In which we tackle some serious nasty in a fresh way

The citric acid in lemons is an amazingly useful, organic cleanser, and it boasts at least twenty-four different cleaning solutions.

When cleaning confined spaces like a bathroom, organic cleansers like citric acid, baking soda and vinegar can literally be lifesavers. As you probably know, mixing bleach with ammonia can kill you . Mixing ANY chemicals (even just the fumes) is dangerous, not to mention foul-smelling.

We’re not saying that you should never never never use chemical cleaners, just keep an open mind, and give more natural options a try.

Chances are, you’ll save some money and avoid a headache.

Below is our bathroom cleaning list – CLICK HERE for a printable version!

The Basics

• Dust light fixtures
• Clear ceiling cobwebs
• Dust blinds
• Treat curtains as needed [launder/spot clean/switch to summer fabrics]
• Clean windows & sills
• Walls – scan ceiling to baseboard for obvious marks & scrub them out
  • Include switchplates & doorknobs here! A quick swipe is usually sufficient

• Shine mirror(s)
• Clean the sink – go after the drain, the handles and all the nasty that accumulates in the grooves around those fixtures with a flexible, Brillo-type sponge
• Clean the tub and/or shower, and be sure to give it a good, soaking rinse-off afterward. Even cleaning products can lead to goopy buildup when not rinsed properly
• Launder the shower curtain(s)

Hey, it’s time for a snack! Or a dance break. Or a cup of coffee.

The point is to get some air, here, since you’ve got a lot of cleaning fumes mixing it up in a typically small space. Open some windows, get outside. Refreshing and, you know, safe.

• Ew, the toilet. Do it quickly and thoroughly, right when you return from your break. Dust the top, clean the bowl & rim, try lemonade to remove stubborn stains. Wipe down the base. Ah, see? That’s better.
• Clear out all of cabinets, one at a time, just like the kitchen cabinets.
• Wipe down the ins and outs, the shelves, doors and handles
• Toss any expired or down-to-the-dredges items, wipe off & replace what remains in an organized fashion
• Wipe down the countertops
• Sweet & mop the floors, ‘cuz you’re done in here! (okay, mostly done — don’t forget to put your shower curtain(s) back up)

• Remove the seat from the toilet to clean around the seat bolts
• Remove the window screens and spray them down with a garden hose to get the dust off
• Clean and reseal grout if you’re feeling extra-productive