Effective bathroom cleaning methods to ensure lasting shine: A comprehensive guide

To keep your bathroom clean, shiny, metal fixtures and surfaces shining, and germs at bay, there are a few simple, yet effective, tricks of the trade.

Detailed explanations of the tricks for cleaning the bathroom, in the following lines, noting that some of the tricks also sanitize this humid environment, while using natural and inexpensive detergents.

Mix baking soda and vinegar to clean your bathroom sink and toilet

Cleaning the bathroom sink

To get rid of bathroom sink stains, apply the following trick: Sprinkle baking soda powder generously, wait a few minutes, then pour in white vinegar, wait a bit, and let it react. Then, using a sponge or brush, scrub the mixture, paying special attention to stained or dirty areas. Rinse the sink with warm water and dry it with a clean towel.

Baking soda is a “gentle” abrasive, effective at removing stains, vinegar is acidic, which helps get rid of dirt and bacteria, and the trick is not only effective, but also “eco-friendly” and inexpensive.

In addition, to keep the toilet bowl clean, pour a cup of white vinegar into the toilet bowl, making sure to cover the sides and bottom, and wait for a few minutes to break up stains and bacteria. Then, add half a cup of baking soda. A reaction will occur when the two ingredients are combined.

After waiting for 10 minutes, i.e. after the reaction has subsided, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, focusing on any particularly stained or discolored areas, and then turn on the siphon.

Lemon fruits to remove stains from faucets

Hard water stains can make metal bathroom fixtures, especially faucets, look dull. Scrub the stains with half a lemon, cut in half. Wait a few minutes before scrubbing again with a soft cloth or sponge, rinsing with warm water, and drying with a microfiber cloth. The citric acid in lemons dissolves calcium deposits and minerals that cause hard water stains, and lemons leave a pleasant odor in the bathroom.

You can also use lemons to remove rust from bathroom areas. Scrub the stains with half a peeled lemon and sprinkle with salt crystals. Apply moderate pressure, noting that citric acid is able to break down the rust, while the salt provides scrubbing power. Rinse the area with warm water and wipe with a clean cloth

Toothpaste for chrome bathroom fixtures

Toothpaste is a polish for faucets, showerheads, and any other metal surface. Non-gel toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can remove dirt and water stains from metal bathroom fixtures without scratching them.

The trick is to apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cloth (or sponge) and rub the metal fittings, especially chrome, in small circular motions, focusing on areas where there are stains or fingerprints. After waiting a few minutes, rinse the fittings with warm water and wipe with a clean cloth to remove any toothpaste residue. As a result, the chrome fittings will shine.

Mixing vinegar and dishwashing liquid for walls and shower cubicle glass

Mix equal amounts of dishwashing liquid and vinegar together and fill a spray bottle, ideal for cleaning bathroom walls and shower cubicle glass, as dishwashing liquid removes grease and dirt, while vinegar dissolves soap residue that adheres to surfaces.

Add the mixture, generously, to the walls and glass door of the shower cubicle and wait for 15 minutes. This time allows the vinegar to break down stubborn buildup, while the dishwashing liquid adheres to the residue, making it easier to sponge or brush away gently. Rinse surfaces with warm water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

On the other hand, hair, soap scum, and debris can clog the bathroom sink, slowing down water drainage or creating an unpleasant odor. So, use a baking soda and vinegar mixture, as follows: Add half a cup of baking soda to the drain, followed by half a cup of white vinegar. After you notice the effervescence from the interaction of the two ingredients, the dirt will disintegrate inside the pipes.

Wait at least 15 minutes, or longer in the case of a severely clogged drain, before rinsing the drain with hot water. Repeat the process on a monthly basis.

Baking soda paste for bathtub care and grout details

Baking soda paste is an effective way to care for your bathtub without scratching it. The paste is prepared by mixing baking soda powder with a little water until the paste is thick and spreadable on the bathtub, waiting for 15 minutes to loosen the soap residue. Then, use a sponge or brush to rub the paste in a circular motion. Afterward, rinse the tub with warm water to remove any traces of baking soda paste. For extra shine, wipe the sink with a clean towel after rinsing.

This paste is used for another task in the bathroom; over time, the grout details in the bathroom ceiling can become dirty, especially in a humid bathroom environment. To address this issue, use an old toothbrush to clean the grout, without damaging the surrounding tiles, using the aforementioned paste. After waiting for some time, rinse the area with water or wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Dryer sheets for glass shower doors

The ingredients in dryer sheets, which are used in an automatic dryer to prevent electrical charges from getting trapped in clothes, including fabric softening agents, help break up soap scum and mineral deposits on glass doors, especially those belonging to the shower cubicle. Simply take a dryer sheet, moisten it with a little water, and rub the glass door in small circular motions. The texture of the dryer sheet acts as a gentle abrasive, effectively lifting the soap suds without scratching the glass. The glass stays cleaner for longer. After scrubbing the entire surface, rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber towel.

White distilled vinegar to polish the shower head

Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can clog the showerhead nozzles, reducing water pressure and flow. To make the shower head work efficiently, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and tie it tightly around the shower head with an elastic band, making sure the nozzles are submerged in the vinegar. Allow the shower head to soak in the vinegar for at least one hour (or more, depending on the degree of clogging).

The acidity of the vinegar will dissolve the mineral buildup inside the nozzles, removing blockages and helping the water flow more freely. After removing the bag, turn on the shower to flush out any sediment buildup around the nozzles, using a toothbrush to gently clean them.

Tea tree oil to fight mold and fungus

The bathroom is prone to mold and mildew growth due to the high humidity levels in this home environment. To combat this, use tea tree oil, which has anti-fungal and anti-mold properties. Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water and fill a spray bottle with the result.

Spray the solution on areas prone to mold, such as: Shower tiles, grout, and other wet spots, without rinsing with water. Repeat once a week or as needed.

Tea tree oil has a fresh, earthy scent, adding a nice touch of aromatherapy to your cleaning routine.

Baby oil to quickly polish faucets

To quickly polish faucets, add a few drops of baby oil to a soft cloth and rub the fittings. This barrier helps prevent water stains and new fingerprints from appearing. Repeat this trick every time you clean the bathroom.

Medical alcohol to polish bathroom mirrors

Lines appear on bathroom mirrors, and the latter appear foggy, after taking a shower. Rubbing alcohol offers a quick fix. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth and wipe each mirror in circular motions. The rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving the mirror clear. Medical alcohol penetrates grease and oil, and is more effective at removing toothpaste residue and other stubborn stains than traditional glass cleaner.

To keep your mirror looking its best, repeat the above trick once a week or as often as needed.