If you dont have any commercial floor cleaner, pour 1 cup (236 mL) of white vinegar into a bucket of water instead. Also, move out any little side tables or movable storage cabinets so that you can clean under them. Enjoy! Try letting the cleaning solution sit for longer on the second go-round and see if it whitens the grout more. Start on the lowest settingyou'll be amazed by what comes out. This vinegar solution is also a safe way to kill off mold and mildew on your bathroom floor. Next, fill the brush canister with warm, soapy water and let sit; dump the dirty water into the toilet. By incorporating your bathroom floor into your daily routine, this job becomes much more manageable. Rehang to dry. How to clean and descale a toilet cistern, How to clean toilet brushes and brush holders, Hot tub and Jacuzzi cleaning and disinfection, Sign up here for new product info and offers. For the faucet, Gerba recommends disposable disinfecting wipes, which significantly reduce bacteria. If you made the vinegar solution, test the solution on a small area before you begin cleaning the bathroom tile grout to make sure it doesn't cause discoloration. How to Clean Bathroom Floor Stains (4 Simple Steps) - Floor Care Kits What to do: You don't need heavy duty cleaners to make the bacterial stew disappear. It's also good practice to routinely clean and scrub shower caddies. Beyond oxygen bleach, there's an amazing variety of safe bathroom cleaners out there. Choose "high or scrub" for tough jobs, or "mop or medium" for day-to-day cleanings. ", "Now I don't take stress over cleaning the bathroom.". Dont step out of the shower and onto a dirty floor. While cleaning my husband's bathroom, I was using a bleach wipe on the walls and found that the walls were covered in a residue of urine. There's no room for mildew and mold especially in the place you rely on for clean hygiene. Art Fricke. Rinse with clean water and wipe to dry (3). Once you mop ceramic tile floors and scrub floors to remove stains, rinse out the mop or cloth with clean water. Sprinkle additional salt on the rust stain and begin to scrub with the lemon half squeeze as you go to release the juice. Working one section at a time, spray the cleaner directly onto your tiles. How to Clean And Disinfect Floors Including Wood and Tile Floors This will give you plenty of room to work and ensure you don't miss any areas of the floor when you're cleaning. This article has been viewed 36,477 times. Try rubbing alcohol for makeup or ink stains. If you're worried about germs on these surfaces, add a bit of bleach to your soapy water. Applying too much water can damage certain types of floors, especially if you have porous tiles. However, if this isnt an option, use only a slightly wet mop to keep water at a minimum. 4 Simple Ways to Clean a Bathroom Floor - Tips Bulletin However, vinegar can be damaging to some tile materials, so avoid if you have marble, slate, granite, or stone tiles. For shower doors, make a paste by adding a few drops of distilled white vinegar to a cup of baking soda; apply it directly to the door (it's nice and thick, so it will stick). Mix 1/2 to 3/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water and apply the solution to the bathroom surface. If you have any type of natural flooring in your bathroom, refrain from using acidic cleaners. But, you ask, if bleach is off-limits, what else can I use to disinfect my bathroom? Oprah.com, Jan. 19, 2010. Let sit for a few minutes; brush, and flush. Which brand of dishwasher tablets do you usually purchase? Check out the links on the next page for more info on alternative cleaning options. Then flush. Pay close attention to corners and grout lines as these places are more prone to mold. Get a bathroom floor that sparkles with these cleaning tips that help you get the job done faster. A solution of about 2/3 water, 1/3 bleach in a spray bottle can be handy for getting rid of mildew spots. For dirty grout that doesnt improve with the multi-purpose cleaner, put a bleach-containing cleanser such as Soft Scrub Gel Cleanser with Bleach on a brush and scrub. Get the down and dirty on how to clean your bathroomyes, including the trick to descaling a shower head. You may need to put a little more effort into scrubbing if your issue is how to clean non-slip shower floor textures, because dirt can build up around the bumps and ridges. Apply the paste with a nylon-bristled brush. