Day 7: How to Clean the Bathroom Quickly and Easily

Now that you’ve streamlined your bathroom, here are a few ways to keep it clean and shiny. A few minutes of cleaning each day can save you from a scuzzy bathroom that needs marathon cleaning, and you won’t be mortified the next time a friend stops by and needs to use your loo. Here are some tips to help you keep your bathroom clean on a daily basis.

• Do a thorough streamline, and keep the clutter to a minimum. Less junk in the bathroom = easier to clean.
• Keep some basic cleaning supplies stored in the bathroom. A bottle of nontoxic all-purpose cleaner and a few clean rags, nontoxic shower or bathroom cleaner and a scrub brush, a toilet brush, and, if you like, some disposable cleaning wipes. If you have glass shower doors, get a squeegee to keep in the shower.
• I prefer to clean toilets before I take a shower (mental thing, I think!) Spray inside the toilet with some bathroom cleaner, and while that soaks in, use a rag and cleaner or a cleaning wipe to clean the lid, seat and the outside of the toilet, including around the base. Wipe down the rim, then swish around the water with a toilet brush and flush. Total time = about 2 minutes.
• If you use nontoxic products, you can easily and quickly clean the shower while you’re in it! Take a scrub brush and nontoxic bath cleaner (I swear by Melaleuca) and hop in the shower. Rinse the shower thoroughly, scrub scrub scrub, then rinse. Now clean yourself, and you’re done. Cleaning the shower only takes about 2 minutes if you get into the habit of scrubbing it while you’re in it once or twice a week. Shampoo or liquid body wash work very well for cleaning the shower too, so use what you’ve got – this is a great way to use up products you don’t particularly care for, and you’ll avoid harmful fumes from chemicals. Hang washcloths and scrubbies up to dry in the tub. If you have glass shower doors, spend the extra 30 seconds to squeegee them dry before you get out – they’ll remain spot-free and look cleaner much longer.
• If you takes baths (or bathe small children), erase the filmy ring from the tub at the end of the bath as you let the water out. Take a washcloth and just scrub around the inside of the tub using the soapy bathwater as it drains away, then splash some clean water through it to rinse it clean. Hang washcloths up to dry so they don’t get mildew waiting in the hamper for wash day.
• As you get ready for the day, put your products and tools away as you’re finished with them, then take a rag and cleaner and wipe down the counters and mirror once you’re done getting ready. Rinse out the sink and wipe off the faucet, hang towels up to dry, and take any dirty clothes and rags to the hamper. 
• Every few days, use a rag and cleaner or cleaning cloth and take an extra minute to wipe off switch plates, doorknobs, door jams and decorative items of dust. 
• Once a week, shake out the rugs, then either sweep the floor or run the vacuum around to pick up loose hair. Mop the floor, then put the rugs back down. Empty the wastebaskets and check for needed supplies such as toilet paper. This step takes about 10 minutes each week.

If you have more than one bathroom, take a couple of minutes each day to use that bathroom and clean it while you’re in there. I clean my sons’ bathroom while they’re in the tub, and I maintain our guest bathroom with a quick pass-through every other day or so. Spending just a few minutes each day cleaning a bathroom will keep the yucky from building up, ensuring you don't have to spend an hour scrubbing away nasty stains and gunk.

Tomorrow: Streamlining Your Closet

This post is part of the Fresh Start Series, 31 days of tips and tricks to simplify in the new year.