How to clean a bathroom

Our no-nonsense guide to cleaning a bathroom. From the toilet to the tiles, we have you covered.

Updated 4 June 2024

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Author Written by Steven Marwick

Reading Time 5 minutes

Fact Checked This article has been fact checked by the Unilever Research and Development Team Fact Checked

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A tidy and modern bathroom with geometric tile patterns, featuring a bathtub with a shower, a toilet, a sink with a mirror above it, and decorative lighting. Bathroom Cleaning

One of the things that people often ask is how best to clean the bathroom completely, which products to use on different surfaces, and which techniques to employ in order to get optimal results. We wanted to help with some of these everyday problems and have produced this guide to help you make your bathroom sparkle.

Guide to Cleaning a Bathroom

How to Clean Limescale from the Toilet

This chore is often dreaded more than most aspects of bathroom cleaning. Cleaning limescale from a toilet is a relatively simple task if you use the right tools for the job. A solution made of one part white vinegar and one part water and sprayed from a spray bottle can help clean limescale. Just leave it for a few hours and flush to see the results.

Using a power foam spray can help kill germs * in hardest-to-reach places. It is designed to work upside down, using expandable foam that can be used across all the bathroom. Domestos is a good example of this and can be a valuable addition to your bathroom cleaning toolkit, taking the effort out of getting sparkling results every time.

How to Clean Bathroom Tiles and Grout

Cleaning bathroom tiles and grout is much easier than it appears. Our old friend white vinegar comes in handy again. You could use vinegar and water or alternatively, you can use baking soda mixed with water until it becomes a thin paste.

Use a cloth or a soft sponge to spread the solution over the tiles and grout and leave it for a while before rinsing off again.

Alternatively, when the stains are proving more difficult to remove, more robust bathroom cleaning products such as Cif Power and Shine Bathroom Cleaner are an excellent option to clean floors and surfaces.

Person in yellow gloves dusting a light fixture in front of a round bathroom mirror.

How to Clean a Bathroom Mirror

The first step to cleaning a bathroom mirror is to make it slightly damp by misting it with water sprayed from a bottle or to apply it with a damp cloth. From there, you can wipe the mirror with a soft cloth to remove most of the dirt. As a final step, dry the mirror with a second cloth, perhaps one made of cotton or a similar material.

Care should be taken not to damage the mirror using harshly textured cloths and sponges. The aim is to clean the mirror rather than act like you are exfoliating it. Too much friction can cause damage and smudging, and this should be avoided.

How to Clean a Bathroom Extractor Fan

Having the knowledge and expertise to clean a bathroom extractor fan can make it last longer before needing to be replaced. Cleaning the extractor fan also helps it perform at an optimum level and keeps your bathroom a healthy and hygienic place. Cleaning your bathroom extractor fan can be an excellent money saver and is relatively easy to do. Please follow manufacturer’s instructions.

The first step, as with anything electrical, is to ensure that the power is off. Once this has been done, you should lay down some sheeting or old newspapers to catch any detritus or dust that comes loose during the cleaning process.

You may need a screwdriver to remove the external cover and access the inside of the fan’s casing. Once the outer casing has been removed, place it in a tub or sink of warm soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. Once this has been done, remove it from the water and use a kitchen scourer to clean it thoroughly but gently. Leave it to dry out again after this is done.

Remove the fan filter and the fan component, which will likely have been exposed when the casing was removed. Place both in warm water to soak, then clean and dry them exactly like you did with the cover.

Removing the fan grants access to the interior, and you should clean and dust this with a small hand brush, using an old toothbrush to get to all the places that are more difficult to reach. Once this has been done, clean everything with a kitchen scourer or sponge and allow the inside to dry. Once you are sure that everything has been thoroughly dried, replace the components you removed and seal up the fan again.

How to Clean a Bathroom Mat

Bathroom rugs and mats are suitable for cold washing in the washing machine with a gentle detergent. Hanging them outside to dry in the fresh air can help remove any semblance of an odour, and tumble drying them on the lowest heat settings can also dry them.

Heat should never be used to wash or dry plastic-backed bathroom mats because of the potential for them to crack or melt, which can render them dangerous to stand on in the future. If you have any doubts about how to wash a bathroom rug, please check the instructions on the label.

Person wearing yellow gloves cleaning a white bathroom surface with a blue cloth.

References

https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/how-to-clean-a-bathroom-extractor-fan

https://www.merrymaids.com/cleaning-tips/quick-tips/how-to-wash-bathroom-rugs

https://www.plumbworld.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-bathroom-tiles/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a31407258/how-to-clean-toilet/

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Bathroom

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Frequently asked questions on bathroom cleaning

  • How often should I clean my bathroom?

    Cleaning your bathroom once per week should be sufficient for most people. If you have a particularly large family who all share the bathroom, it may be needed more frequently than this, especially the toilet. Using high quality bathroom cleaning products can help to minimize the amount of time this takes.
  • Why is White Vinegar So Good at Bathroom Cleaning?

    White vinegar contains 5% acetic acid, which can help remove tough stains such as those found in the bathroom. It can dissolve grease and limescale and is a popular alternative to using harsher chemicals. As an acidic substance, it isn’t suitable for all surfaces so take care not to use it on granite, marble or stone.
  • What is the Most Important Part of Bathroom Cleaning?

    When cleaning a bathroom, it is vital to ensure you are cleaning the areas most prone to the propagation of germs. These are the countertops, toilet, sink, bathtub and floor. Ensure that you pay special attention to these areas and clean them with antibacterial cleaning products such as those mentioned above. This will help to ensure that you have a clean and hygienic bathroom for yourself and your family.

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