There really are no Christmas lyrics that deal with the bathroom – at least none that I’ve found. So let’s think about some of Harry Connick’s jazzy arrangements or Frank Sinatra’s soft versions of holiday classics to provide a smooth, comforting vibe while we soak in a tub filled with bubbles after a long day. Ahhh …. Wouldn’t that be relaxing? Time’s up! That’s where we’re headed this week.
Let’s tackle the Primary (aka Master) Bathroom. When the original HGP was written, this was the only week devoted to bathrooms. So, if you have other bathrooms, consider tackling them this week, as well, while you have all the bathroom cleaning supplies out. I'll be tackling my guest bathroom first (I have a house guest coming for the weekend), and my main floor powder room first, and my bathroom will be last.
As with other rooms, it’s good to start at the corners of the ceilings and clean downward, getting in all corners and crevices. This is also a good time to look for any streaks over your tub or shower and wipe down the top edge of the tile and above your shower walls and door. Clean the ceiling vent and make sure it’s still in good working order and go over any vanity lights, making sure all bulbs are bright and working. Make the mirror shine. Then onto the grimy parts …
Pour your favorite cleaner into the toilet bowl and let it start doing its thing while you begin on the baseboards around the toilet exterior and water tank, working your way around the room. Once the baseboards are wiped, swish away at the bowl until it, too, is sparkling. Do the same with the shower, tub, and sinks. Give any chrome a good shine, too. It’s a good time to check your bathmats, Do the suction cups still hold the bathmat in place? If not, consider replacing it to avoid anyone taking a spill while bathing.
Get a load of laundry started with the shower curtain(s) and any towels that can go in the same load. Check the condition of the shower curtain liner and replace it if needed. While you’re at the tub/shower, take a look at your shower and bath supplies, discarding any that have been sitting unused for too long. Don’t forget to test any bathroom spray, to make sure it still sprays and the scent is still good. And check your supply of TP. Will you need extra for the holidays? Add it to the shopping list and start watching for sales and coupons! Do the same with your towels and rugs. Are they still in good condition? Is the backing still good on your rugs? If they need to be replaced, add them to the list. Then make the bath rugs your next load of laundry.
Lastly, give the floor a complete mopping, with extra disinfectant around the toilet area. Clean any discolored grout, and remember to wipe down the bathroom door handles, inside and out, as you exit the room.
This is also a good time to sort and organize your bathroom vanity drawers and undercounter storage areas, weeding out expired OTC and prescription 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 that can help you know what to consider keeping on hand for emergencies. Once you’ve discarded any old meds, add what you need to replace your shopping list. Flu season is upon us, so know where your thermometer and heating pad are located, as well as your go-to meds.
Other Holiday Prep –
Let’s tackle the Primary (aka Master) Bathroom. When the original HGP was written, this was the only week devoted to bathrooms. So, if you have other bathrooms, consider tackling them this week, as well, while you have all the bathroom cleaning supplies out. I'll be tackling my guest bathroom first (I have a house guest coming for the weekend), and my main floor powder room first, and my bathroom will be last.
As with other rooms, it’s good to start at the corners of the ceilings and clean downward, getting in all corners and crevices. This is also a good time to look for any streaks over your tub or shower and wipe down the top edge of the tile and above your shower walls and door. Clean the ceiling vent and make sure it’s still in good working order and go over any vanity lights, making sure all bulbs are bright and working. Make the mirror shine. Then onto the grimy parts …
Pour your favorite cleaner into the toilet bowl and let it start doing its thing while you begin on the baseboards around the toilet exterior and water tank, working your way around the room. Once the baseboards are wiped, swish away at the bowl until it, too, is sparkling. Do the same with the shower, tub, and sinks. Give any chrome a good shine, too. It’s a good time to check your bathmats, Do the suction cups still hold the bathmat in place? If not, consider replacing it to avoid anyone taking a spill while bathing.
Get a load of laundry started with the shower curtain(s) and any towels that can go in the same load. Check the condition of the shower curtain liner and replace it if needed. While you’re at the tub/shower, take a look at your shower and bath supplies, discarding any that have been sitting unused for too long. Don’t forget to test any bathroom spray, to make sure it still sprays and the scent is still good. And check your supply of TP. Will you need extra for the holidays? Add it to the shopping list and start watching for sales and coupons! Do the same with your towels and rugs. Are they still in good condition? Is the backing still good on your rugs? If they need to be replaced, add them to the list. Then make the bath rugs your next load of laundry.
Lastly, give the floor a complete mopping, with extra disinfectant around the toilet area. Clean any discolored grout, and remember to wipe down the bathroom door handles, inside and out, as you exit the room.
This is also a good time to sort and organize your bathroom vanity drawers and undercounter storage areas, weeding out expired OTC and prescription 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 that can help you know what to consider keeping on hand for emergencies. Once you’ve discarded any old meds, add what you need to replace your shopping list. Flu season is upon us, so know where your thermometer and heating pad are located, as well as your go-to meds.
Other Holiday Prep –
- Add a batch of Holiday cookies or other baked goods to your freezer.
- If you’re doing freezer meals, add one to the freezer, labeled with content and cooking instructions.
- Don’t forget the canned goods for your donation box.
- When going through your bathrooms, do you have any items for a donation bag? Any unopened sample size toiletries that you could donated to a shelter? Any old towels that could go to an animal rescue group?
- 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.
