Do you wash your mouth with the showerhead when you shower? I recently read a shocking article indicating that it could expose you to unknown microbes or bacteria present in the showerhead might be introduced into your mouth. Even if the bacteria are generally harmless, the risk of introducing them to your mouth, especially with open wounds or gum issues, could lead to infection! This can be very concerning for people with weakened immune systems as well. If you answered “yes” to my first question, take a chance to look at are my simple, bacteria-busting cleaning tips to get rid of hidden germs in your bathroom! From descaling a shower head to the easiest (and least unpleasant) way to scrub the toilet, this guide has everything you need for a cleaner bathroom.
Deep cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated—just follow these expert tips to make every part of your bathroom shine and stay germ-free.
How Gross Is the Bathroom?
According to Charles Gerba, a virology professor at the University of Arizona who’s done tons of research on household bacteria, the bathroom is, frankly, pretty gross. But with top cleaning tips from Aggie MacKenzie, coauthor of How Clean Is Your House?, and Gerba’s eye-opening insights, you’ll be ready to tackle those germs like a pro.
First rule of bathroom cleaning? Keep it dry! After you clean, make sure to dry off all surfaces to prevent bacteria from sticking around.
Whether you break your cleaning into smaller sessions or knock it all out in one go, keeping up these habits every few months will help you wash away your worries—literally!
Descale the Shower Head
Why clean the showerhead? It can actually hold Mycobacterium avium, a bacteria linked to lung infections. Gerba explains that when you turn on an unclean shower, you might be sending millions of germs right into the air—and possibly your lungs.
Here’s how to clean it: Fill a plastic bag with enough white vinegar to cover the showerhead nozzle. Tie it around the showerhead and let it soak overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and run the water to rinse it out.
Clean the Shower Curtain or Doors
Why clean your tub and shower? Germs from the showerhead (and from us!) can stick around in there.
Here’s what to do: Toss plastic shower curtains and liners in the washing machine with some detergent and a few old towels. The towels will help scrub off soap scum and mildew. Once they’re clean, just rehang them to dry.
For shower doors, make a thick paste with baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar. Spread it on the door, let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a microfiber cloth. Rinse well and dry with a fresh cloth. To keep odors, soap scum, and mildew away, spray shower surfaces regularly with a cleaner.
For tubs, a quick weekly scrub usually does the trick, but for extra shine, fill it with hot water, drain, then apply bathroom cleaner. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub.
To keep everything fresh, wipe down surfaces after each shower and open a window for an hour daily to reduce humidity.
Refresh Dingy Grout
Why clean grout? It’s porous, which makes it an easy spot for bacteria to grow.
Here’s how: Dip a grout brush in undiluted bleach and scrub any discolored spots, then rinse thoroughly. Make sure the room is well-ventilated while you’re working.
To keep grout in good shape, seal it every six months to block moisture and grime. For tough stains, try a reliable tile and grout cleaner.
Also Read: How to Clean Tile Grout in the Bathroom and Kitchen?
Clean Bathroom Countertops, Walls, and Ceilings
Why clean bathroom surfaces? Soap, dirt, and skin cells leave behind a thin film that can build up over time.
Here’s how to clean it up: Spray an all-purpose cleaner on countertops, walls, and the ceiling. Then, turn on the shower with hot water until the room steams up (about five minutes).
Turn off the water, close the door, and let the steam and cleaner sit for 20 minutes. After that, wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth. For hard-to-reach spots, use a clean, dry microfiber mop. Don’t forget to wipe the tile floor last. For tough mold or mildew, use a mold remover.
To prevent watermarks on tile, apply car wax once a year so water just rolls off. And on untiled walls and ceilings, mildew-resistant paint can help keep things fresh.
Also Read: What are the best eco-friendly cleaning products?
Get the Toilet Sparkly Clean
Why clean your toilet thoroughly? According to Gerba, a flushing toilet looks like a fireworks show in slow motion! Even after flushing, bacteria like E. coli and salmonella can spray into the air and settle on the seat, handle, and nearby surfaces.
Here’s what to do: Pour a cup of baking soda into the bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, scrub, and flush. If stains are still there, use a damp pumice stone—it’s rough enough to scrub away limescale and mineral deposits but won’t damage the surface.
For tough buildup (or if cleaning those hard-to-reach spots makes you cringe), consider a small, light-duty electric pressure washer. It can reach tricky areas like the hinges without much hassle. Start on the lowest setting and watch it work wonders.
Always close the lid before flushing and turn on the vent fan—it helps suck up bacteria before they land. And if you don’t already, keep toothbrushes and contact lenses stored inside the medicine cabinet for extra protection.
Clean the Bathroom Sink
Why clean the sink drain? Brace yourself: it actually holds the most bacteria in the bathroom—yes, even more than the toilet seat! Gerba’s research found as many bacteria down there as on a cutting board used for raw meat. And faucet handles? We touch them after using the toilet and before washing our hands. Yikes!
Here’s what to do: No need for strong cleaners. Just pour some white vinegar or baking soda down the drain and flush with hot water.
For the faucet handles, Gerba suggests using disposable disinfecting wipes since they cut down bacteria effectively. Reusable cloths can actually spread germs, and Gerba has even found toilet bacteria in kitchen sinks this way!
If you’re using cloths, be super careful with where each one goes and keep them separate. Once you’re done with the handles, grab some dental floss—it’s perfect for cleaning that narrow, grimy space where the faucet base meets the sink. And don’t forget to give the bathroom mirror a quick clean with glass cleaner for the finishing touch!
Wash Hand Towels the Right Way
Why clean towels often? They’re shared, hold moisture, and are perfect for growing bacteria.
Here’s what to do: If your washing machine has a sanitizing setting, use it—or just add bleach or chlorine free bleach alternative . Swap out towels for fresh ones every three to four days.
Hang wet towels on a bar so they can air out, not on a hook where they stay folded and damp. Also, clean the towel bar itself; it collects bacteria too. And keep wet towels away from the toilet (remember that slow-motion spray we mentioned?). Wash your bath mats regularly, too—they’re another cozy spot for bacteria.
Degerm the Bathroom Vent
Why clean your bathroom fan? While it helps cut down on mold and mildew, it also collects a bunch of airborne particles that can stick to the blades and vent.
Here’s what to do: First, turn off the circuit breaker. Then, take off the cover and soak it in warm, soapy water. Use your vacuum’s nozzle attachment to clean off any gunk on the fan blades, and wipe them down with a damp cloth. For the motor and other tight spots, use a stiff paintbrush to get rid of dust, then vacuum up the debris. Once everything is dry, put the cover back on.
After cleaning, consider putting the fan on a timer switch (a quick job for a handyman). This way, you can run it during every shower and for about 30 minutes afterward to keep moisture and energy use in check.
Also Read: What are the best cleaning hacks for the kitchen?
Clean Your Bathroom Cleaning Tools
Why clean your toilet brush? If you don’t, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria!
Here’s what to do: Clean the toilet brush after every use. First, place the brush handle between the already-cleaned seat and the bowl so it hovers over the toilet. Then, pour some bleach over the bristles and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, rinse it off with clean water from a pitcher.
Next, fill the brush holder with warm, soapy water and let it soak for a bit before dumping the dirty water into the toilet. This way, your toilet brush stays clean and ready for the next time you need it!
