Bathrooms are big breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, and while we may feel fresh and clean after showering or bathing, the truth may be that we have ingested harmful toxins that can make us sick, especially if we aren’t cleaning the bathroom regularly enough. While those of us with healthy immune systems may not be affected, pregnant women, children, the elderly and all others with weakened immune systems may find themselves suffering. Some of the symptoms of bacterial infections include a cough, shortness of breath, tiredness and persistent weakness.
How often should you clean your bathroom?
The simplest answer would be that you can never clean your bathroom often enough, but since most of us don’t have the time or the inclination to clean it every day, then once a week should suffice, provided you are thorough.
Where can bathroom bacteria grow?
There are precious few places where bacteria can’t grow in your bathroom, but some of the commonest places where it’s found lurking are around the toilet, under the sink, in the bath tub, in the shower, on the tiles and on windows.
You may smell the bacteria before you see it, and unfortunately that smell will not disappear easily, so when you do tackle the bacteria (and you need to do it often), you must ensure that you use the appropriate weapons to destroy it fully!
How best to rid your bathroom of bacteria?
Using a bleach based solution to clean the entire bathroom will undoubtedly banish the bacteria and help eliminate odours, but do be careful on certain surfaces and check that it won’t stain it by testing a small area. However, it can certainly be used safely on toilets, sinks and tiles, but be careful not to splash it on your clothes or get it on your skin.
If you prefer to use a more natural cleaning solution, then a mixture of vinegar, lemon juice and hot water will do the job just as well, you could even some baking powder for an extra bacterial busting boost.
Since the shower is probably the most frequently used (whether it be a cubicle or tub style shower), let’s take a more detailed look at how to clean it thoroughly and rid it of all bacteria.
Cleaning the shower
If you can cope with the eye watering aroma, try immersing the shower head in a bucketful of white vinegar, and try to leave it for at least a couple of hours, but ideally overnight. This will help get rid of the bacteria that are bound to be multiplying there, and once you’ve let it soak, give it a thorough scrub with an abrasive sponge to remove all the scale and lime deposits.
Wiping the whole shower down after each time you use it will help to prevent bacteria and grime from building up there, but if that’s a little too much like hard work for you, then simply try to do it at least once a week, but more often if it’s used by many members of the household.
What can you do if you’re overrun with bacteria?
Call in the professionals! Those who clean for a living are accustomed to mucking out other people’s homes and won’t judge you for the bacteria and grime that may have accumulated in your bathroom! Often, cleaning companies offer services that are cheaper than you think, and of course, you don’t have to hire them to clean the entire house if it’s just the bathroom that’s your problem area.
When it comes to cleanliness and hygiene, don’t take any chances, make sure your bathroom is spotless by whatever means necessary, or your health, and the health of all other members of the household, could be compromised.
