Our bathrooms are where we get clean, it is therefore important that we keep them as clean as possible. Anywhere that bodily fluids or skin cells are going to accumulate or be rinsed off has the potential to become rather unpleasant.
Add to that the potential for mineral deposits if you are in a hard water area and keeping the bathroom clean is a chore that nobody relishes.
Many people believe that a bathroom cannot be properly clean unless it smells of chemicals but this is not true.
These recipes are just as effective and much safer for you and your family. Many of the recipes in the previous chapter are use-
ful here; use the borax floor recipe to keep your tile or vinyl floor clean.
Borax once a week will stop the drains smelling and a vinegar treatment will keep your toilet looking like new, shine your mirror and combat mildew spots. For extra power to tackle the more stubborn areas consider using the following easy solu- tions.
Scouring solution
A simple scouring solution can be made by mixing a cup each of baking soda,
kosher salt and borax. Sprinkle the mixture on the dirty area and leave it for a little while.
Wipe it with a damp sponge and then rinse clean.
Tub and Tile Spray
Mix 1 cup of castile soap with 1 cup of water, 4 tablespoons of white vinegar and 3 cups of baking soda in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before use then spray on any ceramic surface. Wipe it down with a cloth before rinsing.
Extra tough mildew paste
If vinegar alone is not shifting your mildew you can make an extra strength paste by mixing equal measures of borax andn vinegar into a paste.
Apply it with a brush or sponge and leave it for an hour before wiping off and rinsing clean with
water.
DIY shower spray
A shower spray is an effective way to prevent mold and mildew taking hold in the first place and helping prevent water spots on your shower glass.
Simply mix 4 cups of water with white vinegar. You can add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice to help keep your bathroom smelling pleasant.
Tea tree and lemongrass work well. Keep this mixture in a spray bottle and leave it in the shower.
The last person to have a shower in the morning is tasked with spraying it down – simple and effective!
Remove rust and scale from your tub
Scale marks can accumulate in your tub, your sink and even your toilet.
Of course, if you are using our natural cleaning products these deposits should grow slowly but if you have just moved home or are having to deal with deposits that have built up over time this solution is for you.
Have a citrus fruit of your choice and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Rub this over the scale deposit, the scouring action of the salt combines with the citric acid in the fruit to help loosen the scale deposits. Citrus halves are also a great way to clean your taps!
De-grot your grout
The grout between the tiles of the bathroom is one of the most difficult things to keep clean in the house. No matter how clean you keep your bathroom the grout is sure to turn grey.
Tackling grotty grout is a multi-stage offensive. First make up a paste of baking soda and water and use a nail or toothbrush to really work it into your grout.
Leave it for five minutes then spray the area with a 50:50 water and white vinegar solution. The baking soda and vinegar will combine and start to fizz (the combination is used to make a ‘volcanic eruption’ in school experiments).
Keep working over the grout with your small brush then rinse with water. Your grout should be sparkling white!