10 common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid

Mary Cornetta, BHG.com on Dec 17, 2024

You put a lot of elbow grease into making your bathroom sparkle, from scrubbing the tub to keeping tile clean. Compared to other areas of the house, bathrooms harbor a substantial amount of germs and are highly susceptible to mold and mildew — so it’s crucial to make sure you’re not only cleaning it regularly, but also effectively.

Maximize your cleaning efforts by scrubbing your bathroom correctly and avoiding the following cleaning faux pas.

1. Cleaning around clutter

You should always decluttering before attempting to clean any space in your home. Because bathrooms are relatively small, they tend to accumulate clutter much faster. Rather than trying to wipe around stuff stored on the counter, in the shower, or even on the floors, tidy up first so you can thoroughly clean surfaces.

2. Cleaning out of order

A general housecleaning rule of thumb is to work from top to bottom. This prevents dirt and dust on mirrors and countertops from descending onto freshly washed floors. Take this guideline a step further in the bathroom and save the dirtiest surfaces for last so you can avoid cross-contamination of germs. Save the shower, bathtub, and toilet bowl for last.

3. Wiping surfaces with the same cloth

Another way to prevent spreading bacteria around the bathroom is by using multiple cleaning cloths. Wiping down the sink, shower, and toilet with the same one can create a dirtier environment than if you didn’t clean at all. Have a handful of microfiber cloths, plus scrub brushes or sponges, on hand to tackle individual surfaces and fixtures.

4. Disinfecting before dusting

Due to excess moisture, shedding hair and skin cells, and product residue, bathrooms are highly susceptible to dust. Attempting to clean dusty surfaces with any liquid cleaner, antibacterial or not, won’t be nearly as effective as it should be and may even scratch the material. Always dry dust baseboards and fixtures, like the top of the toilet tank, and vacuum floors before going in with a disinfectant.

5. Storing the toilet brush incorrectly

It may be tempting to pop the toilet brush back into its holder as soon as you’re done scrubbing. But being that it’s probably the dirtiest object in the bathroom, it’s best to follow this protocol: After cleaning the toilet bowl, sterilize the brush in a solution of bleach and water or, if you only have a few minutes, at the very least rinse the brush under hot water. Always let it dry by placing the handle between the bowl and the seat before returning it to its home.

6. Mixing cleaning chemicals

Using a product like bleach to clean the bathroom can help keep bacteria and mold at bay. But it can also be hazardous for your health in the short term if it’s used in conjunction with other chemicals. Bleach should never be mixed with ammonia, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol, as it releases a toxic gas that is highly dangerous to breathe.

7. Letting mold linger

So long as you’re using it safely, bleach is a straightforward way to kill mold and mildew. Alternatively, you can combat it with a commercial cleaner that specifically targets mold. Whichever method you prefer, make sure to stay on top of it, as it’s extremely easy for fungus to grow in a high-humidity environment.

8. Cleaning without ventilation

A simple way to improve the air quality of your bathroom is to ensure it’s properly ventilated. Many of us are in the habit of turning on the bathroom fan when taking a hot shower. But, not all of us think to do so during and after a deep clean. While the vent keeps moisture from hanging around, it can also help to dissipate the strong scent of cleaning chemicals. If you want to circulate even more air, and your bathroom has one, open a window while cleaning as well.

9. Ignoring invisible germs

When cleaning the bathroom, your mental checklist most likely focuses on the mirrors, sinks, counters, toilet, tub or shower, and floors. These all need to be cleaned routinely, but a slew of other bathroom surfaces, fixtures, and accessories are also begging to be disinfected. These include:

10. Following an inconsistent cleaning schedule

It’s wise to scrub your bathroom on average once per week to maintain a healthy level of cleanliness. Frequently used surfaces, such as sinks, can benefit from being wiped down every other day or so, while items like bath accessories are acceptable to go longer between cleanings.

(Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at www.bhg.com.)