As one of the home’s busiest rooms, bathrooms tend to get messy quickly, and in worst-case scenarios, become a hotspot for grime, mould and bacteria. Such cases make bathroom cleaning a dreaded chore – especially when a quick wipe down simply won’t cut it.

To help you banish those washroom blues, we’ve collated our favourite bathroom cleaning tips and tricks, covering everything from hidden grime spots to bidets and basins, and how to deep clean bathroom features like baths and showers.

Banishing bad bathroom habits

There are a handful of everyday bathroom habits that contribute to creating unnecessary mess. But by making a few tweaks to your routine, you can save yourself a lot of cleaning time when it comes to how to clean bathroom.

Air circulation

Bathrooms and moisture go hand in hand, but unchecked humidity can cause a slew of problems like mould and mildew. Keep moisture under control by opening the window or using the extractor fan when you shower (and for 15 to 20 minutes afterwards), as this allows the steam to dissipate while drying the moisture. And don’t worry if your bathroom doesn't have a window – the extractor fan will suffice.

Dental hygiene

Toothbrushes can create a lot of mess, leaving trails of toothpaste on the basin, vanity unit and other surfaces. However, storing them upright in a ceramic toothbrush holder eliminates mess and is more hygienic to boot. If you keep your toothbrushes in a glass or cup, remember to rinse them with hot soapy water once a week or give them a quick blitz in the dishwasher.

Hidden grime spots

Bathroom cleaning can become arduous if you avoid cleaning the nooks, crannies, and crevices. However, these often-overlooked germ traps are crucial to keeping your bathroom clean and hygienic. When you’re cleaning, prioritise the bathtub, basin, shower, and toilet for regular wipe-downs with hot soapy water.

Convenient fixtures

Some bathroom furniture – particularly wall-hung fixtures – are designed with cleaning in mind. Wall hung toilets, basins, and bidets offer easy access to all those tricky-to-reach spots, so that you can keep them squeaky clean with minimal effort. What's more, back to wall toilets are excellent at preventing potential dirt traps.

Cover all bases

Most people keep their toilet seat and pan spick and span, but many of us overlook the pedestal and base, which is problematic as they're high bacteria areas. Therefore, it's worth blitzing these zones with an anti-bacterial cleanser once or twice a week, and don’t forget to clean the tank (cistern) and flush handle, too!

Surfaces

From shelves to windowsills, grime and bacteria have a habit of accumulating on all surfaces.  However, a quick wipe-down with a spray or anti-bacterial cleaner will keep the germs at bay.

Shower curtains

Mould and mildew can be a nightmare to remove from shower curtains and liners – the trusty anti-bac wipes may not cut it here. If your shower curtains are machine washable, though, a quick cycle can work wonders. You can wash plastic curtains at high temperatures with your usual detergent but be sure to follow the care label instructions for fabric curtains.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that mildew is prone to staining, so your curtains may still appear grubby even after washing. Therefore, it may be better to focus on prevention rather than the cure – regular machine washes will rinse away soap scum and other grime, preventing mildew build-up.

How to clean bathtub

When cleaning the tub, use a non-abrasive cleaner. Generally, a soft sponge and hot soapy water are ideal.

How to deep clean bathtub

Sometimes you will need to do a deeper clean on your bath, and using ingredients like baking soda and lemon juice will help to bust through any stubborn soap scum. Leave this solution on the surface of your bath for around 30 minutes, and rinse off for a deeper clean.

How to clean a shower

Again, a soft sponge and hot soapy water are the best materials to use. Simply give everything in your shower a wipe down, pop the shower curtain in the washing machine or use a squeegee for a clean finish on glass doors, and you’re done!

How to deep clean shower

Again, even the cleanest showers will sometimes need a deep clean, which might involve cleaning your shower head, too. Using a solution of vinegar and water will help to banish mould and build up. Simply apply your solution and leave to sit, before rinsing away.

How to clean a shower tray

To keep your shower tray in pristine condition, pour hot soapy water around the tray and wipe with a cloth each time you shower. Try to avoid using gritty, abrasive cleaners.

How to clean mirrors

Use glass cleaner spray on mirrors, windows, and other reflective surfaces to restore their shine. Remember, you should apply glass cleaner to the cloth rather than directly to the glass, which can damage the sealant. Using a reputable glass cleaning product is critical, as general cleaners and multi-surface sprays often smear across the surface, causing the glass to appear dirtier than it was initially!

Keep your toilet seat down

We all know that age-old argument about putting the toilet seat down, but what about the lid? Well, leaving it open when you flush can allow bacteria and tiny water particles to spray across the room. By simply closing the lid after flushing, you'll contain the bacteria and make the bathroom a more hygienic space.

Swap tile and grout for wall panels

Tiles are made from different materials, so not all cleansers are appropriate. Natural stone (e.g., travertine) is porous, making it susceptible to scuffs by abrasive cleaners. It's therefore crucial to check what type of cleanser will be most effective on your tiles.

Bathroom wall panels eliminate such issues – their PVC, 100% waterproof construction making it easier than ever before to keep your bathroom squeaky clean!