What's your foolproof method for cleaning the entire bathroom?

AlienC on 04/07/2018 - 17:39

Living in a house with old guys I realize it is up to me to keep the entire house hospitable and livable somewhat. I don't mind the bachelor pad feel but the bathroom definitely needs to be cleaned.

So do you guys use water with soap or diluted bleach or some other miracle to sterilize and clean your bathrooms?

Floor is all tiles, showers too.

Bonus points for tips on toilets but I think I have most of that down pat.

I just use toilet gel from the inside rims and leave it there for a few minutes usually up to half an hour maybe more then scrub then flush. For the seat haven't decided on a disinfectant yet still unsure about that.

More detail and product recommendations the better.

Cheers thanks adult ozbargain group / members

Yes I am somewhat still a child in many ways. I blame no one but myself.

AlienC out.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 04/07/2018 - 17:45
    +1

    Ajax Professional batchroom cleaner is one of the strongest tile cleaners. Ajax make several products so be sure to pick the right spray bottle.

    For toilet bowls I just squirt generic liquid bleach, e.g. from Aldi, before I go out for the day and scrub it later on return.

    • try2bhelpful on 04/07/2018 - 17:52
      +7

      To clean the outside of the toilet I buy the really cheap toilet paper, spray the cleaner on the TP and use that to wipe down the toilet. You then throw it in the bowl and flush away. Don't need to worry about cloths and it picks up the fluff, etc. You can do same for other surfaces around the bath etc.

      • AlienC on 04/07/2018 - 23:32

        This is a great idea.. So bleach or bathroom detergent should do?

        • Bearycow on 05/07/2018 - 09:18
          +3

          Just as an FYI, don't mix anything with bleach and ammonia (another common household cleaning ingredient) - it produces chlorine gas, which is noxious.

        • try2bhelpful on 05/07/2018 - 09:54
          +1

          Yeah, just use a standard bathroom spray. The "dust" sticks to the wet paper and I don't need to worry about transfering toilet germs to anywhere else by using a cloth (even one I've disinfected).

        • Love a bargain on 05/07/2018 - 13:12

          You definitely want something that disinfect (i.e. either bleach or disinfectant etc) rather than something that just clean

        • payton on 12/07/2018 - 16:10

          @Bearycow:

          • it produces chlorine gas, which is noxious.

          Create your own Little Syria paradise with home made chlorine gas

  • BertieBrown on 04/07/2018 - 17:51
    +2

    Mainly I just use the Coles Anti-bacterial stuff, either in a spray bottle or in a bucket with lukewarm water, either using a microfibre cloth or a cloth head mop (I don't like the squeegee sponge style ones personally).

    I don't use bleach because occasionally my clothes have been bleached by accident, though on occasion I do put some bleach into the drains if they're a bit smelly.

    I vacuum first, if there's hair around the place on a counter then I just grab some toilet paper or paper towel and wet it and then grab up all the hairs.

    Oh, and as for toilet I dump either anti bacterial cleanser in or bleach into the bowl, and with the seat spray and leave for a bit and then come back and clean with either toilet paper or a microfibre cloth. The advantage of toilet paper is to just use a bit to wipe everything down and then chuck and flush.

    I've used lots of different cleaners in the past and my own personal feeling is that the cheaper brand, or homebrand stuff is just fine.

    Hope that helps. Happy bathroom cleaning.

  • nocure on 04/07/2018 - 17:54
    +5

    Vinegar and bicarb

  • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 17:57
    +7

    Get someone else to do it.

    Works Everytime.

  • try2bhelpful on 04/07/2018 - 18:03

    Suggest the guys join a gym and go every day.

    • bobbified on 04/07/2018 - 21:52

      Don't be silly… Us guys already have one hand that's good at the back-and-forth motion!

      (and I call bs to anyone who claims both hands!)

