5 Everyday Things That Clean Your Bathroom

A dirty bathroom can be an ugly-and unhealthy-place. Get your bathroom looking and smelling pristine with everyday household items, from baby oil and wet wipes, to mouthwash and more!

Baking Soda: Clear a Clogged Drain

Most kitchen drains can be unclogged by pouring in 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda followed by 1 cup of hot vinegar (heat it in the microwave for 1 minute). Give it several minutes to work, then add 1 litre of boiling water. Repeat if necessary. If you know your drain is clogged with grease, use 1⁄2 cup each of bicarb and salt followed by 1 cup of boiling water. Let the mixture work overnight, then rinse with hot tap water in the morning.

Baby Wipe: Buff Up Your Bathroom

Do you have company coming over and not much time to tidy up the house? Don’t break out in a sweat. Try this double-handed trick: Take a baby wipe in one hand and start polishing your bathroom surfaces. Keep a dry washcloth in your other hand to shine things up as you make your rounds.

Photo: Rayes/Lifesize/Thinkstock

Baby Oil: Clean Your Bathtub or Shower

Remove dirt and built-up soap scum around your bathtub or shower stall by wiping surfaces with 1 teaspoon baby oil on a moist cloth. Use another cloth to wipe away any leftover oil. Finally, spray the area with a disinfectant cleaner to kill any remaining germs. This technique is also great for cleaning soap film and watermarks off glass shower doors.

Amonia: Fight Mildew

Ammonia and bleach are equally effective weapons in the battle against mold and mildew. However, each has its own distinct applications, and under no conditions should the two ever be combined. Reach for the ammonia for the following chores, but be sure you use it in a well-ventilated area, and don’t forget to wear rubber gloves:

• Clean the mildew off unfinished wooden patio furniture and picnic tables with a mixture of 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water. Rinse off thoroughly and use an old terrycloth towel to absorb excess moisture.

• To remove mildew from painted outdoor surfaces, use the same combination of ingredients.

• To remove mildew from wicker furniture, wash it down with a solution of 2 tablespoons ammonia in 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water. Use an old toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach twists and turns. Rinse well and let air-dry.

Mouthwash: Clean Your Toilet

All out of your regular toilet bowl cleaner? Try pouring 1/4 cup alcohol-based mouthwash into the bowl. Let it stand in the water for 1/2 hour, then swish with a toilet brush before flushing. The mouthwash will disinfect germs as it leaves your toilet bowl sparkling and clean.