There’s no dirtier job than cleaning the bathroom, but it’s something we all have to do.

Common myths and cleaning tips can seem phenomenal. Still, there are a few simple points that everyone should be following.

Check out Better Homes & Gardens’ most common bathroom cleaning mistakes to see if you’re actually making this grimy household duty harder for yourself. 

1. Using one-for-all product

Unfortunately, the concept of “less is best” does not apply to the bathroom. There are multiple surfaces in a bathroom, which generally means they need different cleaning products to be cleaned correctly.

For tiles, opt for a mild abrasive cleaner to remove soap scum and mold. Vanities and bathtubs need something non-abrasive to avoid scratching them during the cleaning process. Toilets, meanwhile, need a strong antibacterial product to stop the spread of germs. For a streak-free finish, use a glass cleaner for your mirrors and glass surfaces.

2. Not cleaning your hair and toothbrushes

You may think that once all your surfaces are shiny and clean, the bathroom-cleaning job is finished. Wrong. Bacteria builds up inside toothbrushes, so you should be replacing them every three months and thoroughly soaking them in vinegar every two weeks.

It’s also wise to keep toothbrushes out of direct light and away from the toilet. The build-up of hair in brushes should be removed, as skin and other bacteria accrue inside.

Read also: Cleaning and caring tips for white sneakers

3. Not brushing your toilet brush

It’s a no-brainer that the toilet brush would be home to a pool of bacteria, but most of us avoid cleaning it often. The easiest way to do it is by filling a bucket with hot water and two capsules of bleach and leaving it in there for an hour. Rinse with hot water and leave it to dry thoroughly before replacing it in the toilet brush holder.

4. Not cleaning your pipes

Out of sight, out of mind, right? Nope. It’s recommended that you should be cleaning your pipes every month or two to prevent grease, oil and hair build up inside.

The easiest way to do it is by pouring half a cup baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup white vinegar. Let it settle for a few minutes so that the fatty acids can dissolve, then finish the clean by pouring boiling water down the drain.

5. Not giving enough time for the products to work

We all want to get the dirty job done as quickly as possible. However, if you want it perfectly clean, you might have to wait.

Most products need time to set once applied, so always follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure squeaky-clean results.

6. Not having proper ventilation

The smell of product in a bathroom indicates to most that it’s squeaky clean. However, it can be damaging to your health. It’s important to properly ventilate bathrooms, especially after using heavy cleaning chemicals like bleach or strong-smelling products.

For small bathrooms or apartments with minimal ventilation, try to opt for mild or natural cleaning products where possible to reduce the harm on your health. (geo/kes)