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Cleaning Your Bathroom: Part I - The Toilet
The bathroom. The thought of this room elicits many different reactions from many different people. It's usually the smallest room next to the closet, yet it's used more often than the front hall. When you leave this room you should feel cleaner than when you entered it, but so many people cringe at the thought of how you can get the room itself to be pristine. It isn't difficult or time consuming, and it isn't a job that requires a decontamination suit. All it takes is a little effort, a little routine, and a little commitment.
When you think of cleaning the bathroom, you might have an image of kneeling over a toilet, scrubbing furiously with a toilet brush wearing a painter's mask, and wishing you could afford a maid to do it instead. I know I do, but when I finally get down to the knitty-gritty of the matter, it's rarely as horrible as I imagine. I realize that cleaning the bathroom can be one of the most arduous and boring chores, but it can also be very simple. You don't need a magic toilet wand or an enchanted scrub brush. All you need to do is take it one step at a time. Not only will you and your family appreciate the effort put into it, but you'll also avoid the risk of bacterial illness.
Before you begin, there are some things that are required if you'd like your ceramic and porcelain palace to really shine. First off, you'll need a pair of rubber gloves. Many people also like to use painter's masks, and I'm no exception. Second, you'll need a cleanser of some sort. There are many different cleansers out there, so the ones you use are up to you, but I like to use one that gets rid of bacteria and germs while removing any discoloration. I don't like mixing bleach with anything, in fact I avoid using straight bleach whenever I can, so I prefer a cleaner that does essentially the same job. I also suggest using disinfectant spray. Regardless of the chemicals you use, ventilation is highly recommended, so be sure to open all doors and windows in your bathroom, and consider using a fan to keep a fresh air circulating. Third, you'll want to have a sponge and bucket. Whether you use this bucket for fresh water or a mix for your cleaner(s) is up to you. A broom, dust pan and mop should be on-hand for later, when you clean the floor. Make sure you have a good toilet brush, and finally - something no project should be without - a radio to keep you moving.
With me, it's easy to try to multitask, and it usually ends with an entire project only getting half done. The important thing to remember is that you have to start simple and keep focused. Today's project: The toilet. Starting is sometimes the hardest part, but with something like this you have to jump in with both feet - metaphorically speaking. Start by putting on your gloves, lifting the cover and seat, and applying your cleanser to the bowl. Make sure to get it on the bowl itself, not just in the water. I usually flush before doing this, not only to get the entire bowl wet but to get the cleanser in contact with the bottom of the bowl. Once applied, you should let the cleanser sit for a minute or so before dousing the toilet brush in the water and scrubbing, taking care to thoroughly clean the underside of the rim as well as the water line. At this point you should flush the toilet to get clean water back in and rinse both the bowl and brush. I usually go over the bowl with a second treatment to ensure sanitation.
I prefer tackling any stains with the toilet brush, unless the chemical I'm using is likely to remove such stains. Some people also like putting bleach in the tank water to keep the tank and bowl clean with each flush. As I mentioned, I'm no fan of bleach, but it is definitely a good idea for those who don't mind using it. Spray disinfectant on both sides of the seat and rim. Then wipe down the tank, lid, base, and sides of the toilet with the disinfectant or your cleanser, if you're using an all-purpose cleaner. Finally, go over the seat, lid, and outside of the toilet with your sponge so that there is no chemical residue. Let it dry as you take your well-earned break. This may sometimes seem like a daunting task, but with the right pace, the right attitude, and most importantly the right equipment, it should seem like no time at all.
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