You’ll be shocked how much bacteria lives there.

Did you know that bathroom floors host a variety of microorganisms — from stomach viruses to the fungi responsible for athlete’s foot ? Other fungi present in the bathroom generally may not cause disease but can trigger asthma and allergies.

Knowing how to clean bathroom floors well is necessary for the health and wellbeing of your family. However, this task is not fun for many people.

If you often leave the bathroom floor as the last area to be cleaned, you’re not alone. This area is often dreaded since it tends to require chemicals that leave you wheezing your way out of the bathroom.

But what if we told you there are ways to avoid the need to wear a mask? The truth is, by incorporating your bathroom floor into your daily routine, you could make the job much easier.

The most common type of flooring in bathrooms is tile — ceramic or porcelain. These are super easy to clean and maintain. And, the best part is that you can use natural products such as vinegar.

Tile, however, does have some trouble areas within a bathroom, and you must pay attention to these. Deep corners, grout lines and metal objects such as a trash can, can be cause for trouble.

These areas might have mildew or mold, or an accumulation of soap residue. Beauty and hair products can also cause stains if you do your daily routine in front of the bathroom mirror.

Cleaning the Bathroom Floor

1. Clear the Floor

Before you get started, make sure the floor is clear of any loose objects. Remove stools, trash cans and toys if you have children. This will give you a clear area to move around freely.

If you have any mats in the bathroom, consider washing them. Some are even able to be cleaned in the washer. Otherwise, give it a good scrub using a detergent, then rinse thoroughly and hang to dry.

2. Remove Dust

Removing dust and loose dirt will make it easier to scrub the floor later on. Use a broom or even a vacuum. Make sure the floor is completely dry before vacuuming to avoid damaging your machine.

You can also give the floor a thorough rinse using a small hose or showerhead. Direct the water into the corners to get all of the dust and dirt away. If there’s more debris on the floor, collect it and throw it in the trash to avoid a clogged drain.

3. Cleaning the Floor

How you like to clean your bathroom floor further depends on your preferences. There are a few ways to get it done effectively.

Fill a bucket with warm water and mix in a cleaner that’s safe for your flooring. You can also pour a cup of white vinegar into the bucket if you wish.

Use a mop to clean the entire floor, or a push broom if the floor is extra grimy. A small brush can also be used if you only have a small area to cover.

4. Rinse

Rinse the floor with clean water and use a floor squeegee to direct the water down the drain. However, if this isn’t an option, use only a slightly wet mop to keep water at a minimum. Consider a spin mop since these are effective at wringing out excess water.

5. Dry

When you’re done, you must dry the floor to avoid any growth of mold or mildew. Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe the floor. Pay close attention to corners and grout lines as these places are more prone to mold.

Removing Bathroom Floor Stains

Method #1: Natural Acidic Cleaners

Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals might be essential in homes with children or pets. Fumes can often stick around or spread throughout the house, which can affect everyone.

Luckily, natural cleaners such as vinegar and lemon juice are always close at hand and effective. Vinegar is excellent at removing grease stains, deodorizing and disinfecting bathroom floors.

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and give it a good shake. Then apply the solution to a stain and scrub with a sponge.

You can also use pure lemon juice in a spray bottle to treat spots and grout. Another great use for lemons is to remove rust stains.

Cut a lemon in half and coat each half in salt. Sprinkle additional salt on the rust stain and begin to scrub with the lemon half— squeeze as you go to release the juice. Finally, rinse and wipe the area when done. You may also replace salt with baking soda if you wish.

If you have any type of natural flooring in your bathroom, refrain from using acidic cleaners. These will etch the surface and can damage the protective seal.

Method #2: Bleach

If you notice mold or mildew, you can combine water and bleach at a 3:1 ratio. Apply it directly to the stain, give it a minute or two to work and then scrub using a sponge or brush. Rinse with clean water and wipe to dry.

Keep in Mind

Bleach can create noxious fumes, so keep windows and doors open. Wear protective gear such as gloves to avoid skin contact.

Ammonia can also be used to remove mold and mildew stains. Mix a quarter cup of ammonia in a gallon of water. Apply to the troubled area and scrub using a brush or sponge, then rinse well and wipe to dry. 

Avoid Disaster

Never mix bleach and ammonia. This will cause toxic fumes that can cause nose bleeds and even burn the nose and lung lining.

Method #3: Steam Cleaner

When you need to do an extra deep clean in your bathroom, try a steam cleaner. They use high-temperature steam to blast grime, bacteria, and mold away.

Fill up the water tank and allow the device to heat up. Turn the machine on and push or pulse the trigger as you move across the floor.

Quick Tips for Grout Cleaning

Clean grout is essential if you want your bathroom floor to shine. Grime and bacteria will often accumulate in this area, and these can be difficult to remove if left. Here are a few tips for cleaning grout lines:

1. Bleach

If you have white or light-colored grout in your bathroom, you can use bleach to remove stains. Dip a sponge or stiff brush in bleach, then scrub the lines and rinse with a damp cloth. Remember to keep windows and doors open to get proper ventilation.

2. Baking Soda

Creating a baking soda paste is an effective way to quickly beat grout grime. Combine equal parts baking soda and water, then apply to the grout and leave to sit for a minute. Use a stiff brush to scrub the paste into the lines and wipe using a cloth or clean sponge.

3. Vinegar and Salt

Mix one cup of vinegar and one cup of hot water in a bucket. Add one cup of salt and about two tablespoons of dish soap. Combine the solution well before soaking a sponge in it.

Then apply a generous amount of the solution to the grout lines using the sponge. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then wipe using a clean sponge dampened with water.

Final Tips for Cleaning Bathroom Floors

Maintaining a good cleaning regime for your entire bathroom is key to keeping it clean. Due to the often moist environment, bathrooms are prone to the growth of mold. This can cause health concerns for you and your family because the spores can quickly spread to other areas.

Here are some bonus tips on how to clean the bathroom floor:

• Clean the floor last: If you’re cleaning the whole bathroom, leave the floors to the end. There might be spills or dirt falling onto the floor while cleaning tiles or wiping off shelves.
• Get into the corners: Use small brushes or even a cotton ball to clean corners effectively.
• Keep the floor dry: Finishing off by wiping the floors dry will help to keep mold and mildew at bay. It will also help to prevent slippery tiles that could be dangerous.

Beat the Grime

Cleaning your bathroom floor might have been the most dreaded task of the week — but it shouldn’t be. Knowing how to clean your bathroom floor effectively can help make the job much easier.

You can use a multi-surface cleaner to scrub the floor and remove stains such as soap scum. Make sure you give the grout lines a thorough clean once in a while using an effective method.

How do you usually approach the bathroom when cleaning? How often do you clean the grout? Share your experience in the comment section below.