      • try2bhelpful on 05/07/2018 - 09:56

        Yeah but if they get the motion going they probably aren't going to waste it by cleaning a bathroom. If spoof was a good cleaning agent most guys bathrooms would be spotless.

        • AlienC on 05/07/2018 - 13:37

          There is a billion dollar idea in there somewhere.. but not by selling it.. i think the market is already flooded with product too much supply not enough demand.. hahah aahaha ahlol

  • Nutrino on 04/07/2018 - 18:06
    +1

    I bought a bottle of elbow grease from Bunnings.

    • AlienC on 05/07/2018 - 13:39
      +1

      Reckon I can get your receipt and get it priced match at Officeworks? XD

  • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2018 - 18:14

    Personally, we got a maid.
    She does a great job keeping the whole place tip top.

    • AlienC on 04/07/2018 - 23:31

      Can ask her trade recipe or secrets? Tell her there is good karma in it for her.

    • Rhubarb Jones on 06/07/2018 - 16:16

      What do you pay? How often? Considering doing the same. TIA

      • idonotknowwhy on 06/07/2018 - 17:05
        +1

        There's a $40 off your first clean code for this company: https://www.tidyme.com.au/
        Code is "SHINY"

        $80 for 2 hours - $40 = $40.

        After the cleaner leaves, you can cancel, there's no lock-in contract.

        I just pay now for once / fortnight.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2018 - 18:39
        +1

        About $35 for four hours, once a week.

      • Micko179 on 07/07/2018 - 06:07
        +1

        Airtasker!

  • onetwothreefour on 04/07/2018 - 18:25
    +3

    Drop tuna everywhere then the cat licks it clean.

  • bobbified on 04/07/2018 - 18:27

    Bleach.

    (…waiting for someone to tell me how bad it is for the environment…)

    • toristo on 04/07/2018 - 18:34
      +4

      I use home brand domestos - basically thick bleach - and coat the shower/bath/toilet in it and let it sit, then scrub off and rinse.
      Risk of killing yourself with the fumes if you're not careful though.

      …and no, not the same scrubber for the toilet and the shower. You can afford two. Treat yo self.

      • bobbified on 04/07/2018 - 18:40

        haha that's pretty much what I do! The gels work well for the vertical surfaces!

        I clean about once a month and definitely need the bleach. Lucky it's just me - I leave the balcony door open all day while I'm at work and the smell is completely gone when I get back!

        …and no, not the same scrubber for the toilet and the shower.

        I use the same one, but in special order! I buy one a two-pack from Daiso and throw one out after each use. Shower first and then toilet last! Toilet buttons, then upper ceramic area, then toilet seat and then… everywhere else! haha.

  • Quantumcat on 04/07/2018 - 19:03

    Shower Power

  • KitchenSink on 04/07/2018 - 19:15

    I download a new bathroom

  • ajh on 04/07/2018 - 20:13

    Bleach and boiling hot water

    • bobbified on 04/07/2018 - 21:47

      Not sure if you're being serious or not. I could be wrong, but I always thought hot water neutralises the bleach quite quickly.

      And the steam seems to carry the smell more!

      (Forgive me if I sound stupid.. I experimented a bit while cleaning when I moved out myself many years ago!)

  • Islund on 04/07/2018 - 20:23

    Vinegar

  • Banana on 04/07/2018 - 20:45
    +2

    1 part water: 4 parts vinegar + 1 drop of detergent

    Works well on glasses, however it will smell like vinegar.

    I get my vinegar from Costco, 5L for $1.29, it is also better for the environment.

  • Diji1 on 04/07/2018 - 22:59

    What's your foolproof method

    Scrub with all surfaces with green scouring pad using liquid sugar soap or some bathroom cleaner, do not wipe off anything because after I do all surfaces I have fun spraying the entire bathroom with the shower to rinse everything.

  • AlienC on 04/07/2018 - 23:35

    Interesting suggestions so far all.. I summarized it in dot points but then I lost it so gg no re to that. But it seems vinegar, bleach, Ajax, detergent or shower power seem to be good options or alternatives atm with vinegar the most environmentally friendly?

