Guess what we did yesterday! That’s right! We cleaned our bathrooms! We did it like bosses, too–or, more accurately, like we were working in a five-star hotel with our bosses standing over us and threatening our jobs. Which is kind of true, since we had a deadline for today. The important thing is that we’re going to have a precious few days where anyone can visit us without us worrying that there’s going to be a toilet ring, splattered mirror or even some toothpaste in the sink. Here are some of the useful tips that we uncovered… [image via iiddu]
- Rule #1, Never mix cleaning products containing bleach with those containing ammonia or vinegar– While cleaning your bathroom, do not mix bleach based with ammonia or vinegar based products. This is very dangerous and can cause a chemical reaction that results in a noxious gas.
- Mix your solution– Mix 1/3 cup of clear ammonia or vinegar into 1 gallon of warm water. You can use a bucket or sink with the stopper in place.
- Surface swipe– Pour some of the solution into a spray bottle to use on mirrors and all other surfaces. Spray down the mirrors first and use paper towels or a chamois to wipe it off. Spray the faucets and door handles with the solution and wipe as you would the mirror.
- Toilet- Take the top off of the toilet tank and pour one cup of the solution inside and replace the top. Flush the toilet. Sprinkle the exterior, interior and rim of the toilet with baking soda. Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub these surfaces. Follow the scrub by spraying the bottled surface solution and wiping it down.
- Floor surfaces- Vacuum the floor surfaces. Take two cups of the solution pour them on the floor and around the basin of the toilet, tub and sink. Let this sit for a few minutes before running a damp clothed mop over the surface to absorb the moisture.
- Tub and shower– While you are waiting for the cleaning solution to do its magic on your floors, sprinkle the tub, faucet and shower head with baking soda. Lightly scrub the surfaces. Turn on the shower head to wash away the dirt and baking soda. Follow this by spraying the surfaces with the cleaning solution and wiping it off with a paper towel or chamois.
- Sink– If you have used your sink to hold your cleaning agent then drain your sink and wipe it down with paper towels or a chamois.
- Clean towels and a fresh toilet paper roll– Put a fresh bath mat, bath towel, hand towels and washcloths either folded and put away or hanging. Make sure that there is a fresh roll of toilet paper within reach, either in a paper receptacle or on top of the toilet.
- Dedicated drawer for guests– A good hostess will always be ready to provide her guests with a fresh toothbrush and new tube of toothpaste, shampoo, body wash and a razor. You can pick-up most of these items in the travel section of your local drug store for just about under a dollar.
- Space for everyone– Each member of your family has different essentials that they require when it comes to grooming. The little ones have toys and baby wash and the older kids have face washes, scented hair supplies and make-up. Dad has his shaving kit and Mom has her spa remedies. All of these items should have their own space. A simple plastic basket for each house member will eliminate clutter and keep everyone from fighting over who’s is what. These baskets should be placed either beneath the sink, or in a drawer.
- Fresh Smell– Finish your cleaning with a light spray of lavender water to freshen up your bathroom. This smell is light, fragrant and clean smelling without being overpowering like other sprays.
Your bathroom should be kept clean for your family and guests. The clean test is shiny surfaces, a sparkly toilet, floors that glisten and a tub that squeaks clean when you rub it. Fresh toiletries and towels are also essential to a clean and inviting bathroom.
