Cleaning the bathroom
Help for the significant other
Anora Eldorath 2010
I have decided to do a series of short articles on helping one’s significant other around the home. After much time in my own relationships, and watching that of friends I’ve come to the conclusion that part of the confusion comes from simply not knowing how to do or perform a task. It is not that the partner is unwilling, in a sense, it is that they do not know and are embarrassed to ask how the task should be done. It is not to say that every significant other falls into this category, but to help prevent arguments and heated discussions world wide, I have taken to the paper to outline my simple solutions to these places of interest.
So, the first area I’ve decided to march into is the bathroom. Oh, it’s the dreaded place of filth and villainy. It at times makes Jabba’s palace look like a hospital room and this is definitely something we want to try to eradicate with a bit of instruction. Though all of us have our own methodology for tackling this unsavory job, I’ll be putting my own unique twist on the subject, as well as throwing out some thoughts here and there to keep in mind when doing this task or any task we speak about in the near future.
One of my quick solutions is to know that the vacuum is our friend. I have found, for myself, that living in a home where long hair is the norm and shedding seems to match that of Chewbacca a vacuum can save a great deal of aggravation. Simply use your attachment nozzle before you begin to get all of the hair off the floor, counters, sink, and tub. This also is nice because you’ll have far less small dirt to worry about when washing the floor.
After this, I simply stash the waste can, and laundry bin outside the door. This keeps them out of the way for when I wash the floor. I then start with the sink. Carefully remove all items from the sink and place them on the back of your toilet (unless already occupied in which case you can place them safely outside the door in the floor). Use a soft scrub soap or gentle spray cleaner and apply to all parts of the sink, along with the counter. Now, I have a sonic scrubber that I invested in which saves a bit of time, take an old toothbrush and scrub the crevices of the nozzle on all sides. Do not forget to get inside the faucet so that you can get any build up and prevent the spread of germs. Return items to their proper places when you are finished.
After I am done with this I move on to the mirror. Wipe the mirror down with proper cleaning solutions designed for windows. This will cut down on streaking and residue on the surface of the mirror. In the past using old newspapers were advisable, but today with the change in inks this can lead to even further streaking so using a plain cotton cloth is advisable. You can use an old cotton (clean) diaper. You can also purchase pre-soaked wipes at local grocers that work as well. However, if you are environmentally conscious re-using cleaning cloths is the best.
I then move on to the toilet. This is more then just a quick wipe of the top of the seat to make it “look pretty”. You need to use a little elbow grease. Wipe down the water tank, top lid, the ledge between the water tank and seat, the sides of the bowl, and the entire base of the toilet including the back. I do the inside of the toilet last. Use a bit of toilet cleaner designed for inside the toilet and a brush. Scrub the underneath of the rim because this is where germs grow. Again, a bit of elbow grease goes a long way to get all the nasty grime done and gone.
I then move on to the tub. Again, this is not just about closing the shower curtain/door and running a bit of water. Elbow grease is needed to get all of the soap scum. The use of a good soap scum cleaner is your best solution. You can purchase these in environmentally friendly versions, but one is recommended to make your life easier. If you have persistent soap scum you may want to try spraying the shower down before you clean the bathroom so that by the time you reach the tub it has had time to set. I own a sonic scrubber and I have found it to be a life saver where soap scum is concerned, but any scrub brush will work. Use a soft scrub cleanser and begin at the top of the shower and work your way down. If you have items that you keep in your shower area removes them before cleaning and replaces them when you are done. Do not forget to scrub the shower head and faucets the same way you did the sink. Remember, this water is meant to clean you and germs do grow in wet environments. Proper cleaning cuts down on these pests. If you have a detachable shower head you can use that to rinse all of the soap down the drain, if not simply use a glass or pitcher to clean off the soap residue. Do not forget to clean your shower curtain on a regular basis as well. Spray it down with a gentle soap scum remover, let set, and then rinse gently. This will allow you to keep your shower curtain longer.
Once you are done with all of these items, give your ceiling fan a quick clean. Most have an easy eject system consisting of two prongs-one on either side. You can use an old toothbrush or a sonic brush to clean off the dust, followed up by a dust cloth to wipe down any residue. This will keep your fan in good working order if remembered often. If your fan collects dust, simply use a vacuum attachment to clean this out.
If you have bric-a-brac, pictures, and other items in the bathroom make sure these receive a thorough dusting often. Make sure that all items are put up in their proper place, and not left lying about.
Once all of these items are done, cabinets wiped down, you are ready to wash the floor. Using a steam mop is the best clean you can receive in today’s technology, but it certainly is not the only way to clean. A swifter jet or those like it are great for every day cleaning, but if you are like most and can only get to your bathroom once a week it is best to simply put the gloves on and get down on your knees. Make sure your water is hot and soapy. There is much debate to the use of harsh chemicals, and though I happen to like to use bleach now and then I respect that some of the natural cleaners can be just as good for cleaning germs. The prime ones that grow in your bathroom are Candida as well as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Lactobacillus, and a few others that are just as problematic. Make sure to get a cleaner for your floors that will eliminate or at least cut down on these bacteria.
Allow your bathroom to dry, and freshen it up with a vanilla or lavender scented candle.
While you are cleaning, keep in mind that this is a sacred act. Each act we do on a daily basis is in a sense a connection between our own souls and the Divine Cosmic force. It matters not what path or faith you follow, this is a mind set that can be adapted regardless of your path. For some, the word “chore” has become a fuse for arguments and resentments on both sides of the relationship. And yet, it is something that is a must in order to stay healthy. To change one’s attitude before taking on this task will allow one to enjoy and reap the benefits of this part of life. The cleaning of the bathroom no longer becomes a task of dirty floors, urine stains, and smells, but one of mindful meditation. It becomes the place in which we connect with the Divine, in which we scour away all negativity in the area in which we cleanse our physical body. It now incorporates the cleansing of our spiritual body.
Namaste!
For Further Reading
What Are Germs?
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