Add these less-than-obvious tips to your checklist and take your bathroom to next-level clean
By Perry Santanachote
Is there anything more satisfying than stepping foot into a sparkling clean bathroom? For clean freaks, this might take the cake. And I’m not just talking about the basics like clean tiles and a sanitized toilet, but the extras—perfectly tidy drawers, pristine grooming tools, glass doors that make you look twice, and showerhead nozzles so unclogged you can practically swim in them.
Take just 20 minutes or less for each task over five days, and you’ll have an enviable bathroom by the week’s end.
Descale Your Showerhead
Look up—is your showerhead clogged up with scaly mineral deposits? If it’s a metal showerhead, place it in a pot with a solution of one part vinegar to eight parts water, bring it to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.
If your showerhead is plastic, soak it in a solution of equal parts vinegar and hot water.
Can’t or don’t want to remove the showerhead? Use the plastic bag method. Fill a plastic zipper bag with just enough vinegar to submerge your showerhead’s nozzles. Wrap it around the showerhead and secure the bag with a rubber band, tape, or twist tie. Let it sit for a few hours, then remove the bag and turn on the water for a few minutes to rinse out the vinegar.
Clean and Organize Your Bathroom Drawers
Toss out expired sunscreen and old cosmetics, vacuum the drawer or wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and reorganize. If you don’t already have drawer organizers, consider getting acrylic trays. Having a designated spot for everything helps keep the drawer tidy. Bonus: Declutter and organize the cabinet under the sink, too (we’ve got tips).
Clean Your Hair Dryer’s Filter
Not only is a dirty hair dryer grody to look at, but a clogged vent can make the dryer overheat and damage your hair, causing breakage and split ends. Keep it clean and cool(ish) in three easy steps.
- Unplug the hair dryer and locate the dryer’s vent filter, which is generally on the back end. Take off the cover simply by unclasping or unscrewing.
- Run the filter under running water to remove hair, dust, lint, and debris. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub any stubborn spots. Dry it completely before replacing it on the dryer.
- If any dust or debris got past the filter and onto the vent, gently vacuum it with the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner.
Apply Rain-X to Shower Doors
Just like it does on your car’s windshield, Rain-X will repel the water on your shower door to keep it clean longer. Apply a coat to freshly cleaned shower doors. If there’s soap scum built up, first mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the door with a nonabrasive sponge, rubbing gently; rinse with white vinegar.
Clean Your Toothbrush Holder
According to NSF, a Michigan-based product testing, inspection, and certification organization, the toothbrush holder is the third germiest spot in the home. If it’s dishwasher-safe, just pop it in with a load of your dishes. If not, hand-wash it with hot soapy water, rinse, and wipe it with a disinfecting wipe. If your manual toothbrush’s bristles are frayed, or it’s been in use for several months, use it as a handy scrubber to clean grout and various crevices in your bathroom and elsewhere. If you use an electric toothbrush, give the base a scrub and wipe down the charging stand, too. Bonus: Clean your actual toothbrush.
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