In spite of all the knocks against it, spring cleaning is a fantastic way to shake off the winter chills, freshen up your home and get a head start on the often frantic warmer months ahead. With the first day of spring (Thursday, March 19) rapidly approaching, it’s time to get moving.
While cleaning decks, patios and other outdoor living areas are important, your bathroom definitely needs attention.
Why is cleaning my bathroom so important?
When you think about it, it’s easy to recognize the bathroom as being the most important room in your home.
- It’s where we begin and end our days.
- For many, the room stimulates inspiration – while taking a shower or enjoying a long soak in the tub.
- Because there’s an unwritten rule that no one else enters when it’s in use, the bathroom can serve as your “safe space.”
When you get down to it, the bathroom is far more than a personal maintenance room. It’s your own fortress of solitude, and well worth the effort and elbow grease associated with spring cleaning.
What supplies do I need to spring clean my bathroom?
You probably already have a basic cleaning kit containing spray bottles, baking soda and all-purpose cleaners. That’s a good start.
Other essential items for specifically cleaning your bathroom include:
- Microfiber cleaning cloths – these are far more effective than regular cloths or rags in getting bathroom grime and dirt than regular cloths
- Toilet bowl cleaner – yes, we’ll be going there
- A toothbrush
- A sponge
- An equal parts water/vinegar mixture in the spray bottle
- Duster
- Ziplock bag
- Dish soap
- A steam or bleach cleaner
It’s important to make sure you have all these items before you begin cleaning. Each time you have to leave the room to buy another product is an opportunity to lose track or become distracted.
What’s the most effective way to begin cleaning my bathroom?
Before you get started, open the window to let in the fresh air. Even though it’s still a bit chilly outside, you’ll need the open window for air circulation and to keep you comfortable while cleaning.
- The first step is to de-clutter. We’re not talking about a major reorganization of your bathroom. Rather, this should only take a few minutes to remove things from countertops and off the floor. Just put everything right outside the bathroom door. This ensures you’re more easily able to do an in-depth cleaning.
Don’t forget about shower and window curtains, bath mats and dirty towels. This is the perfect time to either put them in the wash or replace them altogether. - Clean the surfaces. It’s best to work from top to bottom. Dampen the microfiber cloth with warm water and the water/vinegar mixture, and wipe down your walls and backwash areas over the sink.
As for cabinets, you should be able to use your water/vinegar mixture.
- Clean your countertops. Don’t use the water/vinegar solution here. Instead, use a dry microfiber cloth with a little dish soap.
- Clean the toilet itself. This can be a tricky one but it’s well worth the effort. The inside of the toilet bowl can be taken care of with scrub brush and toilet bowl cleaner. We recommend letting the cleaner soak inside the bowl for a while as you concentrate on the toilet base.
If you do not have a steam cleaner, soak the toothbrush head in the water/vinegar solution, and use it to clean the nooks and crannies along the seal of the toilet. - Clean the shower and tub. Dampen the tub and shower surfaces by letting the water run just a bit. Then, use the bleach cleaner and the sponge to scrub out and clean the surface.
- An ingenious way to clean the showerhead and faucets: This is where the Ziplock bag comes in. In the bag, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dab a bit of vinegar over the faucet or showerhead. Hold the bag around the head of the faucet or showerhead and secure it with a rubber band. After letting it soak for about an hour, use your toothbrush to remove any leftover residue.
Should I clean or remodel my bathroom?
Should I clean or remodel my bathroom?You can do both! In fact, through the process of decluttering and cleaning, you’ll have a much better understanding of the amount of room you have in your bathroom.
Use this time to think about what your ideal bathroom would look like. For inspirational ideas, you’re always welcome to visit our online gallery that shows some of our most recent work. You can also visit our Columbus showroom for in-person inspiration.
Here at Columbus Bath Design, we realize the thought of a remodeling project can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our personable and friendly designers will be happy to work with you, listen to your ideas, and find the perfect solution for you and your budget.
Find out how you can get $250 off your bathroom remodeling project by calling us at 614-721-3883. You can also get in touch by completing our online contact form.
