Bathroom cleaning is inevitably the chore I put off the most (unloading the dishwasher is a close second). I mean, what fun is there to be had cleaning a toilet? But let me tell ya, I have found the magical toilet-cleaning answer that gets the kids to do the work for me.
After this spring cleaning post reminded me that my toilet brush was WAY overdue on cleaning I gave my bathroom a natural cleaning overhaul. Along with this simple all purpose cleaner here are the 5 things I use to make my bathroom naturally antibacterial, no harsh chemicals required. Plus it smells better than ever!
5 Naturally Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaners
1. DIY antibacterial foaming handwash
I threw out the heavy duty hand washes long ago and started making my own. It's crazy simple—add a squirt of castile soap to a reusable pump and fill the rest with water. It's easier on your hands and, omg, so much easier on the wallet.
I started adding essential oils because I'm a sucker for anything that smells good and the oils are magical with their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties. Some of the best-smelling, naturally antibacterial options are cinnamon, clove, lavender, lemon, oregano, rosemary, sweet orange, tea tree and thyme. Add a dozen drops of your fave or mix and match.
2. Natural deodorizing spray
This is my new favorite thing because my kids love to 'clean' with a spray bottle full of water. Now they can spritz away and make the house smell awesome!
Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of distilled water and add a dozen drops of an antibacterial essential oil (see above list). I'm a fan of citrus and lavender.
Be careful if you go with clove—it will quickly overpower any other smell. And if mom is doing the cleaning, mix ½ cup of water and ½ cup of vodka and the scent will last longer.
3. Homemade soft scrub
Mix ½ cup baking soda with a squirt of liquid castile soap (I'm not big on getting out the measuring spoons for this but it's probably a couple of tablespoons). Stir until combined and add a dozen or so drops of essential oil. Use a rag or sponge to apply to sinks and tubs (or pretty much anything else in the bathroom) and scrub away. Then rinse well.
4. Lemon + Salt Scour Scrub
When the tub gets those gross rings or the sink looks stained, add some salt and lemon to the above soft scrub for extra scrubbing and whitening power. Combine baking soda, salt and lemon juice until you have a paste and apply to stained areas. I'm lazy and will let this sit for a few hours if possible to let things loosen up a bit before attacking with a sponge.
5. Toilet volcano
This is the part your kids will love. First, a warning! I tried making a cleaner that combined baking soda and vinegar in bottle—big no no, folks. These two have a fun, sizzle-y reaction when put together but when the bubbling is done, you're basically left with club soda and not a powerhouse cleaner. Oops. So don't combine these two ingredients together ahead of time, thinking you're all on the ball or you will be in for a bit of a let down.
Add a squirt of castile soap and ½ cup distilled white vinegar. Let that sit in the toilet for 10 or so minutes. Then call the kids and let them pour in about ½ cup baking soda and enjoy the bubbles. When the reaction dies down, give the toilet a good scrub, flush and you're done.
What are your favorite bathroom cleaning tricks?
102
