Germs and bacteria are introduced to your bathroom on a daily basis, so it's important to stay on top of cleaning those items you use regularly— including toilet brushes and flannels.
'Due to being warm and damp, bathrooms are great at harbouring a host of unwanted germs and smells,' says Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap. 'This means, in addition to cleaning floors, tiles and surfaces, it's also important to regularly clean your bathroom accessories.'
Take a look at how often you should be cleaning some of the most popular items below...
1. Bath mats
According to the experts, bath mats should be washed every week in the washing machine to keep them fresh and germ-free. If several showers are taken in the same bathroom on a daily basis, yours will need cleaning every three to five uses.
Deyan explains: 'For bath mats with rubber backings, try to avoid the washing machine. To prevent bacteria build-up without damaging the rubber, it's best to spray them with white vinegar weekly, and to wash them in cold water every three to four weeks. I would recommend replacing your mats every two years in order to keep them fresh and clean.'
2. Shower curtain liners
Over time, shower curtains become dirty due to mould, mildew, and a build-up of soap scum. To keep yours looking as good as new, your shower curtain lining should be cleaned every month. To avoid damaging the lining, Deyan recommends popping it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
'Alternatively, if your shower curtain liner isn't machine washable, add a few drops of bleach to a dampened cloth or sponge and scrub before rinsing thoroughly,' he adds. 'Hang the shower curtain liner to dry naturally, and it should look brand new!'
3. Loofahs and flannels
Loofahs should be cleaned after every use to remove dead skin cells and bacteria, while flannels should be popped in the washing machine at least every three days — more if you are using them to wash your face.
If you're not sure how to clean synthetic loofahs, Deyan recommends soaking them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for around 10 minutes. For loofahs made from natural fibres, use a bicarbonate of soda and water solution.
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When did you last clean your toilet brush? One of the dirtiest items in the house, toilet brushes could be cleaned every week by filling the brush container with hot, soapy water and a few drops of bleach. Once you have let your brush soak for around 10 minutes, empty the water down the toilet and spray both the brush and container with a disinfectant spray.
Deyan adds: 'If you have time, let the brush air dry before placing it back in the container, by balancing it across the toilet seat and letting it drip into the toilet bowl for ten minutes. If the brush bristles ever become discoloured or bent out of shape, it's time to replace it.'
5. Bath toys
While many assume children's toys are getting cleaned during bath time, the experts recommend they are properly cleaned once a week to remove mould, mildew and germs. The best way to do this is to fill a bucket with equal parts vinegar and warm water, before leaving them to soak in the bath for an hour. After this, rinse the toys with tap water and allow them to air dry.
Martin PooleGetty Images6. Tanning mitts
Fake tanning mitts should be cleaned after every use with good old-fashioned soap and water (you can also pop them in the washing machine on a quick 30-degree cycle). This will remove excess tan and clean the surface fibres, ensuring your mitt lasts as long as possible.
'You'll also want to refrain from washing your tanning mitt with any other garments because the tanning residue can stain certain fibres and fabrics,' Deyan says.
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