As a longstanding cleaning professional, I’ve seen it all when it comes to bathrooms, including the good, the bad and very dirty.
Here are the top seven filthy things I always notice in people’s bathrooms that could use some attention, along with easy solutions and product recommendations to keep yours spotless and hygienic.
Being aware of these bathroom dirt hot spots is the first step, so I've provided my top cleaning tips to help you get these areas back on track.
7 things I always notice in dirty bathrooms
I've been a professional cleaner for years, and I am operations manager at Spekless. These are the seven things I never miss in dirty bathrooms.
1. Soap scum build-up on shower doors and tiles
Soap scum creates a cloudy, unsightly layer that’s difficult to clean if left unchecked. It can also harbor bacteria and mold spores.
To clean a shower well, use a dedicated soap scum remover such as the Rain-X Shower Door Cleaner from Amazon — it's effective at removing tough soap scum while adding a protective barrier.
Pair this with a non-abrasive scrubber such as the Scrub Daddy, available at Walmart. It remains stiff when used with cold water, and more malleable in hot water, making it effective but not abrasive to your surfaces.
After cleaning, you can also apply a water-repellent spray to prevent build-up. For faucets, consider using wax paper. One of H&G's Solved writers tried buffing candle wax onto faucets to prevent watermarks and found the remarkable results lasted at least a week.
There's lots of used for wax paper at home but also an unusual one for cleaning. Use to buff up clean faucets and chrome fixtures to help keep mineral deposits building quickly.
2. Mold and mildew in grout lines
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, causing discoloration and even health risks. Learn more about the signs you have mold in your home.
To clean grout of any mold, spay it with a bleach-based cleaner and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, such as this hard bristle crevice cleaning brush from Amazon. It's slim profile will help you target these tricky areas well.
Whilst cleaning with bleach, ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated to avoid breathing in the fumes, and to reduce moisture levels overall, which is a leading cause of bathroom mold.
I recommend the Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover from Amazon as it's an excellent product for quickly eliminating mold and mildew in this space.
Whilst vinegar kills mold, you should never mix bleach and vinegar together.
3. Hard water stains in toilets and sinks
Hard water stains, a build up of mineral deposits found naturally in tap water, can make your sinks and toilets look dirty even when they are not, and can be hard to remove without the right tools.
Use a pumice stone or a descaling cleaner such as the Lime-A-Way Bathroom Cleaner from Amazon to scrub away mineral deposits. Regularly clean these areas to prevent stains from returning.
You can learn more ways to get rid of limescale in our dedicated guide.
You can use pumice stone, a naturally occurring material, to manually scrub off the limescale build up in your toilet. This has an ergonomic handle for ease of grip.
4. Hair clogs in drains
Hair clogs not only cause slow drainage, but can also result in unpleasant odors over time. If there is any leak in your pipe, the soap scum and bacteria build up can also lead to mold in your plumbing.
Use a drain snake tool, available at Walmart, to remove hair and debris. Afterwards, prevention is better than cure so considering installing a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down the drain. Empty it after every shower.
I like the TubShroom Drain Protector from Amazon as it's easy-to-use, traps hair well, and keeps your drains clear.
5. Dust and grime on vent fans
Dust accumulation on vents reduce efficiency and recirculate dirt into the air, worsening air quality. It's why you should regularly clean air vents in your bathroom and around the rest of your home.
To do so, simply remove the vent cover, wash it with soap and water, and use your best vacuum on the interior with a brush attachment.
I recommend the Dust-Off Compressed Gas Duster from Amazon, which is perfect for reaching and cleaning hard-to-access areas like vent fans.
6. Rusty showerheads
Rust not only looks bad but also affects water pressure and cleanliness. To combat it, soak your showerhead in a mixture of vinegar and water to dissolve rust and mineral deposits, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
I recommend the KleenKing Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner from Amazon, which is great for restoring the shine to your showerhead and other metal surfaces.
7. Sticky toothbrush holders
Toothbrush holders often collect water, toothpaste residue, and bacteria, which can easily spread germs.
To keep yours clean, rinse the holder weekly with warm, soapy water and let it air dry completely. If yours has been neglected for a while run in the dishwasher if the manufacturer information says that's OK, or scrub with your usual bathroom cleaner and a clean sponge. Rinse and dry before returning your toothbrush and toothpaste to it.
I like the OXO Good Grips Toothbrush Organizer on Amazon as it's designed to allow airflow and prevent water build-up.
By tackling these common issues, you’ll ensure your bathroom stays fresh and welcoming for you and your guests.
Next, learn the dirty things I always spot in kitchens and how you can quickly, and easily, spruce them up.