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. If your grout is suffering from discolouration or stains, try using the juice of a lemon to get it back to its original colour. If the towel gets totally saturated, switch it out for a new dry towel. Fill a bag with distilled white vinegar and water about one-third of the way up. Test the method on an inconspicuous area first to determine if it is safe for your bathroom flooring before mopping the whole floor. For a greener option, sprinkle surfaces with baking soda and then spray them with vinegar. This will cause toxic fumes that can cause nose bleeds and even burn the nose and lung lining. Bathroom Cleaning Tips | How to Clean Bathroom | Dettol Australia Combine equal parts baking soda and water, then apply to the grout and leave to sit for up to an hour. Fill a bucket with the ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the baking soda. This would be a good time to wash your bath mat, too. Allow time to dry. Follow these steps for the cleanest bathroom floor. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. For others, though, that approach doesn't quite cut it. With supereffective tactics from Aggie MacKenzie, a coauthor of How Clean Is Your House?and Gerba's gory details to spur you onyou can clobber germs like never before. What Are Efficient Ways To Clean Bathroom Grout? We hope we've been able to persuade you to give them a try! Depending on the size of your bathroom, the size of the towel, and how wet the floor is, you can probably get by with 1-2 towels. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Alison Cooper Don't forget to reach around the base of the toilet where dust likes to collect! The best tip for how to clean bathroom sinks? Our article on how to clean a stained bathtubmay also be of use. How to Wash Your Bathroom Floor: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow A clean bathroom helps keep your family healthy, and it boosts your spirits. (July 7, 2012) http://www.oprah.com/home/How-to-Clean-House-Without-Toxic-Bleach, Van Schagen, Sarah. Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. 1. Always do this after you sweep and mop the floors, so that you have already removed as much surface dirt as possible and are only left with the stained and discolored tile grout. This technique will ensure that you dont step on any parts of the bathroom floor that you have already mopped and that you dont get trapped on the other side of the bathroom waiting for the floor to dry. Expert Interview. Apply a bathroom cleaner and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing. Remove any floor mats or other objects on the bathroom tile and clean a bath mat separately by vacuuming and then washing in the machine or by hand. Then, use a spare toothbrush to apply the cleaning solution to the grout. This is especially important if you share it with multiple people. Disinfect bathroom floors and toilet flush handles three times a week, according to North Dakota State University. Useful Tips To Make Your Everyday Life Just A Bit Better. Simple Green | US | Household | Bathroom | Floors Disinfect Test a hidden corner before cleaning the entire floor. Let sit for an hour, then rub with a microfiber cloth. Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Even sponges that have formerly come in contact with bleach can react with ammonia and cause. Last Updated: March 12, 2023 Although nobody enjoys cleaning bathroom floors, we hope our guide will make your experience a little easier. This ensures that the surface shines after cleaning. You'll probably want to use hot, soapy water for this purpose. And faucet handles? Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then wipe the vinegar and baking soda away with a damp cloth. Apply use solution of 2 oz. Then, pour 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach into the toilet and let it sit while you clean everything else. The stringy stuff is perfect for tackling that narrow, grimy space where the base of the faucet and the taps meet the sink. Her in-depth understanding of cleaning chemistry, stain removal, and green cleaning practices has earned her recognition in various industry publications. Clean bathroom tile and grout with your choice of products. Use a broom or even a vacuum. What if we told you that you dont need to wear a mask? Just plug the oil into the device, then plug the device into an outlet in your bathroom. This will help to ensure that the fan is working at full capacity. Fill up the water tank and allow the device to heat up. Use a baking soda paste on stains. Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Eww. While many floors can handle the same type of treatment, deep cleaning vinyl flooring may be easier than tile or wood laminate. By using our site, you agree to our. Unless you're using commercial grout cleaner, you'll have to make your own. Rinse the mop or cloth frequently. It cleans soap scum off of shower curtains, and even by itself, it is a great way to scrub floor tiles. for getting into all kinds of tricky corners and between tiles. Unclog a drain by pouring down a handful of baking soda and a half-cup of vinegar, covering for 15 minutes and then flushing with 2 quarts of boiling water. Wearing rubber gloves, use a stiff brush to apply the formula to one small area at a time. The best way to clean bathroom tiles is by starting with the basic cleaning steps above. Knowing how to clean a bathroom floor with minimum trouble lightens our daily load and brightens our day. Key Takeaways Clean bathroom floors regularly to remove germs and prevent mold or mildew growth. Use a broom or vacuum to remove dust and loose dirt before mopping with a cleaning solution. Let's start with a natural remedy. She is dedicated to providing accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date information on cleaning products, methods, and technologies. The best part is that you can use natural products such as vinegar. Spread wet towels on a bar, where air can circulate, rather than hanging them from a hook, where folds form. For more serious hard water staining, youll want to leave the vinegar to act for a while. Turn the machine on and push or pulse the trigger as you move across the floor. Combine two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide if you're cleaning coarse or fragile tiles. Studies have shown that chlorinated VOC (volatile organic compound) levels in the home skyrocket when you clean with bleach. ), How to Clean a Shower So It Sparkles from Top to Bottom, The 10 Best Grout Cleaners of 2023 for Satisfyingly Clean Bathrooms, Kitchens, and Floors, How to Clean Grout Using Pantry Staples You Probably Already Have, How to Clean with Vinegar to Keep Every Room in Your Home Spotless, Your Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Bathroom Mold, 20 Summer Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Home, The 11 Best Mops for Tile Floors of 2023 Your Home Needs, How to Clean Bathroom Faucets and Fixtures for Spotless Surfaces, 7 Ways to Clean Your Bathroom With Bleach, Follow Our Apartment Cleaning Checklist to Simplify Move-Out Day, How to Install Subway Tile in Your Bathroom for Timeless Style, Homemade Cleaners You Can Make with Ingredients from Your Pantry, 4 Simple Steps to Clean a Bathtub with Sparkling Results. Still seeing spots? Then, use a sponge to scrub the area. If your bathroom is on the small side, you can probably mop the whole floor without re-wetting your mop. When you notice grout haze (if you know, you know), follow this tried-and-tested guide: Mix 3/4 cup household chlorine bleach with 1 gallon water. Let sit for an hour, then rub with a microfiber cloth. When you shop through links on our site, we may receive compensation. An easy way to pick up your small dust pile is with a slightly damp paper towel. Sweep along the edges of the room and work to collect dust and dirt in the middle. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. "How to Disinfect Your Bathroom Without Bleach" Go over the entire area again, being sure to wipe away any soap or excess water to prevent water spots. It pulverizes mold, decimates mildew and destroys germs. We got you covered! Dust any light fixtures, cabinets, and corners, working your way from the top of the bathroom down to the floor. So how exactly should you clean your bathroom floor? Beginning at the far end of the bathroom, sweep toward the door, making sure to get into corners. Dust and loose bits of toilet paper tend to gather in the nooks and crannies around the toilet. But if you're ready for a big change (and you enjoy saving lots of money), you can work wonders in your bathroom with a few all-natural ingredients that you probably already have. You can also use ammonia to remove mold and mildew stains. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. How can I get rid of this? Why: Many share them, and they trap moisturethat's a recipe for bacteria stew. For mildly dirty grout, combine two parts baking soda and one part water. That's why we asked Carolyn Forte, the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, about how to clean your bathroom from top to bottom. Toothpaste buildup, along with remains of the soap and hair, tend to make the perfect surroundings for all sorts of germs. RELATED: The Best Toilet Bowl Cleaners to Buy. One of the best ways to remove hard water stains from bathroom floor tiles is to use white vinegar. Apply the paste onto the dirty areas of the bathroom floor like the grout using an old toothbrush. