The 13 best bathroom cleaning hacks of all time

Cleaning the bathroom is a daunting task most people tend to put off, even though it’s best to do it semi-regularly to avoid intimidating buildup that takes hours to clean later. Make sure to clean behind places you’ll forget like the corner where the hamper stays –we’re sure you’ll find some webs and hair strands waiting to be wiped away. Cleaning may also help you organize the hair tools under the sink, too. You’re multitasking now; go, you! With these easy-to-follow bathroom cleaning hacks, you’ll spend less time scrubbing away and more time enjoying a hot bath.

1. Use vinegar to unclog shower heads

Hard water, aka mineral-rich water, leaves behind residue that clogs your shower head. Remove your shower head and let it soak in a container of white vinegar, or tie a bag of white vinegar around the shower head if yours is fixed. Rinse off and enjoy.

2. Repurpose old toothbrushes as grout cleaners

Apartment Therapy suggests using a toothbrush for cleaning difficult areas. Grout can accumulate soap scum, mold, and other gunk. Use old toothbrushes to scrub away dirt in these areas. For a quicker fix, apply bleach using a bleach pen, let it soak for a few hours, and then scrub with the toothbrush. Rinse with water.

3. Use shaving cream to prevent mirror steam and soap scum buildup

Before your next shower, spray a little bit of shaving cream onto your mirror or directly onto a towel and apply it to the mirror in circular motions. When you’re done, you’ll notice that your mirror is streak- and fog-free.

4. Clear shower drains with antacid tablets

Drop three or four antacid tablets into your shower drain. Pour in a cup of white vinegar shortly after, and enjoy a clog-free shower. This clears up stray hairs, soap buildup, and general drain muck. Bob Vila says, “This process will also alleviate unpleasant drain odors.”

5. Make your tub sparkle and smell fresh with grapefruit

Acidic grapefruit clears away soap scum and other stains from your tub, says Better Homes & Gardens. Cut one in half and sprinkle salt all over your tub, or just where it needs the most attention. In circular motions, scrub away with the grapefruit, squeezing juice out as you make your way around the tub. Rinse the remnants down the drain.

6. Spray sinks and shower doors with cooking spray

Non-stick cooking spray is a surprisingly effective soap, grime, and mildew remover. Who knew? Spray some onto your sink and shower doors, scrub with a sponge, and wash off.

7. Absorb undesirable odors with essential oils and rice

Fill a mason jar about halfway with white rice. Add in 10 drops of your preferred essential oil and shake the jar to spread the scent around. You can also use essential oil-infused cotton balls or leave out a bowl of baking soda to absorb odors.

8. Keep the fan on at least ten minutes after you shower

Leave your ceiling fan on way after you shower. This reduces humidity and makes your bathroom less hospitable for mildew and mold. Allergy and Air suggests having the fan on, opening a window or using a dehumidifier.

9. Eliminate shower curtain mildew with kitchen ingredients

Create a mixture of two parts vinegar, one part water, and one part baking soda to get rid of pesky shower curtain mildew. Soak the infected areas in the mixture and leave on for at least 20 minutes. Wash off with water and use a sponge to scrub off any lingering mildew spots.

10. Deep clean your toilet bowl with hydrogen peroxide

PureWow says, “Those unsightly stains on the inside of your toilet bowl can be removed with hydrogen peroxide, while it works to kill germs and bacteria, too.”

Quickly sanitize your toilet bowl regularly with hydrogen peroxide. Pour about half a cup into the bowl and leave it in there for at least 40 minutes, then flush.

11. Coat toilet seat screws and bolts with clear nail polish

Stray moisture and general wear and tear can make the bolts and screws on your toilet rusty. This not only looks dingy, but it can decrease the overall life of your toilet. Apply a coat or two of clear nail polish to these metal parts to prevent rust.

12. Cleanse countertops with vinegar and water

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a container or spray bottle. Spray onto your counter or dip a sponge into the mixture and scrub to get rid of toothpaste stains and dirt.

13. Protect metallic hardware with petroleum jelly or baby oil

Keep metal handles shiny with a coat of petroleum jelly or baby oil. Apply some onto a clean towel and use it to wipe off dirt on metal surfaces. If you have one, use a microfiber towel for maximum sparkle.

A few extra tips for cleaning your bathroom:

• Work your way either from left to right or top to bottom for a more organized cleaning, suggests Woman’s Day. Then follow our steps above the fastest way to clean a bathroom.

• To clean a bathroom quickly and efficiently, start by applying slow-acting disinfectants, stain removers, and soap scum cleansers first. Then clean off walls, medicine cabinets, windowsills, and other areas. Clean your tub and shower, then work your way to the sink. Scrub off the toilet and surrounding areas. Finally, mop, wipe, or disinfect the floor.

• Some non-abrasive cleaning products are dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, citrus juice, and cooking spray. All of these are less abrasive than commercial cleaning products.

Tidying up your bathroom doesn’t have to be a Herculean task when you have some bathroom cleaning hacks up your sleeve. Tackling the room area by area is a strategic approach to keep cleaning from feeling overwhelming. Whenever possible, use our tips whenever you have a few extra minutes each day to keep your bathroom spotless.