Make Your Bathroom Sparkle

Published November 11, 2014

The rain was inevitably on its way and now it has arrived.

What better time than now to pick up a few household projects around the home? We tend to spend most of our time outside during the warmer months so now that we find ourselves inside once again it’s time to tackle the under performing shower heads, neglected shower stalls and other tedious tasks we have been avoiding for months.

Here are a few tips and tricks I have picked up over the years from friends and family that may help you avoid the costly plumbing bills and professional cleans you may think you require.

Shower heads 

If you find your shower head is acting sluggish and spitting water out rather than its usual spray, you may have a partial block due to mineral deposits. Rather than turning to harsh chemical cleaners, try filling a large plastic bag with plain, white vinegar and completely submerging the head inside. Tie off with a few rubber bands and let sit overnight. Remove it in the morning and wipe dry. This should do the trick for a mineral deposit blockage.

Grout 

Scrub the grout in your bathtub and shower stall with a small brush, such as a toothbrush. Mild dish washing liquid and warm water usually removes most 0of the stains.

Glass shower doors 

For years many homeowners have used a window squeegee and commercial window cleaners to clean their shower door. I have found this method to work but I prefer to add a little white vinegar to warm water and use this as a cleaning solution instead. It really leaves the glass door shiny clean. For the rubber track, try mild dish washing liquid and warm water. Scrub with a soft brush.

Hardware 

Nothing looks better in a clean bathroom than shiny hardware. One of the best methods to clean your faucets and handles is, once again, with good old-fashioned white vinegar and warm water. More stubborn stains may require a commercial cleaner but it’s best to try the natural method first.

Toilets 

This is one fixture that you may have to go to with a chlorine bleach to remove any stubborn hard-water rings. Vinegar and water will clean the toilet exterior nicely but the interior may require a bit more elbow grease. Let the bleach sit for an hour or so in the toilet bowl before you brush it clean with a toilet brush.