Cleaning your bathroom is definitely not a fun, nor easy task to do. Who likes scrubbing the toilet and cleaning out hairs from the drainage? Every time we look to get the job done as fast as possible, but end up doing more bad than good. We’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes you are probably already guilty of doing right now.

1. Using One Product for Everything

Don’t think a spray of Windex is all you need to clean your bathroom – every area needs it only specific product fit for the job. Glass cleaner may make thinks look shiny and pretty, but deep down it’s really not doing much. Use a tub-and-tile spray like Mr. Clean to deep clean germs and dirt, and save the Windex for your mirrors and windows.

 2. Putting Back a Wet Toilet Brush

After cleaning your toilet with the toilet brush, putting a soaking brush back into the holder is just asking for trouble. A breeding ground of germs and bacteria forms and is definitely not something you want to have in your home. Instead, place the brush across the toilet seat and allow all the water to drip down into the bowl and dry completely before putting it back.

3. Only Cleaning Obviously Dirty Parts

Even if some parts of your bathroom already look clean, there is no reason you shouldn’t freshen them up. Germs and bacteria can’t be seen so it’s important to get at every corner like your bathroom wall tiles, and not to mention that dirty grout! If dirty, discolored grout is a big culprit in your bathroom, consider installing PVC bathroom cladding. These bathroom panels are cheap to install, and will save you a lot of pain cleaning in the long run.

4. Not Turning on the Fan

Keeping the fan running is one of the best ways to cut out the formation of mold and bacteria from growing in your bathroom. Before getting into the shower, turn it on and then leave it running for about 20 minutes after your are done. This way it will suck out the moisture and keep your bathroom nice and dry. You can also just open up the window and create a draft to dry up your space.

5. Keeping the Shower Curtain Open

An open bunched up shower curtain is a culprit for attracting mildew and mold. After showering make sure to pull the curtain closed so it can dry easier. If you noticed a cloudy build up on your curtain, toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with some towels and a little bit of bleach.

6. Skimping on Cleaning Little Details

The tiniest details in your bathroom can be the dirtiest like doorknobs, drawer pulls, and not to mention the toilet handle! Make sure to thoroughly disinfect and wipe down everything to make sure you aren’t spreading even more germs around your bath.

We love using home-made cleaning solutions! The store-bought chemicals can irritate your throat and nose, and they’re not safe to come into contact with your skin, either. Using only a few simple and cheap pantry ingredients, you can create your very own cleaning solutions for cheap. Give the environment (and yourself!) a break and try these recipes.

White Vinegar

Vinegar dissolves dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits. Although it’s a tough acid, it’s gentle enough to use on hardwood floors. White vinegar is also a natural deodorizer, and absorbs odours instead of masking them. If you’re worried about the smell, it goes away completely when the vinegar dries. If you have sensitive skin, vinegar is great as a fabric softener. Add 1 cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle instead of regular fabric softener. For hard water deposits on your showerhead, simply place 1/2 cup vinegar in a sandwich bag and tie around the showerhead with a rubber band. Allow it to sit overnight and rinse in the morning. If you’re looking for an all-purpose spray cleaner, simply mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup water in a spray bottle. This is great for countertops, backsplash areas, and floors.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has a mild abrasive action and has natural deodorizing properties. It’s a great replacement for harsh store-bought scouring powders. Sprinkle baking soda on your sponge for bathtub rings, vanity units, or removing food deposits from the kitchen sink. For tough stains and grime, make a paste of baking soda and water and leave it to stand for 10-20 minutes until the deposits have softened and can be removed easily. To keep drains running smoothly, pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain and a little hot water to wash the baking soda down. Allow it to sit overnight, and don’t use it on blocked drains.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is great on windows, mirrors, and hard-surface ceramic tiles. It’s also good to put it into a spray bottle and spray on points of contact to kill germs (door handles, steering wheels, toilet handles, toilet seats, etc.).

Ammonia

Ammonia is a strong window and all-purpose cleaner, and it’s stronger than vinegar. For a tough cleaning solution, mix 1 tbsp ammonia, 1tbsp dishwashing liquid, and 2 cups of water.

Photos: Trusper, Modern Survival Online, Good Ideas and Tips, Kendricks Stationers, DIY Life.