Bathroom Tub & Tile Cleaners

Cleaning the bathroom is not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time.  Scrubbing the tile, scouring the bathtub, and getting up close and personal with your toilet bowl does not rank high on your list of fun things to do on a Saturday.  But the next time you find yourself grumbling about cleaning your tub or shower, stop and take a moment to consider yourself lucky.  Really.

The Outhouse Moves Up – and In

Before World War I, most existing houses in the U.S. had not been built with bathrooms.  If your house didn’t have a bathroom, you had to go to the wooden shack in your backyard.  These shacks, or outhouses, featured a wooden seat for a toilet and didn’t have any running water.  And you thought sharing a bathroom with your older brother was gross! 

Eventually, the outhouse moved indoors.  Today, the bathroom is no longer simply a place to keep the toilet.  The bathroom has evolved into a gleaming, shiny tribute to modern convenience -- from multiple-setting shower heads to whirlpool bathtubs, the bathroom of today offers a variety of luxuries.  But all this variety means a lot more cleaning. 

Fortunately, the powerful and effective cleaning products out there can keep your bathroom looking and smelling great (unlike your brother’s gym socks).

The Cleanest Room in the House

Thanks to the wide range of bathroom cleaners available, you can clean and disinfect any surface in your bathroom.  Whether your bathroom is decked out in retro tile or sleek stainless steel, there’s a cleaning product that was designed just for you.  The best part is that these products have been developed to get you the cleanest results with the least amount of work. 

Most bathroom cleaners are designed to do two main jobs: clean and disinfect.  Other specialty products are designed to focus on specific problems.  Ingredients like solvents and chelants help break down grime and scum, while antimicrobial agents kill common household germs like E. coli, Staphylococcus, and the fungus that causes “athlete’s foot”

Tub and Tile: A Cleaning Challenge

Every surface in your shower can attract mold, mildew, and water stains.  But there are foams, sprays, and wipes that can help you tackle any tough bathroom job.
Using an after-shower spray can keep your shower free of mildew and soap scum.  There's no scrubbing or wiping involved, just spray the surfaces down after you've showered and you're done. If you've got a shower curtain instead, use a disinfectant cleaner to kill germs and mold.  If your shower head is clogged, try using a calcium/lime remover to remove buildup and take care of clogs.
To clean and disinfect the bathtub, try a cleaning and disinfecting spray, or even a bleach and water mixture according to label directions.  If you've got serious soap scum, try a foam or spray that's specially formulated to break it down.

A Clean Routine

It's not your favorite thing, but if you do a quick and thorough bathroom cleaning job once a week, you can save yourself from an all-day battle with soap scum and mildew.  Here are some tips to help you keep your bathroom clean and healthy:

• Use cotton swabs to get to grime in tight corners or between tiles. 
• Use a disinfectant on your counters, bathtub, and sinks to kill germs.
• Never leave a wet bath mat in the tub.  Shake it dry and hang it over the side to prevent mildew.
• Always follow directions on the label of any cleaning product, and don't mix cleaning products.

So grab a spray bottle or pick up your favorite wet wipes and start cleaning! You may never love cleaning the bathroom, but the great products available make it quicker and easier than ever.  And at least it’s not an outhouse.