Keeping Bathroms Fresh & Clean Without Chemicals
Using Cleansers Wisely Will Result in a Spotlessly Clean Bathroom
Keeping bathrooms clean and fresh smelling is a task that almost no one looks forward to doing, yet it must be done. Knowing exactly what needs to be done and which products work best for the task at hand can make the job simpler and less time consuming. It will also make the job more enjoyable if it is done without the use of harsh chemicals.
Once a bathroom has been completely cleaned top to bottom, regular cleaning will take far less time and effort, and won`t seem like so much of a chore.
Cleaning Without Commercial Cleansers
When cleaning it is important to remember that clean does not smell like pine or green apples. Using more environmentally friendly products such as baking soda or white vinegar will clean even the toughest grime just as effectively as commercial cleansers, but without the potentially harmful added perfumes.
Cleaning Tubs and Showers
When cleaning the tub / shower, absolutely nothing should be left undone. Before cleaning, completely remove all bath items and place it the bathroom sink or large plastic container.
- Heat up enough white vinegar to fill a spray bottle.
- Spray showers walls, tub, taps and shower head with warmed vinegar.
- Allow the vinegar to sit for 10 - 15 minutes.
- After the vinegar has sat 10 - 15 minutes, apply baking soda to a sponge and scrub all surfaces of the tub and shower.
- Rinse immediately with hot water, and dry all surfaces with a soft dry towel.
- Rinse all bath product bottles under hot water and wipe with a cloth before putting them back into the tub / shower.
Cleaning the Toilet
There are many products available that will clean the hard water rings from toilet bowls, but most are acid or chlorine based and can have a harsh smell. To clean the bowl in a less toxic manner, all you need is some white vinegar and some baking soda.
- Shut the water source for the toilet off and flush toilet. This may have to be done more than once to leave the bowl empty.
- When the bowl is empty, spray the entire inside of the toilet bowl with full strength white vinegar.
- Sprinkle the vinegar with baking soda, close the lid and let stand for one hour (overnight is even better)
- After the vinegar and baking soda have been allowed to sit, use a toilet brush to scrub the entire bowl. Don`t forget under the rim.
The Toilet Tank
To avoid unsightly buildup in the toilet tank, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the tank at bedtime. In the morning just flush as usual. This should be done monthly.
Cleaning the Bathroom Sink
Porcelain sinks can be cleaned quickly with a solution of 3 parts water and one part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Just spray on and wipe off. To remove toothpaste or soap scum, just add a little baking soda, scrub lightly, rinse well and dry with a sot cloth.
- To clean mineral deposits or water marks from chrome faucets, just wet a soft cloth with a little white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dry and polish with a soft dry cloth.
Other Places Where Germs and Odors Hide
While the sink, tub and toilet are obvious places for germs and odors to be found, there are many other places where they hide.
- Floors: Most bathroom floors can be cleaned safely with a little vinegar and a few drops of dish soap mixed into a bucket of warm water.
- Bathroom fans / vents: Remove the grate and clean seasonally.
- Bathroom mats and decorative towels. These should be laundered monthly so that they do not take on a musty smell.
- Inside vanities and medicine cabinet: It is a good idea to empty both out seasonally and wipe out the insides. Be sure to wipe down the contents of these cabinets before replacing them.
- Baseboards: Moisture from showers and baths cause dust and hair to become stuck to baseboards
Cleaning With Commercial Cleansers
If commercial cleansers are preferred when cleaning the bathroom, there are some things that should be carefully considered before they are used.
- Never use more of the cleanser than is recommended on the label. Using extra can leave a residue that could be harmful to the lungs, but it will not get things any cleaner.
- Never mix cleansers. When different cleansers are mixed they can become extremely toxic.
- Always remember to open a window or turn on the bathroom vent when using commercial cleansers.
- When purchasing commercial spray cleansers, always opt for a trigger bottle rather than an aerosol can.
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