    Keep them coming all and hopefully someone who has already done this sort of research thoroughly can chime in sometime in the future.

  • retiredfeline on 04/07/2018 - 23:53
    +1

    If you want to make your tile soap scum cleaner, baking soda and vinegar works well if you leave it on for a while. You can find formulas with a search. But if you want fast go for Ajax, it's acid based. I pay no attention to anti-bacterial claims.

    • AlienC on 05/07/2018 - 00:37

      Another solid claim for Ajax. Yeah I want something fast as possible as even if I take up the bathroom doing a service for the other guys making the bathroom floor not make you feel itchy or gross they will still give me attitude for doing them a solid just cause they are old angry men. Ah well can't blame them we are all single haha lol so the stress doubles up lol

  • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2018 - 00:28
    +6

    Squeegee the shower after every use, makes scrubbing a whole lot easier later.

  • Micko179 on 05/07/2018 - 09:47

    I use:

    Bathroom/Shower - good 'ol Ajax powder cleanser, a scrubbing brush with added elbow grease!

    Toilet - inside the bowl, anything really(but I use the thick Aldi brand Domestos & leave it on until toilet is next used, scrub, do your business then flush so not wasting water) seat & everything else - Aldi brand Windex!

  • Ozpit on 05/07/2018 - 09:48
    +2

    Several years ago, I bought a large bottle of powerful extra strength (caustic?) bathroom cleanser from Aldi (can't remember the brand name, but pretty sure they still sell it) and would pour it into the toilet and let it sit for a while before scrubbing with the toilet brush. It ended up taking the glossy, glazed surface off the ceramic bowl below the water level, leaving the surface 'raw'. Needless to say, the result was a nightmare because everything stuck like sh!t to a blanket (to coin a phrase). I had to replace the bowl and are now super nervous when pouring cleanser into the bowl, and usually use the 'gentlest', such as liquid dishwashing soap. My thinking is that if you can put your bare hands into it - while washing dishes, that is - dishwashing liquid can't be too tough on glazed ceramic.

    • HighAndDry on 05/07/2018 - 16:05

      Wtf did you actually use that took the surface off of ceramic?! Ceramic is supposed to be one of the least reactive, hardest materials known to man.

      • Ozpit on 05/07/2018 - 16:55

        Battery acid rings a bell. Sulphuric acid? Actually, it was some super strength household liquid cleanser (can't say it wasn't meant for toilets because it didn't say it wasn't). Used it weekly for maybe six months before I noticed the damage it was doing. By then it was beyond bad.

    • Micko179 on 07/07/2018 - 05:01

      You do know Bunnings sells toilet suites (complete with cistern & lid) for like $109 right? Heck I've got one I use as a planter/garden ornament you can have as a backup if you're still having bad dreams about it!

  • the Unforgiven on 05/07/2018 - 09:48

    If you have a septic tank, don't kill the good bugs with bleach or other chemicals

    • AlienC on 05/07/2018 - 13:30

      I think we do not have a septic tank but am not sure. Best way to check?

      We live in suburban residential area but I know that is not the best way to measure or know this criteria.

      • HighAndDry on 05/07/2018 - 16:05

        Nah if you live in a suburban residential area you'd be connected to the sewer system and won't have a septic tank.

        • abuch47 on 06/07/2018 - 17:24

          Not necessarily. some councils areas still have septic

  • gth on 05/07/2018 - 12:36

    I'm a fan of going hard on the fumes and chemicals - leaving them on until the next person showers can be enough if you do the process regularly. (charge the flatmates extra for all the chemicals you have to buy).

    But be wary of leaving chemicals on metal too long (eg drain covers, fittings) - some chemicals can eat into the metal and it can't be scrubbed clean.

