10 Critical Bathroom Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid for Optimal Hygiene and Safety

While few homeowners look forward to it, cleaning the bathroom is a non-negotiable part of home maintenance and personal hygiene, as these spaces are undoubtedly among the dirtiest spots in any home. Therefore, utilizing the correct techniques and supplies is essential. From using the wrong chemicals to overlooking critical spots, here are ten common and often detrimental bathroom cleaning mistakes you should stop making immediately.

The Complete Bathroom Cleaning Checklist: Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning with Excessive Harsh Chemicals

Many assume that using harsh chemicals is the only route to a sanitized bathroom, which is far from true. According to Lindsay Droz and Kristi Lord, founders of L’Avant Collective, milder solutions are often better. “Instead of reaching for a cleanser made with bleach, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of baking soda into your sink, tubs, shower drains, or tile, and liberaly spray a natural multipurpose cleaner until it forms a paste,” they advise. Milder, natural solutions like vinegar or baking soda can often perform the cleaning job just as effectively without the corrosive damage, explains Robin Murphy of ChirpChirp Cleaning. Over-reliance on harsh chemicals can degrade materials like grout and sealants over time, leading to long-term repair issues.
Mixing Cleaning Chemicals

If you must use conventional chemicals, mixing multiple types is a critical safety mistake. Dr. Laura Haupert, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer for OMI Industries, warns, “The mixing of harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia to quickly eliminate odors can produce toxic fumes and severely irritate the respiratory system, particularly when ventilation is inadequate.” Always read warning labels thoroughly before combining any chemical products, and ensure you have excellent ventilation.
Scrubbing with Paper Towels

Paper towels offer convenience but are not the best choice for cleaning bathroom surfaces. Spencer Martin, Founder and CEO of Sonic Power, notes that “Paper towels are not ideal because they often leave visible bits and pieces on the mirror and surfaces.” Experts recommend alternatives such as standard microfiber cloth or specialized Swedish cloths (made of biodegradable cellulose and wood pulp), which clean more effectively and leave no residue.
Using the Same Cloth for All Surfaces

Viviana Holguin of Maid Brigade of Northern Connecticut strongly advises against using the same cloth or sponge for the entire bathroom, as this guarantees the spread of germs from one surface to another. “It’s better to use different clothes for different areas, especially for the toilet,” she says. Designate separate cloths for the toilet, floor, and counter/mirror areas.
Using a Dirty Toilet Brush

Most people neglect to clean their toilet brush after use, resulting in the spread of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Holguin emphasizes that “Toilet brushes should be cleaned and dried after each use and replaced regularly to maintain hygiene.” Disposable systems, such as the Clorox ToiletWand, offer an easier way to ensure cleanliness by eliminating the need to clean and dry a brush after every use.
Cleaning the Mirror Improperly

The technique used to clean your mirror significantly affects the outcome. Martin suggests starting from the top and working your way down. “This way, any drips or cleanser residue won't affect areas you’ve already cleaned,” ensuring a streak-free finish.
Avoiding the Drain and P-Trap

The drain is one of the stinkiest spots, yet it is often neglected. Haupert points out that “Not cleaning drains when doing routine bathroom cleaning can result in a buildup of hair, soap scum, and debris, fostering foul odors as bacteria thrive in stagnant water.” Additionally, failing to maintain the proper water level in the P-Trap can allow sewer gases to escape, creating an unpleasant odor.
Neglecting Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in humid bathrooms and pose not only an odor problem but also potential health risks. In addition to scrubbing hard surfaces, Haupert stresses that it is crucial to wash towels and shower curtains regularly. Leaving wet surfaces, such as shower walls and bathtub edges, promotes mold and mildew growth, making the entire bathroom smell stale.
Skipping High-Touch Germ Spots

While cleaning the sink and toilet is a priority, many overlook the small, high-touch areas where germs concentrate. Never forget to wipe down the toilet handle, light switches, and sink faucets. Routinely disinfecting these spots is essential for curbing the spread of illnesses.
Neglecting the Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Forgetting the exhaust fan can have serious consequences. Sarah Cook of Nanny’s & Granny’s warns that an uncleaned fan “can accumulate dust and lint, significantly reducing its efficiency.” More critically, a clogged fan poses a fire hazard, as the buildup can cause the motor to overheat. To mitigate risks and maintain air quality, thoroughly vacuum the intake surface and clean the fan blades every few months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Bathroom Cleaning Errors

Why are paper towels not recommended for cleaning mirrors and surfaces?

Paper towels tend to leave behind paper fibers and lint on glass and shiny surfaces, leading to a streaky or visibly dusty finish. Microfiber or specialized cellulose cloths are preferred as they trap dirt effectively without shedding residue.

What is the risk of using one cleaning cloth for the entire bathroom?

Using the same cloth for all surfaces risks cross-contamination. This practice can transfer harmful bacteria and germs, particularly from the toilet area, onto surfaces like the sink or counter, defeating the purpose of sanitization.

How often should the bathroom exhaust fan be cleaned?

The bathroom exhaust fan intake surface should be vacuumed every few months. The blades and interior of the fan should also be cleaned periodically to prevent the buildup of dust and lint, which can reduce efficiency and pose a fire hazard due to motor overheating.