Greener Ways To Clean Your Bathroom

If you’re like most people, cleaning the bathroom is probably your least favorite chore since it entails using elbow grease and various cleaning products to get rid of germs and bacteria. While it’s not your favorite thing in the world, you know that it needs to be done, especially if you want to keep this area pristine and sanitary at all times.

According to Dr. Kelly Reynolds, professor and director of the Environment, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment Center at the University of Arizona, cleaning your bathroom once a week is a good rule of thumb. However, you’ll need to clean it more frequently if someone in your home is sick to prevent anyone else from getting ill. “Try to not share the bathroom with them, but if you must, clean it daily,” says Dr. Reynolds.

The idea of daily bathroom cleaning may be off-putting, especially if you dislike using commercial bathroom cleaners to sanitize and disinfect surfaces. Some cleaning products contain toxic chemicals, so using these everyday will definitely have a negative effect on human health and the environment. Fortunately, you can clean your toilet and shower space without harming your wellbeing or the planet– here are some greener ways to clean your bathroom. 

Switch to Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Most people use more than one product to clean their bathroom. There’s one for the toilet, another to clean the tiles, a different cleanser for the counter and mirror, and maybe another product to get rid of mold. Using too many cleaning products is not only costly, but it can also affect your health and the quality of your indoor air.

A study by the Environmental Working Group shows that more than 30 types of cleaning products contain hazardous VOCs that can increase the risks of serious illnesses, such as cancer. VOCs can also disrupt ecosystems and aid in the formation of ozone and fine particulates in the air. 

It’s time to rethink your bathroom cleaning routine since half of all VOCs responsible for pollution come from cleaning products. For instance, to clean a bathroom in your business premises, consider using green cleaning services since they use healthier than chemical alternatives and sustainable cleaning practices to sanitize your space.

Meanwhile, to disinfect a bathroom in your home, use just one multi-purpose cleanser that’s a certified green product. Using one versatile cleanser that’s safe for the environment, such as Presto All Purpose Cleaner or Ecos Bathroom Cleaner, can do a good job in cleaning various surfaces and save you money at the same time. 

Consider DIY Cleansers

Want to try natural cleaning products? You probably have the ingredients to make one at home. To make an all-purpose bathroom cleaner, mix 2 cups of baking soda, 1 cup of warm water, half a cup of liquid dish soap, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, and two tablespoons of pure lemon juice. Apply the solution to surfaces, then scrub it off with a sponge.

Even better, why not try to make a two-ingredient bathroom cleanser? Simply combine equal parts of castile soap and water, and use that to clean your tiles, toilet bowl, vanity sinks, and bathtub. 

Use Non-Disposable Cleaning Tools

Nowadays, a lot of people use disinfectant wipes and disposable sponges to keep their bathroom hygienic. However, using single use cleaning tools can create more waste, so think about using non-disposable items to clean your bathroom.

Instead of disinfectant wipes, cut up an old cotton t-shirt to make four pieces of cloth wipes, then use that to scrub and wipe down surfaces– these can be laundered and reused over and over again. You can also use a plastic-free, eco-friendly toilet brush to clean your toilet bowl. Look for a brush with a wooden or bamboo handle, natural tampico bristles, or biodegradable coconut husk pads for a fresh and thorough clean.

You can have a sparkling clean bathroom without harming your health or the environment. Consider these tips for greener ways to clean your toilet and shower space, and remember to clean your bathroom regularly to prevent illnesses from spreading in your home.