Bathroom

Cleaning Tips

Bathroom cleaning means reducing germs on surfaces, and preventing mold and mildew. And although toilet bowls are likely to contain germs, the risk of picking up germs directly from the toilet bowl is usually low, unless you touch it or it splashes during use or flushing or if someone in your family is sick with a stomach ailment.

In fact, the greatest risk of infection in the bathroom comes from surfaces that are frequently touched — like the toilet flush handle, toilet seat, faucets, and door handles. The following tips cover the basic steps to cleaning the bathroom, including preventing the growth of mold and mildew.

You can reduce germs on bathroom surfaces by using these simple guidelines. In addition, keep in mind that regular cleaning, disinfecting, and proper ventilation are the keys to preventing the growth of mold and mildew.

• Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl as often as necessary to prevent the buildup of dirt and scum like rust and lime scale that can harbor germs and cause nasty odors. Use a disinfectant toilet bowl cleaner. If you use a toilet brush, make sure it is stored clean and dry after use.
• Clean and disinfect prime germ spots: toilet flush handle, toilet seat, faucets and door handles. Disposable cleaning cloths or sanitizing wipes are easy and hygienic.
• Clean up spills immediately, and disinfect these surfaces. Disposable cleaning cloths or sanitizing wipes are quick and easy to use.
• Rinse sinks and showers after each use, and clean and disinfect them regularly with a suitable product to remove all the lime scale and soap scum that can harbor germs.
• Clean and disinfect bathtubs before and after each use. Germs that are removed from our bodies during a bath can be left behind to infect the next person.
• Germs can grow in showerheads. If you haven't used yours for a while, let it run on full power on a hot setting for a minute or two to flush any germs away before using.
• Store personal items (like toothbrushes) where germs are unlikely to splash onto them. Rinse them after each use and store them dry. Never share personal items.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and after cleaning the bathroom.
• Use disposable cleaning cloths or wipes whenever possible, so that you can throw the germs away.