If the last thing you want to do after a long week is scour your bathroom, you’re in the majority. Very few people on this earth enjoy chores, especially the nasty ones. However, there are certain tasks, no matter how dirty, that are important to stay on top of. Cleaning your bathroom is one of them.
To truly understand the importance of this chore, read on to discover what happens if you stop cleaning your bathroom. You might be surprised by the unpleasant consequences.
You Invite Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in damp, humid conditions, making your bathroom their ideal growth environment. When you skip regular cleaning, moisture from showers and baths provides mold and mildew the perfect habitat.
You Let Fecal Matter Accumulate
Every time you flush your toilet, tiny droplets containing bacteria are released into the air and settle onto surfaces like your countertops, floor, walls, and yes—even your toothbrush if it’s exposed.
Wait—doesn’t flushing with the toilet seat down prevent this? No. Studies show that lidded and lidless flushes alike distribute pathogens through aerosolized particles.
Unaddressed, your toilet flushes make your bathroom a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, compromising the hygiene of your entire bathroom.
You Face the Health Risks of Mold and Fecal Matter
So why is mold and fecal matter accumulation a problem?
Let’s start with mold. Mold exposure can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other serious health problems. One specific problem is athlete’s foot, caused by a type of fungi that thrives in humid conditions.
Next, the presence of fecal matter increases the risk of infections and gastrointestinal illnesses from germs like E. coli.
Basically, an unattended bathroom poses a health risk to your lungs, skin, and stomach. So what can you do about it?
Helpful Bathroom Cleaning Tips
The best way to make your bathroom a consistently healthy place is to stay on top of cleaning. Here are some tips to help you keep your bathroom sparkling clean.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
The easiest way to let chores get away from you is to not have a plan for consistency. Break down bathroom tasks into daily, weekly, and monthly activities to ensure no area is overlooked. For example, you can disinfect the toilet bowl every day, sanitize all surfaces once a week, and scrub the grout once a month.
Use Effective, Nontoxic Cleaning Products
Bottom-shelf cleaners are usually weaker and more toxic than their higher-quality counterparts. When it comes to your bathroom and your health, investing a bit in cleaning supplies will pay off in the long run. You might even consider homemade cleaners with ingredients like lemon and baking soda for a truly nontoxic clean.
Ventilate Your Bathroom
Use exhaust fans or open windows to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth. Air purifiers can also help with mold growth, so use them in conjunction with great ventilation. Essentially, you want to make the bathroom as dry as possible to deter unwanted fungal guests.
Now that you know what happens if you stop cleaning your bathroom, are you ready to pick up a scrubber and go to town on yours? Even though bathroom cleaning isn’t the most pleasant of chores, being consistent with it will greatly benefit your health, comfort, and peace of mind.
