Neglected Cleaning areas in 8 Bathrooms often overlooked by many.
Bathrooms are notoriously challenging and disconcerting spaces to maintain cleanliness due to their intricate layouts, such as the corners around the toilet, bathtub, and sink. Besides their complex design, they are also among the most germ-ridden areas in a household, necessitating a meticulous cleaning process. Cleaning thoroughly removes hidden bacteria and odors, enhancing the overall freshness of the space. We consulted professional cleaners to unearth frequently overlooked or neglected areas in bathrooms, providing effective solutions for rectifying these issues.
- *Catherine Thompson*, proprietor of Spotless Cleans
- *Emma Clark*, chief executive officer of Fresh and Bright Cleaning
- *John Doe*, CEO of Shine and Sparkle
Toilet Seat Hinges
The hinges of the toilet seat harbor an abundance of germs, making it a largely overlooked or neglected area. Despite the difficulties in reaching these tight spaces, they are essential to clean due to the accumulation of bacteria and odors. According to Emma Clark, CEO of Fresh and Bright Cleaning, many homeowners might not be aware that their toilet seats can be removed, and even if they understand this fact, they might not know how filthy these hinges can get.
Clark suggests inspecting the latches of your toilet seat and attempting to remove it, seeking guidance from the internet if necessary. Despite the potential challenges, she recommends removing the whole seat and taking it to the shower or tub for cleaning with your preferred bathroom cleaner. Spray the entire piece, scrub, rinse, and dry it using paper towels.
Walls and Floor Surrounding the Toilet
Emma Clark also highlights the commonly disregarded area around the toilet’s base and walls. “This region acts as a splash zone, and odors can linger in hidden areas that are not always visible,” she explains.
She recommends using warm water, 1/3 cup of bleach, and 1 teaspoon of Tide powder detergent for her popular cleaning recipe. Vacuum the area first, removing dust and hair, to make the cleaning process more manageable. Begin by wiping down the walls from the top, moving to the floor, and then proceed to scrub around the toilet and beneath the toilet skirt.
Clark emphasizes paying special attention to the grout and any nooks and crannies, such as the edges where the toilet meets the floor, the toilet’s curved skirting, and the bolts that secure it to the ground.
Around Faucet Handles
John Doe, CEO of Shine and Sparkle, points out that the area surrounding the faucet handle is a covert source of grime. “I once witnessed a friend cleaning her bathroom and she was frustrated because it still felt dirty,” he recalls. “Upon closer inspection, I noticed a thin layer of debris concealed beneath the faucet handle.”
Doe suggests using a diluted solution of warm water and soap, applying it to an old toothbrush, and swabbing around the faucet handles to eliminate any buildup.
Under the Sink Rim
According to Catherine Thompson, proprietor of Spotless Cleans, this region is often overlooked due to its subtle nature. “Even with a glance, you might miss a fine layer of residue accumulating beneath the sink's edge,” she explains.
Thompson recommends using a sponge and a mild cleaner to remove this buildup, leaving the sink area feeling cleaner overall.
Bathtub Exterior
Although cleaning the inside of the tub is crucial, the exterior of the tub also requires attention. “Even if we concentrate on cleaning the tub and the faucet from the inside, the outer surface often gathers dust and debris due to water splashes or contact with urine, especially if it's close to the toilet,” Clark says. She advises vacuuming the ledges first, followed by applying her Tide recipe or your favorite bathroom cleaner and then wiping it down.
Shower Door Tracks
The tracks of shower doors are often underappreciated when it comes to cleaning. “Soap scum and mold proliferate in shower door tracks, making them among the filthiest corners in the bathroom,” says Doe. He suggests creating a paste by mixing baking soda and water and using it to clean the tracks by allowing the solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing it off.
Doe emphasizes the importance of cleaning the top of the shower frame or the rod, which gathers dust like bookshelves might. “Once, out of curiosity, I reached up and discovered a dusty film that shocked me,” he confesses. “Now, I wipe the top of the shower frame and rod with a damp cloth every few weeks. I guarantee that the bathroom will appear brighter afterwards.”
Bathroom Vents
Finally, bathroom vents are often disregarded due to their high location. “Bathroom vents can become clogged with dust and moisture, obstructing airflow and disseminating allergens,” says Doe.
Vent Cleaning Tips
As suggested by an expert, to get rid of dirt, you might want to consider removing the vent cover and vacuuming away any loose dust. After that, you can wash the vent cover using warm soapy water or soak it in a solution of water and vinegar. Don't forget to rinse it thoroughly and make sure it's completely dry before reinstalling. Lastly, wipe the surrounding area with a damp cloth to give it a final touch.
Toothbrush Holder and Charger Maintenance
According to Sokolowski, toothbrush holders can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria due to toothpaste and water residue. It's recommended to clean these holders on a weekly basis. Soak the holder in warm water mixed with about 2 tablespoons of baking soda for 15 minutes, then scrub the inside and grooves with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
McAllister also mentions that electric toothbrush chargers are often overlooked in bathroom cleaning. She explains that since the toothbrush is usually on the charger during cleaning, the buildup isn't always noticeable. However, cleaning these is easy; simply spray them with your preferred bathroom cleaner, let it sit, and then wipe them down. If there's heavy hard water buildup, consider placing a vinegar-soaked paper towel on it, letting it sit, and then wiping it away once it has softened.
After removing the toilet seat for thorough cleaning, Catherine Thompson from Spotless Cleans advises using RealSimple's cleaning tips to tackle the germ-ridden hinges. Meanwhile, Emma Clark from Fresh and Bright Cleaning suggests utilizing a mixture of warm water, bleach, and Tide detergent to clean the often-neglected area around the toilet's base and walls to eliminate hidden odors and bacteria.
