5 Top Tips for Cleaning Your Bathroom with Vinegar

Many people believe that the only way to remove dirt, grime and bacteria from your bathroom, is by using harsh chemicals. These chemicals are not only bad for your home and furniture, but can also create harmful fumes when coming in contact with each other, especially in the small confines of a bathroom!

Bathrooms harbour a number of cleaning nightmares, from hard water stains to soap scum, but did you know a well-known kitchen essential can be your new miracle cleaner?

Cleaning your bathroom with vinegar is not only an eco-friendly method, but you also likely already have some in your cupboard. Read on for our top bathroom cleaning tips using vinegar.

Deodorise and Disinfect

Worktops, sinks and handles generate a lot of unwanted bacteria spread. Wiping these down regularly with a simple vinegar solution will disinfect these surfaces and keep any smells away.

Instructions:

1. Create a vinegar solution using 1-part white vinegar to 3 parts water.
2. Apply the solution to a clean cloth or spray directly onto surfaces.
3. Wipe down surfaces thoroughly, paying attention to corners and crevices.
4. Allow surfaces to air dry.

Vinegar contains natural disinfecting properties, meaning this solution is just as effective as any name brand cleaners, just without the environmental footprint.

Additional tip:

For those stubborn marks, create a paste with vinegar, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda, leave the solution to soak while you wipe down the surfaces, then use a soft bristled toothbrush to give the area some extra TLC.

Tackle Hard Water Stains

You may have noticed the little white-ringed water marks on your taps, showerheads and even your once clear glass shower door. These stains require something a little stronger to get your chrome sparkling again.

Instructions:

1. Create a stronger vinegar solution using equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Using a sandwich bag or strong carrier bag, fill this to about halfway with your solution. Then place your shower head inside and leave to soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. For taps and glass doors, apply the solution generously to a cloth and scrub gently in circular motions.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water and buff gently with a microfibre cloth.

The vinegar in your solution is able to break down mineral deposits that help to form hard water stains! If any stubborn stains remain, you can use a soft-bristled brush to finish the job.

Freshen Up Drains

Is your shower taking ages to drain, leaving you with a pool of water by your feet? This can be down to a number of things, but usually this is caused by a blockage or build up in your pipes.

The chemical reaction between vinegar and bicarbonate of soda causes the mixture to fizz, making it a perfect solution for dislodging any potential blockages in your drains.

Instructions:

1. Boil your kettle and pour the water down the drain.
2. Follow this with a mixture of equal parts bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. This will create a fizzing reaction.
3. Let the mixture sit for 15-30 minutes before flushing with another round of hot water.

This mixture will also help to remove any unpleasant odours that may be coming from whatever is causing the blockage.

Additional Tips:

If your shower is still draining slower than you’d like, this may be due to a slightly bigger blockage. Following up this method with the use of a plumbing snake will help clear out any remaining build up.

Bring the Sparkle Back to Your Mirrors

Mirrors, the item we always set out with good intentions to clean after seeing the dust and fingerprints. However, it usually ends up looking worse afterwards, with streaks, water marks, and those stubborn smudges we just can’t seem to see the back of. Using vinegar and the simple method below will help make your mirror sparkle again!

Instructions:

1. Create a diluted vinegar and water solution using 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water.
2. Spray the solution onto a clean microfibre cloth.
3. Wipe the mirror in a circular motion, paying special attention to any areas with grime or smudges.
4. Buff with a dry microfibre cloth to avoid any water marks or streaks forming when drying.

Clean and Shine Chrome Fixtures

Hard water marks and streaks from past cleaning can cause your chrome fixtures to look dull, and prevent the space from looking as clean as possible. However, using a simple vinegar solution will not only help remove marks but can also help restore shine!

Instructions:

1. Create a solution with 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water.
2. Using a non-abrasive cloth, wipe down your chrome fixtures using the solution, making sure not to leave any drips.
3. Rinse out your cloth and wipe over your fixtures with clean water.
4. Gently dry the fixtures with a microfibre cloth and buff out any imperfections.

Additional Tips:

Although it may be tempting to use a rough cloth or scrubbing brush to remove any marks or build-up, this can cause scratches in the metal, which will not only create a better surface for grime to grip to but will also take away the shine of your chrome fixtures.

Instead, use the above solution and a soft cloth, with a bit of elbow grease for the tougher marks.

Recap

Vinegar contains disinfecting properties, as well as the ability to break down mineral deposits, meaning it’s the perfect eco-friendly tool for all your bathroom cleaning needs!

Have you tried these bathroom vinegar cleaning hacks? Share your results on social media and Bright & Beautiful so we can see the new shine on your taps, or your streak-free surfaces.

Is Your Bathroom in Need of Some Extra TLC?

These tips are a great way to keep your space clean, but sometimes the build-up can require some more attention. Our team offer one-off deep cleans that can bring your bathroom back to tip top condition, making it easier for you to keep on top of the chores going forward!

Contact us today to find out more.