Spring has sprung! But before you get too excited to start outdoor cleanup, (It is important to leave last fall’s leaves and twigs alone for overwintering pollinators until it is consistently 50º!) spend a day doing some deep bathroom cleaning! We compiled a list of important bathroom maintenance/cleaning projects to do to keep your bathroom in its prime.
Remove Mineral Buildup on Showerheads
If your showerhead shows visible signs of mineral deposits or has clogged or partially clogged holes, an easy fix is to remove the showerhead and soak it in a bowl of white vinegar. If your showerhead is difficult to remove, simply tie a plastic bag full of vinegar around the showerhead and let it soak overnight. This should remove a lot of the mineral deposits. If you need to use pliers to remove your showerhead, please do so carefully! Always use a cloth between the pliers and the showerhead to prevent scratches.
Clean Aerators in the Bathroom Faucet
A faucet aerator is a small screen that fits into the end of most kitchen and bathroom faucets. It adds air to the water flow to soften the stream of water. Sometimes the screen gets clogged with mineral deposits, which can lead to a slow or erratic stream. If this is the case in your home, it needs to be cleaned! Each faucet is different, so we suggest looking up how to clean your aerator depending on what model you have installed. It is generally an easy process that can be done with some very simple tools and a bowl of vinegar.
Wipe Down Vanity Cabinet Drawers and Handles
Your vanity cabinet sees a lot of use every day. How often do you wipe it down? Little bits of toothpaste and hairspray may have made a permanent home on the cupboard doors and handles. Wipe them down with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth.
Fix a Running Toilet
If your toilet hasn’t been running optimally, it might be time to do some easy maintenance. First, check on your flapper. If there is any silt or gunk on it, it may not be creating a tight seal. Simply wipe down the flap with a washcloth and check for any cracks or broken pieces that might need replacing. Perhaps your toilet is running because of a kink in the chain. If that is the case, here’s a hack for you to try! Put a plastic straw around the chain to prevent it from folding over and sticking.
Remove Vent Fan Covers and Clean
Here’s something you don’t think of every day, but your vent fan needs to be cleaned! Excess moisture and dust can prevent your fan from working well. Remove the cover and wipe it down, then carefully wipe down the fan blades too. You’ll be amazed at how dirty your fan is.
Wash or Replace the Shower Curtain
Here’s a friendly reminder that it might be time to replace your mildewy shower curtain and/or liner. Perhaps it’s a good time to consider installing a shower door? Frameless shower doors are easy to clean since they have large glass panels and minimal hardware.
Caulk the Front of the Toilet
To caulk or not to caulk, that is the question. Pros disagree on whether to caulk around the base of the toilet or not. If the entire toilet base is sealed you won’t be aware of leaks, which can cause significant damage to your floor. But if you don’t caulk around the base, it can get pretty gross down there. We suggest splitting the difference. Instead of caulking around the entire toilet, just apply caulk to the front and sides, leaving the back open. This allows any leaks to be visible while also allowing for easy cleaning!
Clean and Seal Grout
When was the last time you sealed the grout in your tile shower? This is a task that should be done annually to prevent leaks and keep your grout in prime condition. Depending on the type of grout your bathroom has, there are different techniques for cleaning it. Do some research to prevent doing lasting damage to your tile and grout. Or, just say goodbye to grout-cleaning forever by installing a beautiful Onyx shower!
