7 Areas of Your Bathroom You're Forgetting to Clean, According to Pros

Reviewed by Brandon Pleshek

It’s no secret that bathrooms are a hub for germs and bacteria in our homes, which is why we spend extra time and care ensuring that they are clean on a regular basis. But despite our best efforts, there are a few areas that are commonly overlooked, according to cleaning experts. Here are seven areas of your bathroom you’re probably forgetting to clean.

Meet the Expert

• Karina Toner is the Operations Manager at Washington D.C.-based Spekless Cleaning.

• Nathaly Vieira is the founder of cleaning company InspireClean, based in Ontario, Canada.

• Jane Abrahams is the founder and Head Organizer at Jane's Addiction Organization.

Showerheads

Chances are you are cleaning the base of your shower on a regular basis, but you likely haven’t paid much attention to the showerhead.

“Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can build up inside the showerhead, leading to reduced water pressure and potentially spraying residue buildup as you shower,” says Karina Toner, Operations Manager at Washington D.C.-based Spekless Cleaning.

To prevent this from happening, it’s important to soak the showerhead in a vinegar/water mixture on a semi-regular basis, she says.  To do this, mix together a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and place it in a plastic bag. Then, unscrew the shower head and leave it to soak in the bag for at least 30 minutes. Remove it from the bag and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any of the remaining deposits, and then screw it back onto the shower, Toner says.

Shower Curtains and Liners

Shower curtains and curtain liners are easy to forget about when it comes to your regular bathroom cleaning, but they should definitely be put on the list. If forgotten, shower curtains and liners can build up soap scum and mildew over time which can result in the bathroom smelling musty.

Most fabric shower curtains can be machine washed and thrown in with the rest of the bathroom towels, which makes it a great task to tackle at the beginning of each clean, Toner says. Shower curtain liners can either be spot cleaned or replaced entirely on a regular basis, depending on the kind you have.

Grout Lines

Scrubbing the grout lines is probably one of the last things that come to mind when you think about cleaning your bathroom. That is, until the grout has become noticeably dirty and discolored, at which point cleaning it becomes a daunting task.

Rather than waiting for soap scum, mildew, and dirt to build up to an unmanageable point, make a point of giving your grout lines a quick scrub during every clean. Toner recommends using a grout brush and mild cleaning solution to scrub down your bathroom grout on a regular basis.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are magnets for dust and debris in any area of the home, but they can get particularly grimy in the bathroom, where added humidity is a factor. Since they are usually mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall, exhaust fans tend to be forgotten about during regular bathroom cleanings. Luckily, the task is quick and easy. Simply use the hose attachment on your vacuum to remove any lingering dust and debris, and then remove the vent cover and gently wash it in a sink filled with warm soapy water. Let it dry and then return it.

Behind the Toilet

Cleaning the inside of the toilet is a staple of a good bathroom clean, but as it turns out, a lot of people forget to clean around the toilet as well. Think: the walls surrounding the toilet and the floor behind the toilet.

Whether it's because these areas are difficult to reach, or just because people don’t tend to think the walls and floor will be covered in germs and bacteria from the toilet, cleaning experts agree that this is a commonly missed area. Nathaly Vieira, founder of Ontario-based cleaning company InspireClean, recommends using a disinfectant cleaner or natural solution like vinegar and water to clean the area on a regular basis.

The Toilet Tank

Similarly, the toilet tank is often forgotten once the toilet bowl and lid have been cleaned. Don’t forget to give the toilet tank a good wipe down too. Not only is it a landing spot for spray and bacteria from the toilet, but it can harbor dust and grime as well. Experts recommend using a disinfectant cleaner and microfibre towel to clean the area at least once a week.

Inside Cabinets and Drawers

Bathroom cabinets and drawers can get chaotic and messy quickly, so we don’t blame you if it’s been a while since you emptied out your bathroom storage and gave your cabinets and drawers a good clean. That being said, it’s a task that feels good to stay on top of and will help keep all of your bathroom essentials clean and tidy says Jane Abrahams, founder and Head Organizer at Jane's Addiction Organization. Start by dejunking and organizing, and then give everything a good wipe-down and scrub if needed.

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Read the original article on The Spruce.