KEEPING bathrooms clean is crucial for preventing mould and germs from spreading around the home.
But there are some common cleaning mistakes people make when tackling their toilets – and it could be doing more harm than good.
Luckily, experts are on hand to help prevent us from making these costly errors before it’s too late.
Soma Pillay, a specialist at Bathroom City, has revealed that there are seven common errors that most homeowners make.
And they revealed how we can avoid them as well as what we all should be doing instead.
Soma said: “A bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the home, but it demands careful upkeep to stay clean and pleasant to use.
“Yet even with the best intentions, some everyday habits can undermine your efforts.
“Households should avoid these common mistakes for a clean, safe, and long-lasting bathroom.”
Using all-purpose sprays on every surface
If you’re prone to using one all-purpose spray for several surfaces across your home – you’re not alone.
But the experts say that a more “targeted approach” might be what is needed in the bathroom.
Soma explains: “Many people reach for a single, all-purpose cleaner and expect it to tackle everything from limescale to soap scum.
“While convenient, these sprays are often too weak to remove mineral build-up and too harsh for delicate materials, such as natural stone.
“Over time, you may notice dull patches forming on tiles, cloudy taps, or surfaces that never quite feel clean, despite frequent wiping.
“Instead, take a targeted approach. Use a dedicated limescale remover for taps and shower screens, a gentle pH-neutral product for natural stone, and a specialised bathroom cleaner for everyday grime.
“By matching the product to the problem, you’ll achieve a more thorough clean while protecting your fittings for the long term.”
Scrubbing grout with harsh abrasives
Scrubbing grout with harsh brushes seems like an easier way to get rid of grime, but the bathroom pro says this can cause more harm.
They said: “When grout starts to discolour, it’s tempting to attack it with abrasive powders or a stiff brush.
“However, this can erode the grout lines, making them more porous and prone to trapping moisture and mould.
“You may find the discolouration returning faster, leading to a frustrating cycle of cleaning and re-cleaning.
“Instead of harsh scrubbing, opt for a mild grout cleaner paired with a soft brush. Let the product sit for the recommended time, allowing it to break down stains on its own.
“For stubborn areas, a gentle steam clean can help lift dirt without causing damage. This approach keeps grout intact and easier to maintain.”
Ignoring hidden moisture traps
There are a lot of little gaps and spaces in the bathroom that can create hidden moisture traps that can create dampness and mould, but most of us miss these spots when cleaning.
The bathroom pros revealed: “Shelves crowded with toiletries, decorative baskets by the bath, and fabric storage tucked behind the door all seem harmless, but they can harbour hidden moisture.
“These damp pockets create ideal conditions for mould, musty smells and even discolouration on walls or cabinetry, especially in smaller, less ventilated bathrooms.
“To minimise hidden damp, streamline your storage. Keep only essential items out, choose open or wipeable containers, and regularly clear the areas behind bottles and baskets.
“This keeps surfaces dry, which prevents mould growth and makes your weekly cleaning routine far simpler.”
Leaving towels and bathmats permanently in place
When washing piles are high, and energy costs keep going up, it can be tempting to leave towels for a few uses before throwing them in the machine.
However, experts say this seemingly harmless habit could create bigger problems.
They said: “Bath linens take longer to dry in humid rooms, and when they’re left untouched for days, they can trap moisture, develop odours and transfer dampness back onto clean floors.
“Even high-quality cotton mats can begin to feel perpetually clammy if they never fully dry between uses.
“Instead of keeping towels and mats in constant rotation, swap them out regularly and allow each to air dry completely.
“Choose lighter-weight textiles that dry faster and consider using a heated rail or airing cupboard. This not only improves freshness but also reduces the risk of bacteria building up underfoot.”
Using too much product in the shower
When you want to make sure the inside of the shower is cleaned thoroughly, it’s tempting to spray it loads of times.
But experts warn: “Excess foam and spray don’t clean more effectively; instead, they leave residues that attract dirt more quickly. You might notice streaky glass, filmy tiles, or a floor that feels slick even after rinsing.
“Instead, use the recommended amount and work it in with a microfibre cloth or soft sponge.
“Rinse thoroughly, then use a squeegee to remove any remaining droplets from the glass and walls. You’ll achieve a clearer, streak-free finish with less effort and avoid product build-up over time.”
The six mistakes you’re making when cleaning your floor
IT’S not just in our bathrooms where some cleaning mistakes happen – it affects our floors as well.
Liam Cleverdon, flooring expert at Flooring King, has revealed the most common flooring cleaning mistakes people could be making – and what to do instead.
- Using too much water – “To avoid this, it’s important to ensure the mop is wet but not dripping, a damp microfibre mop is perfect for cleaning floors without causing damage.”
- Choosing the incorrect cleaning product – “I’d suggest doing proper research to ensure the chosen cleaning product is designed for the floor of choice, avoiding any products that could cause damage or discolouration.”
- Forgetting to vacuum – “Vacuuming at least once a week is essential”.
- Disregarding spillages – “All people need to do to avoid this one is ensure they’re addressing any spillages immediately.”
- Air-Drying Floors – “It’s better to set time aside to dry surfaces with microfibre cloths – helping prevent streaks and the risk of moisture seeping in between floorboards.”
- Scrubbing too hard – “Scrubbing floors too hard can remove protective coatings while leaving visible scratch marks, adding to the visual mess.”
Skipping ventilation during and after cleaning
Once we’ve finished cleaning, most of us think that’s everything done – but it doesn’t actually end there.
Soma says: “It’s common to focus on the act of cleaning itself and forget about ventilation.
“Closing the door or leaving windows shut traps moisture from both the cleaning products and any residual steam. This slows drying, dulls polished surfaces, and encourages mildew to return more quickly.
“Instead, open a window or run the extractor fan while you clean and for at least 15 minutes afterwards.
“Good airflow speeds up drying times, stops condensation settling on fresh surfaces, and keeps the whole room smelling clean and crisp for longer.”
Using excess water when cleaning bathroom furniture
Using too much water can actually damage some of your bathroom surfaces, experts have said.
Soma explained: “Many people assume that a quick splash of water and a vigorous wipe will keep fitted furniture spotless, but over-wetting these areas is a common mistake.
“Vanity units, especially those made from MDF or laminate, can absorb moisture along seams and edges.
“Over time, this leads to swelling, bubbling, or peeling, and creates damp spaces inside cupboards where mould can quietly develop.
“Instead of soaking surfaces, use a lightly dampened cloth with a gentle bathroom-safe cleaner.
“Pay particular attention to drying any joints, handles or edges immediately afterwards.
“For a deeper clean, remove items from cupboards so you can wipe the interior thoroughly and allow it to air out before restocking.
“This keeps fitted furniture looking fresh and prolongs its lifespan.”
