elasticity or Wicking