Cleaning the bathroom

Reading Time: 9 minutes | Article from 5.6.2024

Pristine surfaces, dazzling tiles and lovely fresh air: a clean bathroom is the promises of absolute well-being. Regular cleaning is not just important for your personal comfort and a tidy appearance. Thorough cleaning of the bathroom is essential for hygiene too.

But don’t worry: it won’t take long to make your bathroom gleam. Follow these tips to give your bathroom a good clean, swiftly and effortlessly.

Cleaning the bathroom: step by step

Would you like to clean your bathroom quickly and make it gleam? You don’t need to spend hours scrubbing to make your bathroom feel pleasant and clean. If you clean the bathroom regularly and use a structured approach, it should only take you around 15 minutes.

Simply follow these six steps to clean your bathroom thoroughly:

Clean the mirror and washbasin

Close the plughole and fill the washbasin with warm water. This will help to soften any stains. Leave the water in the basin and turn your attention to the bathroom mirror: Spray a little glass cleaner over the mirror and wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth. Instead of glass cleaner, you can also use a gentle washing-up liquid and water or diluted vinegar. Empty the washbasin. Clean the basin and tap with a cloth and diluted vinegar. Don’t forget to clean the soap dispenser and any decorations too. To finish, wipe with clean water. You should clean your mirror and washbasin at least once a week, ideally two or three times a week.

Clean the shower or bath

Diluted vinegar and baking powder can be used to quickly remove stains and limescale in the shower and bath. Vinegar and baking powder also help to clean the drain before it becomes blocked.To stop the shower and bath becoming dirty in the first place, always rinse with clean water after use. Then use a squeegee to wipe off water or rub the bath and tiles dry with a towel. A strainer in the drain will prevent troublesome blockages.

Cleaning the toilet

Unsavoury urine scale can be removed using vinegar and citric acid. Clean and disinfect all sides of the toilet seat and lid. To clean the bowl, squirt some toilet cleaner under the rim and scrub with a toilet brush. Leave it to work and then flush off with clean water. To maintain hygiene, clean the toilet two to three times a week.

Cleaning tiles and floors

Floor and wall tiles are often overlooked but are nevertheless essential for overall cleanliness. Wipe surfaces using a gentle cleaner. Avoid scouring agents and abrasive sponges. To get rid of limescale or slight mould in grout, use diluted baking powder or citric acid and scrub with an old toothbrush. Be careful when using acid, however, as it can run into the grout and cause damage.

Tidy the washbasin area and shelves

Shelves in bathroom cabinets and the washbasin area should be wiped regularly with a damp cloth. Keep the cabinets and drawers tidy and you’ll be able to do this even faster. Regularly dispose of empty or unused cosmetic products and resist the urge to hoard items. Remember to clean handles and the outside surfaces of cabinets regularly.

Ventilation

Ventilate the bathroom thoroughly every day, in particular after a shower or bath, to prevent mould and let fresh air in. Natron neutralises unpleasant odours.

Collaro vanity unit with Venticello vanity washbasin and More to See Lite mirror in an industrial chic bathroom by Villeroy & Boch.

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Cleaning product checklist

Proper preparation and the right tools are key to efficient and thorough bathroom cleaning. We recommend a special cleaning cupboard or a well-equipped cleaning crate where everything is stored in its rightful place.

Make sure you have the following cleaning products:

Soft microfibre cloths, sponges, brush, grout brush, toilet brush, toilet rim brush, toilet cleaning agent, mild all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, vinegar essence, citric acid, baking soda, disinfectant, water squeegee, kitchen paper

7 common mistakes when cleaning the bathroom

Attention to detail is vital when cleaning the bathroom. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid:

Not leaving a product to work for long enough
Many cleaning products are surface-active if they are left to work long enough. This will cut down the scrubbing effort required while protecting surfaces. In particular, gentle, eco-friendly products need a little longer to work. Ideally, you should leave them for a few hours or even overnight.
Not wiping properly
A careless wiping technique simply redistributes dirt. Always wipe in an S shape rather than in a circle. This will prevent you from wiping dirt from areas that have not yet been cleaned onto clean areas.
Neglecting handles and light switches
When cleaning the bathroom, many people overlook the areas that we touch most often with our fingers: handles, light switches and the toilet flush. Germs can accumulate very quickly here.
Missing the back and outer surfaces of the toilet
Splashes of urine can spread bacteria over the entire toilet. It’s therefore important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the back of the toilet and the outer surfaces of the bowl.
Neglecting hygiene in the cleaning supplies crate
Make sure buckets, cloths and sponges are rinsed regularly, disinfected and replaced as required. Never use cleaning cloths and sponges used for the toilet and floor on other areas.
Leaving the toilet lid open
Leaving the toilet lid open is not just frowned upon – it is also unhygienic. It makes it easier for bacteria from the toilet bowl to spread in the bathroom.
Forgetting textiles
If you use textiles such as bath mats or a shower curtain in the bathroom, wash them regularly at 60 degrees.

Tableware

Cutlery

Glasses, decanters & bottles

Decoration

Bathroom ceramics

Toilet seats and covers

Bathroom furniture and mirrors

Shower trays and baths

Bathroom taps and fittings