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Tips for a germ-free bathroom

We’re sure you don’t need reminding that your bathroom needs to be kept clean. We’re equally sure that you are fastidious about keeping yours clean too but we have some helpful tips here just in case you are missing a trick.

 

Simple improvements you can make easily

Opening your window or leaving the extractor fan on for 15 to 20 minutes after you have showered or bathed will reduce moisture/condensation. This will also help you avoid mildew appearing.

 

Squeegee your shower to remove excess water dripping down the tiles too.

 

Bath mats

Make sure your bath mat completely tries after you have used it. If you leave it warm and damp it will encourage the growth of mould. If it is made from fabric make sure it goes through the washing machine once a week; if it’s a rubber one, then a whizz through the dishwasher will work. Alternatively you could soak it in bleach and water or vinegar and water to ensure that it is sanitised.

 

The proper cleaning products

Don’t be tempted to use a ‘one thing does everything’ products. Your mirrors and windows will need a specific glass cleaner and your toilet and possibly your taps will respond well to a solution that deters lime scale build-up.

 

The dirtiest places

Of course the toilet takes claim to this title but we know that most of you will make sure your toilet seat and bowl are spotless. But don’t forget the outside of the bowl, the tank (if it isn’t hidden) and the handle also need daily cleaning.

 

But perhaps one of the best ways to keep toilet germs to a minimum is to close the lid before you flush. The flushing motion sends un-lidded germs racing around the bathroom landing on everything – floor, towels, toothbrushes, other surfaces etc.

 

The toilet brush holder also comes out pretty high in the dirtiest places category unless you always follow these steps:

  • Make sure your toilet brush is clean before you replace it
  • Make sure it is dry – don’t put it into the holder wet or you are encouraging bacterial growth
  • Keep the brush holder clean by wiping with an antibacterial wipe or soaking regularly in an antibacterial liquid

 

Your toothbrush holder

Surprisingly this handy vessel came out as the third dirtiest place in the home in a survey carried out by National Sanitation Foundation in America. In the survey the researchers found more than 2 million bacteria cells in the average holder!

 

Best advice: make sure you wash it at least once a week putting through the dishwasher if you can or scrubbing it with soap and water if not. And don’t forget to put that loo seat down and wipe it down with antibacterial wipes in between washes.

 

Showerheads and enclosures

Showerheads also turn out to be a breeding ground for bacteria building up over time and contaminating the water as it flows from your shower.

 

The way to deal with this and keep your shower running freely is to soak it in kettle descaler or a solution of vinegar and water overnight. Rinse it well with clean water afterwards.

 

Machine wash shower curtain linings regularly and squeegee and thoroughly clean shower enclosures daily.

 

Taps

The most touched areas of your bathroom are the taps. They are touched before hand washing can take place after using the toilet. You should ensure that taps are wiped with an antibacterial wipe daily.

 

Handles

The same treatment applies to cabinet or other handles.

 

Baths and sinks

These two facilities also take a lot of use. They should be scrubbed – not just wiped – on a daily basis to make sure any scum or bacteria are removed. This particularly applies around the drains.

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