6 Home Maintenance Tips for Bathrooms

Maintaining your bathroom regularly is essential not just for hygiene, but also for preserving the quality and functionality of your fixtures. A well-maintained bathroom can last for years without major issues, helping you avoid costly repairs and replacements.

Regular upkeep ensures that everything from your tiles to your toilet stays in good working order, providing a clean and comfortable environment for you and your family.

Whether it's keeping the space dry to prevent mould or cleaning the fixtures to avoid build-up, consistent bathroom maintenance is key to a long-lasting and pleasant bathroom experience.

In this guide, we’re going to be giving you our best tips for bathroom maintenance in your home.

1. Regular Bathroom Cleaning Schedule

To keep your bathroom in top condition, it’s important to establish a consistent cleaning routine. Bathrooms are high-traffic areas that accumulate moisture, dirt, and grime quickly, so regular cleaning is crucial to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria and keep your bathroom looking fresh.

As a general rule, you should clean your bathroom at least once a week. This includes scrubbing the toilet, wiping down the sink and countertops, and cleaning the shower or bathtub. Tiles should be cleaned to prevent mould and mildew, and mirrors and glass surfaces should be polished to remove water spots.

For the toilet, a weekly scrub with a toilet brush and cleaner will help prevent stains and build-up. The sink and shower should also be cleaned weekly, paying special attention to areas prone to soap scum and water spots.

Tiles require regular wiping down to remove moisture and prevent mould from developing in the grout lines. By following this regular cleaning schedule, you can keep your bathroom hygienic and reduce the likelihood of more significant maintenance issues down the line.

2. How to Keep Your Bathroom Dry

Keeping your bathroom dry is crucial for preventing mould growth and maintaining a clean, healthy environment. Bathrooms are naturally humid spaces, but excessive moisture can lead to serious problems like mould, mildew, and damage to fixtures. One of the best ways to reduce moisture is by ensuring proper ventilation.

Make sure to use an extractor fan every time you shower or bathe, and keep it running for at least 15-20 minutes afterward to remove excess humidity. Regularly clean and maintain your extractor fan to ensure it operates efficiently; a clogged or dirty fan won't do its job effectively.

In addition to using an extractor fan, you can reduce moisture by wiping down wet surfaces after use, such as the shower walls, sink, and countertops. This simple practice can prevent water from sitting and seeping into grout or other porous materials where mould tends to grow.

If possible, keep the bathroom door or window open after using the shower to allow for better air circulation. A bathroom that stays dry is not only more comfortable but also much easier to maintain in the long run.

3. Toilet Maintenance

Proper toilet maintenance is essential for preventing leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues that can lead to costly repairs. Start by regularly cleaning the toilet bowl with a toilet brush and cleaner to prevent stains and build-up. This simple task should be done at least once a week.

In addition to cleaning, it's important to periodically check the toilet’s components, such as the flapper and fill valve, to ensure they are functioning correctly. A faulty flapper can cause your toilet to run continuously, wasting water and increasing your utility bill, while issues with the fill valve can prevent the toilet from refilling properly after a flush.

If you notice any signs of trouble, such as water continuously running, a weak flush, or any leaks around the base of the toilet, it’s best to address these issues promptly. Often, a small adjustment or replacement of a part can solve the problem before it escalates into something more serious. By staying on top of toilet maintenance, you can ensure your bathroom remains functional and free of plumbing issues.

4. Bathroom Sink Drain Maintenance

Keeping your bathroom sink drain clear and functioning properly is an important part of bathroom maintenance. Over time, soap residue, hair, and other debris can build up in the drain, leading to clogs that slow water drainage or cause backups.

To prevent clogs, it’s a good idea to regularly flush the drain with hot water. This helps to break down any build-up and keep the drain clear. Additionally, using a drain cover or screen can catch hair and other particles before they enter the drain, making it easier to keep clean.

If your sink drain does become clogged, natural solutions like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be highly effective. Pour a half-cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half-cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water.

This natural method is not only safe for your pipes but also environmentally friendly. Regularly using this technique can help maintain a clean and clear drain, reducing the likelihood of more severe clogs and the need for harsh chemical drain cleaners.

