Spring Clean for
a Tidy Bathroom
by Jill Black
The bathroom as with any room in the home is best taken one
step at a time in a logical order.
1. Create a blank Canvas with which to work.
Empty out all cabinets, drawers, medicine chests and linen
storage areas and gather together soaps, bath oils,
shampoos, conditioners, razors and toys from the shower and
tub areas.
As you remove items, take the time to sort through and
evaluate whether or not you really need each item. Toss any
threadbare or frayed towels and bathroom linens or put aside
to use when it comes time to clean the bathroom. Dispose of
all expired, unused, leaking or empty medication bottles,
lotions, perfumes, sample products and cosmetics that are
old or the wrong color. Take the time to review the
relevancy of any decorative items you may keep in the
bathroom. If you have outgrown your love for something
replace it with something else (give it away or toss it
altogether) and make room for something better.
Note 1: Out-of-date make-up products can grow bacteria's
that lead to eye and skin infections. If you don't use it -
toss it!
Note 2: If you keep medications and vitamin supplements in
the bathroom transfer them to another area of the home. Heat
and moisture in a bathroom can degrade their medicinal and
nutritional value.
Remove any shower curtains, window coverings and rugs. Place
them in the wash or replace if moldy. Curtains are notorious
for growing mould. For a few dollars it is easier to
replace them with new ones that match the bathroom décor.
2. Now that the bathroom spaces are cleared, give them a
thorough cleaning.
Work from the top down cleaning ceilings, walls, windows and
mirrors. Wipe out drawers and cupboards and reline if
necessary.
Clean mould from crevices especially tiled walls, around
shower door openings, shower heads and basin edges where
grime tends to accumulate.
Clean the toilet, counters, sink/s and faucets. Next vacuum
sweep and mop over the floor.
3. A place for everything and everything in its place.
With your clean canvas it is time to evaluate your storage
and organize your belongings back into the bathroom. Sort
through the items you have collected in a way that makes
sense to you. Start with the essential items used on a daily
basis placing them in readily accessible locations. Store
what you can under the counter and in the counter drawers if
you have them (out of sight out of mind). Try to keep the
actual counter top area clear if possible.
Next decide where you will keep your basic supply of spare
towels, extra paper, feminine hygiene products, hair care
and back-up supplies of soap and shampoo
. There are many storage solutions available to help keep
the bathroom tidy in the future. Here are a few ideas to
help make your bathroom tidy and functional for all the
family.
- Baskets – Baskets are a popular and inexpensive way to add
eye appeal. Give each household member a different colored
basket. Line "his" and "her" baskets with plastic coated
material to store toiletries such as toothpaste, combs,
brushes, shaving products, hair styling, makeup, nails,
personal hygiene items etc.