Cleaning hacks: Professional cleaner’s tips and tricks for making bathroom cleaning easier

It’s easy to get behind on cleaning and we’ve all had times where the time between cleans had stretched out further than we’d like.

So research from Aussie cleaning brand Oates, which is sponsoring Clean Up Australia month this March, that we’re slacking a bit on household chores is very relatable.

To get us back on track and make cleaning the bathroom that little bit easier professional cleaner Olivia from Spot On Cleaning Sydney has shared her tips.

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Starting with the shower, Oates data shows most people are cleaning the shower weekly but 24 per cent of us admit to doing it monthly.

But a month is just too long according to Olivia, who recommends cleaning the shower once a week.

“The average person spends over six months of their life in the shower. That’s a lot of time, making it a great reminder to clean your shower weekly if not at least fortnightly,” she says.

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“While we are in the shower, we wash down the drain oils, dirt, and body wash. Even though much of it does flow away, a lot of it still accumulates on the walls, floor, glass, and shower head.

“To prevent mould and soap scum buildup, a thorough scrub once a week is highly recommended.”

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As for grout, Olivia says it’s best to clean it fortnightly to prevent mould and mildew buildup.

“If you notice stains or discolouration, it’s a good idea to give it extra attention by scrubbing it more frequently, especially in high-moisture areas. Ideally for me once a week is great but fortnightly at the most,” she says.

To make both shower glass and grout easier to clean Olivia confirms squeegeeing excess water off the shower walls and door after use really does make a difference.

And she has a clever hack for getting children in the habit early, “If you have young kids, make it a game or challenge to encourage them to do it too.”

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Another simple tip to help make cleaning the shower easier is swapping bar soap for body wash, which Olivia says leaves less residue on shower glass.

When it’s time to clean the shower the pro recommends using good old dishwashing liquid to give the glass a scrub.

“Make sure to rinse the product thoroughly to avoid any residue. For an extra shine, finish with a clean, dry microfiber or glass cloth to wipe the glass and buff out any streaks,” Olivia says.

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The bath is another area that isn’t getting the attention it needs. While 42 per cent of Aussies are cleaning it once a week or more, 26 per cent are doing it every two to three weeks and 21 per cent are scrubbing it once a month.

If you don’t use the bath in your home, Olivia suggests wiping it every two to three weeks to remove dust.

For those who use the bath regularly a weekly clean is recommended.

“Soap, dirt and body oils can build up quickly. Giving the bath a quick rinse after each use can help to remove mould build-ups, but a proper cleaning is required at least once a week by thoroughly scrubbing it with a cleaning product and scourer,” Olivia says.

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To prevent the bath being a strain on the back and having to get down on your knees the Sydney mum has a handy hack.

“Use a round flat head mop to scrub and clean the bath to avoid bending over and straining your back. After you have applied the cleaning product let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. This helps loosen grime and makes the cleaning process quicker,” she says. 

The toilet may be most Aussies’ least favourite thing to clean but 71 per cent of us are doing it once a week or more, perhaps because it’s so obviously germy.

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However, 18 per cent are cleaning the toilet every two to three weeks, eight per cent once a month and three per cent are doing it once every two to six months.

“Ideally, toilets should be cleaned at least once a week. However, I clean mine two to three times throughout the week, as toilets are a highly used space in the home and can hold a lot of germs and bacteria. Regular cleaning keeps things fresh and helps prevent the spread of bacteria,” Olivia says.

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“To make toilet cleaning easier and more frequent, I keep a small cleaning caddy under my bathroom sink full of bathroom cleaning supplies like spray and wipe and toilet cleaner nearby for quick cleaning.

“A quick daily wipe of the seat prevents buildup, and setting a routine such as cleaning the toilet after a shower makes it a habit. My favourite wipes are the Oates microfibre cloths.”

During March, 10 cents from every sale of the Oates 3pk Microfibre cloths will go to Clean Up Australia, purchases can be made at Coles and Coles Online.

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