As we near the end of September, it’s time to look at the condition of our master or primary bathroom. When the original HGP was written, this was the only week devoted to bathrooms. So, if you have multiple bathrooms, consider tackling them this week, as well, while you have all the bathroom cleaning supplies out. For me, that means 3 – my bathroom, the 2nd full bathroom (in my home, used by guests; but it could be the children's bathroom) -- both on the upper level, and the powder room on my main living floor. I'll start with my bathroom, then the powder room that everyone sees and uses, and then go back to my guest bathroom. If push comes to shove, undercounter and baseboards in my guest bathroom can wait.
As with other rooms, it’s good to start at the ceiling and clean downward, getting in all corners and crevices. Check for any streaks over your tub or shower, and dust that top edge of the tile, where moisture and dust tend to settle. Clean the vent fan and dust over any vanity lights, making sure all bulbs are bright and working. If the vent fan is squeeking, be sure to give it a squirt of WD-40.
Get your cleaner into the toilet bowl and let it do its thing while you start on the baseboards and cleaning around the toilet exterior and water tank, working your way around the room. Then swish away at the bowl until it is sparkling. Do the same with the shower, tub, and sinks. Give any chrome a good shine, too. Be sure to check your bath mats, bathroom rugs, an towels. Do any need replacing? Do the suction cups still hold the bath mat in place? If not, consider replacing it to avoid anyone taking a spill while bathing. Launder your shower curtain and check the condition of the liner, replacing it if needed. Also, it’s a good time to check your shower and bath supplies, discarding any that have been sitting unused for too long. Some times the oils used for scents can turn and really leave an awful smell. And, be sure to test any bathroom spray, to make sure they still work and the scent is acceptable. Also check your supply of TP. Will you need extra for the holidays?
Lastly, give the floor a complete scrub down, with extra disinfectant around the toilet area. Clean any discolored grout, and remember to sanitize the bathroom door handles, inside and out.
This is also a good time to sort and organize your undercounter storage areas, weeding out expired OTC medicines. There is a nice First Aid Checklist and Emergency Information sheet on the original Organized Home site at https://organizedhome.com/printable/household-notebook. Once you’ve discarded any old meds, add what you need to replace to your shopping list. Know where your thermometer and heating pad are located, as well as your go-to meds. As a single person living alone with family nearly an hour away, I can attest to the importance of having what you need on hand, should the flu or a severe cold hit your home. There’s nothing worse than having to get dressed to go to the pharmacy for cough syrup or decongestant when you're running a fever and all you want to do is climb back into bed and pull the covers over your head.
Use the same procedure in other bathrooms throughout your home. We want those areas to sparkle, too.
In other areas of holiday prep --
As with other rooms, it’s good to start at the ceiling and clean downward, getting in all corners and crevices. Check for any streaks over your tub or shower, and dust that top edge of the tile, where moisture and dust tend to settle. Clean the vent fan and dust over any vanity lights, making sure all bulbs are bright and working. If the vent fan is squeeking, be sure to give it a squirt of WD-40.
Get your cleaner into the toilet bowl and let it do its thing while you start on the baseboards and cleaning around the toilet exterior and water tank, working your way around the room. Then swish away at the bowl until it is sparkling. Do the same with the shower, tub, and sinks. Give any chrome a good shine, too. Be sure to check your bath mats, bathroom rugs, an towels. Do any need replacing? Do the suction cups still hold the bath mat in place? If not, consider replacing it to avoid anyone taking a spill while bathing. Launder your shower curtain and check the condition of the liner, replacing it if needed. Also, it’s a good time to check your shower and bath supplies, discarding any that have been sitting unused for too long. Some times the oils used for scents can turn and really leave an awful smell. And, be sure to test any bathroom spray, to make sure they still work and the scent is acceptable. Also check your supply of TP. Will you need extra for the holidays?
Lastly, give the floor a complete scrub down, with extra disinfectant around the toilet area. Clean any discolored grout, and remember to sanitize the bathroom door handles, inside and out.
This is also a good time to sort and organize your undercounter storage areas, weeding out expired OTC medicines. There is a nice First Aid Checklist and Emergency Information sheet on the original Organized Home site at https://organizedhome.com/printable/household-notebook. Once you’ve discarded any old meds, add what you need to replace to your shopping list. Know where your thermometer and heating pad are located, as well as your go-to meds. As a single person living alone with family nearly an hour away, I can attest to the importance of having what you need on hand, should the flu or a severe cold hit your home. There’s nothing worse than having to get dressed to go to the pharmacy for cough syrup or decongestant when you're running a fever and all you want to do is climb back into bed and pull the covers over your head.
Use the same procedure in other bathrooms throughout your home. We want those areas to sparkle, too.
In other areas of holiday prep --
- Add a batch of Holiday cookies or other baked goods to your freezer.
- Add a freezer meal, labeled with content and cooking instructions.
- Add canned goods to your donation box.
- If you’re shopping for gift-giving, buy 1/8 of what’s on your list; ask about the store’s return policy, get gift receipts to keep with the gift, and save your receipts in a centralized location.
- When going through your bathrooms, do you have any items for a donation bag? Any sample size toiletries that could be donated to a shelter? Any old towels that could go to an animal rescue group?
