Professional Janitors Reveal How to Clean Your Bathroom Correctly
Many individuals approach bathroom cleaning with a haphazard method, spraying surfaces and hoping for optimal results. However, experts emphasize that a systematic strategy is essential for achieving a truly clean and hygienic space. This guide compiles advice from seasoned janitors and custodians to help you transform your cleaning routine from amateur to professional.
Dust Before You Disinfect
Brandon Pleshek, a janitor and cleaning expert, highlights a critical oversight in typical cleaning practices. He explains that toilets often accumulate hair, dust, and lint on external surfaces. Applying cleaner directly to these particles can create a sticky, difficult-to-remove mess. Pleshek recommends dusting the toilet first using tools like Swiffer dusters, toilet paper, or even an old sock that can be laundered afterward. This simple step prevents residue buildup and makes the disinfecting process more effective.
Allow Proper Dwell Time for Disinfectants
Jeff Maddox, a custodian with over twenty-five years of experience, stresses the importance of dwell time for disinfectants to work effectively. He advises spraying sinks, urinals, and toilets at the beginning of your cleaning session. Allowing the product to sit for at least ten to fifteen minutes ensures it kills germs and eliminates odors thoroughly. Rushing this step can compromise sanitation and leave behind harmful bacteria.
Eliminate Cleaning Product Residue
A common mistake, according to Maddox, is failing to wipe off chrome surfaces after spraying cleaners. Residue left on faucet handles and other fixtures can cause discoloration, such as a greenish tint. Maddox recommends using products like Bar Keepers Friend to maintain shine and prevent damage. Proper wiping not only enhances appearance but also extends the lifespan of bathroom fixtures.
Adopt a Top-Down Cleaning Order
Pleshek advocates for a top-down approach to avoid recontaminating cleaned areas. Start with mirrors, then proceed to toilets, showers, and tubs, finishing with floors. This method ensures that dirt and debris from higher surfaces do not fall onto already cleaned lower areas, saving time and effort in the long run.
Achieve Streak-Free Mirrors
For spotless mirrors, Pleshek suggests using two towels: one for applying glass cleaner and a microfiber towel for drying. This technique helps achieve a polished, streak-free finish. Additionally, turn off vanity lights during cleaning, as heat from bulbs can cause cleaner to dry too quickly, leading to streaks. A cool, well-ventilated environment is ideal for mirror maintenance.
Recommended Cleaning Products
Experts swear by specific tools and products for professional-grade results. Maddox praises Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner for keeping toilets sanitized and fresh. Pleshek recommends a Drill Brush Attachment Set for basic scrubbing needs, ideal for beginners. For mirrors, Maddox prefers Sprayway Glass Cleaner for its streak-free performance. To upgrade your routine, Pleshek suggests the Ryobi Power Scrubber for tackling tough grime. For microfiber towels, he endorses Clean That Up towels for their durability and absorbency.
Additional Lifestyle Tips from The Filter Newsletter
The original article also includes sections on spring wardrobe refreshes, plastic-free kitchen upgrades, gift ideas for new moms, and juicer recommendations. These topics, while related to living better, focus on broader lifestyle improvements beyond bathroom cleaning. For instance, plastic-free kitchen swaps aim to reduce microplastics, and juicer tests highlight options for healthy beverages.
By following these expert tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and clean your bathroom efficiently and effectively. Implementing a structured routine with the right products will ensure a hygienic, sparkling space without the frustration of sticky messes or streaky mirrors.
