Cleaning bathroom surfaces: Tips for a clean bathroom

Artis Villeroy & Boch

These surfaces should be cleaned regularly

Cleaning the bathroom regularly is not just advisable for cosmetic reasons. Clean surfaces are also important for hygiene and health. We are constantly touching things with our hands and this can lead to the spread of germs or pathogens. Dirty surfaces in the bathroom also make it easy for mould to gain a foothold. The following areas are often overlooked during cleaning, despite their particular susceptibility: 

  • Washbasin: We brush our teeth at the washbasin which means it regularly comes into contact with saliva. Human saliva contains an estimated 500 different strains of bacteria. 

  • Mirror: Splashes of water when we brush our teeth or wash our hands can cause germs to land on the bathroom mirror

  • Tiles around the washbasin: Wall tiles around the basin should also be cleaned regularly. 

  • Taps and fittings: We touch the tap after using the toilet, before washing our hands. This can cause faecal bacteria to be transferred to the surface of taps and fittings. 

  • Toilet flush handle: We clean the toilet frequently using a special cleaner – but the flush handle can often be overlooked. This too comes into contact with unwashed hands after using the toilet and can therefore harbour faecal bacteria. 

  • Tiles around the toilet: Splashes of water can often land on surrounding tiles when the toilet is flushed. So it is important to clean wall tiles regularly with vinegar essence. 

  • Bathroom floor: Splashes of water from the washbasin or toilet can also land on the bathroom floor. Skin particles often fall onto the floor here too when we dry our hands or body after a shower

  • Bathroom light: Dust can gather on the bathroom light where it then provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. 

  • Handle on the bathroom door: Door handles are real germ magnets and need regular cleaning – and this also applies in the bathroom. 

Take care with sensitive surfaces

When it comes to sensitive materials in the bathroom, less is more. Cleaning products with abrasive particles or aggressive acids can damage some surfaces. Baths and showers made from acrylic or plastic, natural stone tiles and joints are particularly sensitive to harsh cleaning agents.

 

Acrylic shower tray Villeroy & Boch

These three tips will help you to quickly and gently clean bathroom surfaces:

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There is no time to waste: Don’t wait for limescale to spread. The earlier you tackle stains, the easier they will be to remove. 

 

 

 

 

Use a gentle cleaning agent: Use a mild all-purpose cleaner or an everyday product such as vinegar or vinegar essence diluted with water. 

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Choosing the right cleaning cloth: Microfibre cloths are very absorbent and quickly pick up particles of dirt. However, for very sensitive materials such as mirrors or stainless steel taps and fittings, it is best to use a soft cotton cloth for cleaning. Do not use sponges with hard fibres or abrasive surfaces – these can scratch sensitive materials. Dirt will then accumulate faster on these damaged areas. 

How should I clean stainless steel?

Taps and fittings on a washbasin, shower or bath are often made from stainless steel. This material is more sensitive than we might think: Use a soft cotton cloth and a gentle all-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid for cleaning. This will quickly wipe away fingerprints. Vinegar with 25 per cent vinegar essence can also help to tackle limescale on taps and fittings. For stubborn limescale stains, soak some kitchen towel in vinegar, place it over the affected areas and leave it to work for a few hours. You can then simply wipe away the stains. 

Washbasin Villeroy & Boch

How should I clean wood on bathroom furniture?

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Wood makes a bathroom feel cosy, vibrant and warm – which explains why it is such a popular choice for vanity units and bathroom cabinets. Wood is a natural product that does not tolerate standing water.

Gently wipe wood on bathroom furniture using a soft cloth, a little lukewarm water and diluted washing up liquid. Wipe again with clean water to remove any washing-up liquid residue and then dry the wood carefully. This will help to avoid any unsightly water spots. 

Hommage collection Villeroy & Boch

How should I clean ceramic surfaces?

Subway 2.0 collection Villeroy&Boch

You can also use a gentle all-purpose cleaner or washing-up liquid to clean ceramic surfaces on toilets or washbasins. The surfactants will remove oily marks and soiling. Use vinegar to remove limescale. To prevent urine scale in the toilet bowl, you can use baking powder and vinegar: Simply sprinkle a little pack of baking powder over the stains, pour a cup of vinegar on top and leave the mixture to work for a few hours. Then flush the toilet and clean with a brush if required. Vinegar is also excellent for removing mould. For daily cleaning of Villeroy & Boch’s easy-care CeramicPlus surfaces, we recommend a soft, non-scratch sponge or fabric. You should also choose a standard all-purpose cleaner and avoid aggressive products.

Make sure you use the correct products for each material: To clean mirrors, stainless steel or natural tiles, use a soft, lint-free cotton cloth or kitchen towel. A microfibre cloth can generally also be used for scratch-resistant materials such as ceramics and tiles. An old toothbrush is useful for cleaning joints in the bathroom. If you use a sponge for cleaning, make sure you use only the soft foam side. Abrasive sponges designed to clean pots are not suitable. It is advisable to wear gloves when cleaning, as even everyday products such as vinegar can irritate your skin. 

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Cleaning the bathroom without chemicals with Villeroy & Boch

You don’t need to buy any new cleaning products to clean your bathroom surfaces. Household cleaners such as washing-up liquid, all-purpose cleaner or curd soap will do the job perfectly well. If you don’t have any of these products handy, you can use hand-wash, shampoo or shower gel instead, as these products also contain fat-dissolving surfactants. However, these products are not suitable for removing limescale – acids such as vinegar, citric acid or even cola, which contains phosphoric acid, can be used for this.