While you might imagine that a small bathroom is easier to keep clean and tidy than a big bathroom, in the majority of instances, the opposite is actually true.
Generally, when space is at a premium, small spaces get cluttered and crowded pretty quickly, and that’s often due to a lack of storage. Without enough square footage to fit many cabinets in, or without a towel rail for example, those using a small bathroom tend to leave their bottles, accessories, towels and even clothes, lying around on the floor or on any available surface, where dust and grime soon settles on them.
However, there’s no need to despair if you’ve got a small bathroom that’s eternally grimy and cluttered, here are some tips to keep the space cleaner and tidier:
Use ‘secondary surfaces’
Without a cabinet to put things in (or only a small cabinet which isn’t big enough), clutter will soon accumulate on all available surfaces in a small bathroom, making it a much more tiresome task to clean. Every object has to be removed before those surfaces can be wiped down and sanitized, and who has the time for that?
But, what about buying some trays or storage boxes that can be placed on those surfaces, to facilitate quicker and more effective cleaning? Anything that might leak, such as toothpaste or soap, can be put on a tray, but really, there’s no limit to what can be kept in a tray, and even that is much easier to wash when it gets grubby.
Add more storage levels
The best way to get the most storage out of a small bathroom, is to try and be creative with what little space there is. Consider putting up hanging or wall-mounted shelves to give you more storage options, or racks over your toilet, corner shelving units or small standing shelves. By making the most of the vertical space, you can avoid overcrowding on surfaces.
Buy a hand vacuum
These aren’t expensive, but they can make so much life easier, especially in small rooms and spaces in the home. Whether you buy a cheaper, battery powered model, or invest in a branded vacuum that can convert easily into a hand-held device, being able to suck up hair and nail clippings will help make a small bathroom look and feel so much cleaner and tidier.
Keep it smelling fresh
Even a small, tidy bathroom can feel unclean if it smells icky. To help combat lingering bathroom odors, which can include mould and damp, use a plug-in or battery powered diffuser. Scented candles are also lovely, but may not be the safest option if you share your home with small children or seniors.
Of course, cleaning the toilet and sink regularly can help minimize nasty odors, as can changing the towels frequently and washing the shower curtain every couple of months or so.
It doesn’t take much to keep a small bathroom clean and tidy, but without some creative storage options, you may be fighting a losing battle. If your small bathroom is still a mess, even after putting up shelving and using secondary surfaces, having a cleaning service come in once a week could help keep it cleaner, for longer.