5. Bathroom Tile Maintenance

Maintaining your bathroom tiles is essential for preventing mould, mildew, and discoloration, which can detract from the appearance of your bathroom and lead to more significant issues over time. To keep your tiles looking their best, it’s important to clean them regularly with a mild bathroom cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar.

This will remove soap scum, dirt, and any bacteria that might be present. Pay special attention to the grout lines, as these are particularly prone to mould growth due to their porous nature.

Regrouting your tiles periodically can also help extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh. Over time, grout can become cracked or discoloured, which not only looks unsightly but can also allow water to seep behind the tiles, causing damage.

If you notice any issues with your grout, it’s best to address them promptly. Sealing the grout after it has been cleaned or regrouted can further protect it from moisture and staining, ensuring that your bathroom tiles remain in good condition for years to come.

6. Bathroom Extractor Fan Maintenance

Your bathroom extractor fan plays a critical role in keeping your bathroom dry and free of excess moisture, which helps prevent mould and mildew growth. To ensure your extractor fan is working efficiently, it’s important to clean and maintain it regularly.

Over time, dust and grime can accumulate on the fan blades and in the vents, reducing its effectiveness. Every few months, remove the fan cover and clean the blades with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust build-up. You should also check the vent to ensure it is free of obstructions that could impede airflow.

In addition to cleaning, it’s a good idea to test your extractor fan periodically to make sure it’s operating properly. Turn the fan on and hold a piece of tissue paper near the vent—if the fan is working correctly, the tissue should be pulled towards the vent.

If the fan is not functioning as it should, it may be time to consider a replacement or call a professional to inspect it. Regular maintenance of your bathroom extractor fan is key to keeping your bathroom dry and preventing moisture-related issues.

Bathroom Cleaning FAQs

How often should you clean your bathroom?

The frequency of cleaning your bathroom depends on how often it's used, but as a general rule, it’s recommended to clean the bathroom at least once a week. This includes scrubbing the toilet, wiping down the sink and countertops, and cleaning the shower or bathtub.

Regular weekly cleaning helps prevent the build-up of grime, mould, and bacteria, keeping your bathroom hygienic and pleasant. For high-traffic areas like the toilet and sink, you might consider giving them a quick wipe-down more frequently, especially if you have a large household.

How can I prevent mould in my bathroom?

Preventing mould in your bathroom primarily involves keeping the space as dry as possible. Proper ventilation is key—always use your bathroom extractor fan during and after showers to remove excess moisture from the air.

Additionally, wiping down wet surfaces like shower walls and countertops after use can help prevent mould from taking hold. Regularly cleaning tiles and grout with a mild cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar can also keep mould at bay.

Regular maintenance of your extractor fan and keeping the bathroom well-ventilated are crucial steps in mould prevention.

What’s the best way to clear a clogged sink drain?

To clear a clogged sink drain, start with natural solutions before resorting to harsher chemicals. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar is a highly effective method: pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar.

Allow the mixture to fizz for 15 minutes, then flush it with hot water. If the clog persists, a plunger or a drain snake can help remove more stubborn blockages. To prevent future clogs, avoid pouring grease, hair, or large food particles down the drain, and consider using a drain cover to catch debris.

How do I know if my bathroom extractor fan needs maintenance?

Your bathroom extractor fan may need maintenance if you notice it’s not removing moisture as effectively as it used to, or if it’s making unusual noises. Another sign is the accumulation of dust and grime on the fan cover, which can impede its function.

To check if your fan is working properly, hold a piece of tissue paper near the vent—if the tissue is not pulled toward the vent when the fan is on, it may be time to clean or repair the fan. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure efficient ventilation and prevent moisture build-up.

What are the best products for cleaning bathroom tiles?

For cleaning bathroom tiles, it’s best to use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner that is suitable for the type of tiles you have. A mixture of water and white vinegar is an excellent natural option for most tile surfaces, as it effectively removes soap scum and disinfects without damaging the tiles.

For tougher stains or mould, a specialised bathroom cleaner that targets mildew can be used. When cleaning, use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the tiles. For grout, a gentle scrub brush can help clean away dirt and mould without causing damage.