    • AlienC on 05/07/2018 - 13:30

      (charge the flatmates extra for all the chemicals you have to buy)

      hahahahahahaha

  • Love a bargain on 05/07/2018 - 13:16

    spray bleach (cheap home brand stuff should work) on floor tiles, let it sits for a while and then mop with hot water

    • Nickels n Dimes on 05/07/2018 - 13:53

      vinegar and hot water works just as well to clean the surface of the tiles, the grout is the part where bleach helps — it don't really clean as much as whiten the grout though. I use Glitz Power Paste Cleaner, but there are plenty of similar products that work in a similar way, like bicarb.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2018 - 17:00

    Dishwashing liquid. Cuts through everything.

    Vinegar for any mould if you have it. Bleach doesn't treat it, just bleaches.. thought everyone knew that by now O__o

    • macrocephalic on 06/07/2018 - 17:24

      Doesn't cut through calcium or thick soap scum. Cheap bathroom cleaner will though.

      • [Deactivated] on 06/07/2018 - 19:05

        What is causing the calcium?

        I personally dont get soap scum on walls now I use liquid bath soap. Growing up, we always used bar soap and the shower wall tiles would get that build up. Don't have that problem anymore..

  • pformag on 06/07/2018 - 16:32

    Garden Hose

  • ahly92 on 06/07/2018 - 16:48

    High pressure soap then hise it off… just seal the door before u start

  • idonotknowwhy on 06/07/2018 - 17:02

    Hire a cleaner to come in 1x / fortnight

  • echineon on 06/07/2018 - 18:26

    depends on what kind of cleaning and what surface it is. Used to work as an assessor for cleaning so I see people don't really understand what thorough cleaning is. For example, you want to clean the toilet, not just the bowl but the outside as well, under the S-bend, around it. For most tiles and ceramic surface, bleach is best, try undiluted, but be sure to work in a well-ventilated environment. Go top to bottom first and decide how you tackle. Go from the vent up top, check out the bath area for soap scum, scrub, and so on. It is a skill great to have, got full refund every bond from rental properties every time.

    • AlienC on 06/07/2018 - 18:30

      Mainly need advice for tile flooring in showers and general bathroom floor and toilets (seat, bowl, rims, outside). No bath tubs. Maybe some of the walls but they seem ok. But yeah we have plenty of showers two that are used fairly regularly. Don't think they have ever been washed in the 2.5 years I have stayed here but the toilet I do with a toilet cleaner and scrub it then leave it and flush. For the seat I just use disinfectant or wet wipes.

      • echineon on 06/07/2018 - 21:36

        in that case ask for hospital grade chlorine and just spray, let sit for 20 mins, scrub, open all windows and air vent on. I get my supplies differently (not from bunnings) because I do cleaning contract so can't tell you the brand name. get some melamine sponge if you don't wanna bother with strong chemical, but the bit between the tiles you will find the easiest is chlorine.

  • tellhimhesdreaming on 11/07/2018 - 16:53

    Gerni for the shower without a doubt

  • sydneylocal on 30/11/2018 - 18:22

    Make an all-purpose cleaner
    Here's the cleaner recipe that will make nearly every surface gleam (especially kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator).
    Combine 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water, and use it with a sponge to wipe messes away.
    What you'll need: baking soda, reusable spray bottle, sponge.
    Source: https://sydneylocalcleaners.com.au/

  • shanabdul on 05/03/2022 - 17:49

    If you're anywhere nearly Sydney or the NSW central coast, ring these Professional Cleaning Services Company Domayne Services https://www.domayneservices.com.au/). Not cheap but not wildly expensive. Absolutely top-notch for commercial cleaning. And incredibly nice people.

    • AlienC on 05/03/2022 - 18:02

      I'm in Katoomba blue mountains nsw 2780.

      I am speaking with several companies right now that service the blue mountains areas just waiting on quotes and availability now.

      Looks to be any where from $139 to $189 for one room one hallway but might ask to see what they can do for 2 rooms 3 hallways.

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