The Most Missed Bathroom Cleaning Spots
Most bathroom cleaning routines cover the obvious surfaces — toilet bowl, mirror, sink basin. But bacteria, mould, and grime accumulate in spots that are rarely touched. Here are the most commonly missed bathroom cleaning spots and how to address them.
1. Toothbrush Holder
Toothbrush holders are one of the most bacteria-laden items in the home — studies consistently find them third on the list behind the kitchen drain and dish sponge. Water drips from toothbrushes, bacteria from toothpaste and mouths, and dust all accumulate inside the tube holes. Remove the holder (if detachable) and soak in hot soapy water weekly. Scrub inside the holes with a small bottle brush or cotton swab. Rinse, dry completely, and replace. For non-removable holders: at minimum run a wet cotton swab inside each hole weekly.
2. Faucet Base and Handle Underside
The base of the faucet where it meets the counter collects water, toothpaste, soap, and mineral deposits in a ring that's hard to reach. Use a cotton swab or old toothbrush with all-purpose cleaner to scrub this area. The underside of the faucet handle, where hands grip from below, also accumulates soap residue that isn't reached by wiping only the top.
3. Toilet Hinge Caps and Base
The plastic caps covering the bolts at the base of the toilet accumulate dark grime. Pop them off and clean underneath — this area is never reached otherwise. The gap between the toilet base and floor collects hair and grime. A cotton swab or stiff brush cleans this effectively. The hinge of the toilet seat also collects grime where it folds — clean with a cotton swab.
4. Shower Curtain Hooks and Rod
Shower curtain hooks or rings collect mildew where the hook contacts the rod. Remove them and soak in a solution of warm water and white vinegar for 30 minutes, then rinse. The rod itself accumulates grime and water stains at the contact points with the brackets — wipe with a damp cloth. The hem at the bottom of the shower curtain is the highest-mildew zone — check and clean weekly; replace the curtain liner when it has black mildew staining that won't clean off.
5. Behind the Toilet
The floor behind and alongside the toilet is one of the least-cleaned spots in a bathroom. Hair, dust, and grime accumulate there. Use a long-handled brush or wedge a cloth behind the toilet to wipe the floor. The back of the toilet tank also collects dust that's rarely removed.
6. Bathroom Exhaust Fan Blades
Dust accumulates on the fan blades and housing rapidly. With power off, remove the cover and wipe blades with a damp cloth or use compressed air. A clogged fan runs constantly but moves little air, allowing moisture to build up and cause mould.
7. Light Switch and Outlet Plates
Bathroom switches are touched with wet hands constantly. Wipe weekly with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol — both the plate and the switch itself.
8. Drawer Pulls and Cabinet Handles
Bathroom cabinet handles are touched repeatedly, often with product-covered hands. Wipe handles weekly with a damp cloth. Clean the base of handles where they meet the door with a cotton swab.
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