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This will remove the dirt and grime from the tile surface before you clean tile grout. You can change the settings on the scent dispenser to turn the intensity up or down. Be sure you're starting at the far end of your bathroom so you finish drying by the door. If you've got delicate wallpaper, place a soft, clean, dry rag over the bristles. What to do: First, flip the circuit breaker. You can also pour a cup of white vinegar into the bucket if you wish. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. Mix a cleaner for the bathroom floor in you It's. 2 Pour some bleach or another disinfectant into the toilet bowl. The floor will never dry if youre sloshing huge amounts of water around, so squeeze out excess water after each dip into the mop bucket. How to clean and disinfect floors | Dettol 1 cup ammonia. If you happen to mix it with anything that contains ammonia, it produces an extremely toxic gas. Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Mix one cup of vinegar and one cup of hot water in a bucket. X For awkward spaces, such as behind the toilet, you may find it easier to use a dustpan and brush. of this product per gal. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Read on for some tips in efficiency in keeping your surfaces, walls, floor, shower and toilet sparkling clean. Did you know that bathroom floors host a variety of microorganisms from stomach viruses to the fungi responsible for athletes foot (1)? Add one cup of salt and about two tablespoons of dish soap. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Here are some of the ways you can combine these magic ingredients to produce powerful cleaning action: Hopefully this goes without saying, but dont break the mop out if youre in the unusual position of having a carpeted bathroom floor. 2. % of people told us that this article helped them. Large bathrooms may require two towels, depending on how wet they get. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. You can mop with just water, but it wont remove bacteria from your floors. Rehang to dry. Why: Prepare to shudder: The sink drain wins for the highest bathroom bacteria counttopping even the toilet seat. Why: While it helps reduce mold and mildew, the fan also inhales a smorgasbord of airborne particles, which can linger on the blades and the vent. But for extra gleam, fill it with hot water, then drain. Never use abrasive cleaners or green abrasive scrub pads or steel wool on porcelain fixtures, as they will quickly dull the finish. For a green alternative, mix a tablespoon of baking powder into about a quart of 75/25 mix of white vinegar and water. Why: Gerba says that a flushing toilet, when viewed in slow motion, resembles a fireworks display. A number of cotton swabs can be helpful, as can a toothbrush (kept only for cleaning, of course!) Disinfecting Bathrooms, Toilets, Showers & Baths | Zoflora Tip: You can use vinegar instead of water or hydrogen peroxide, but only if your bathroom floor is not made of natural stone, which can be damaged by vinegar. Cloths and mops should be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Starting with a good sweep-down before mopping will make tile floor cleaning easier and the floor will look better, too. However, if you need to clean off stains or deposits, baking soda makes the best grout cleaner this side of commercial cleaning products. (July 7, 2012) http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Portals/0/Health/EnvironmentalHealth/healthyhomes-safer%20alternatives.pdf, Maker, Melissa. Cleaning slate floors is a little different than cleaning laminate or tile, so pick the appropriate cleaner recipe before getting out your mop. Other fungi in the bathroom generally may not cause disease but can trigger asthma and allergies. If you must use cloths, be fastidious about where each one is employed and stored. You might be surprised to hear this, but distilled white vinegar, lemons and baking soda (along with some borax and a little tea tree oil) are all you really need to combat bathroom mold, mildew and grime. Luckily, natural cleaners such as vinegar and lemon juice are always close at hand and effective. What to do: Spray countertops, walls, and the ceiling with an all-purpose cleaner and turn on the shower, cranking the hot water until steam builds (about five minutes). You are fortunate if you dont need to clean your tile grout daily. Consider a spin mop since these are effective at wringing out excess water. ", https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/g1238/15-secrets-to-cleaning-your-home-in-half-the-time/, https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.html, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-a-clogged-showerhead/, http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/keeping-your-bathroom-clean-in-5-minutes-a-day-171474, http://www.marthastewart.com/275312/vacuum-any-surface/@center/277000/homekeeping-solutions.