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9 Common Bathroom Hygiene Mistakes

You shouldn't leave your toothbrush lying around in the bathroom.
You shouldn't leave your toothbrush lying around in the bathroom. Photo: Getty Images
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July 16, 2026, 11:40 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Bathroom hygiene is especially important. Not only because germs and bacteria can easily multiply there, but also because it’s a space where you want to clean yourself. Find tips for a hygienic bathroom in this article.

Germs and bacteria multiply quickly in the bathroom. After all, it’s usually not only warm but also humid. That’s why it’s crucial to clean regularly and thoroughly. Additionally, you should avoid the following nine mistakes to maintain bathroom hygiene.

1. Toothbrush in the Wrong Place

Hygiene is particularly important for your toothbrush. It’s essential for healthy teeth. To ensure high hygiene, don’t leave your toothbrush lying around in the bathroom. Regular ventilation and flushing the toilet spread germs and bacteria in the bathroom, which can land on your toothbrush.

Ideally, store your toothbrush in a dry and cool place. If you don’t want to place it in another room, you can also put it in the bathroom cabinet. The water from the toilet flush won’t reach it there.

2. Leaving Razor and Makeup Lying Around

Similar to the toothbrush, you should also pay attention to hygiene with razors and makeup. Otherwise, you might not only cover up pimples with makeup but also add new skin impurities. As with the toothbrush, it’s best to store these items in the bathroom cabinet.

3. Leaving the Toilet Lid Open

Toilet lid up or down? It seems like a matter of convenience, but it’s actually about bathroom hygiene. Each time the toilet is flushed, aerosols are released and spread throughout the room. Aerosols are tiny particles that play a major role in the transmission of diseases. In the case of the toilet, these aerosols are not fundamentally hazardous to health. However, you should be cautious and close the toilet lid before flushing.

Also interesting: What to Consider When Buying Bathroom Furniture

4. Not Regularly Removing Black Grout

If the light grout suddenly turns black, it’s usually mold. Due to high humidity and warmth, it thrives in the bathroom. Mold not only looks unsightly but is also bad for the respiratory system over time. Therefore, you should clean the grout regularly. If black mold still forms, you can remove it with baking soda, for example.

5. Forgetting the Door Handle When Cleaning

Even people who clean their bathroom regularly and thoroughly might forget the following spots: The door handle and light switch are touched almost every time the bathroom is used. Therefore, they should also be disinfected regularly.

6. Regularly Replacing the Toilet Brush

Many are aware that a toilet brush is not a hygienic product once used. However, it is not cleaned or replaced in all households. You should get a new toilet brush at least every six months. In the meantime, you can clean it with toilet cleaner or denture cleaner. Find more tips on cleaning the toilet brush in this article.

7. Not Regularly Replacing Towels

Towels are often damp and warm. Germs multiply quickly here as well. For this reason, you should replace towels after no more than three uses.

Also interesting: Showering Instead of Bathing – Does It Really Save Water?

More on the topic

8. Cleaning the Toilet Incorrectly

It’s known that the toilet needs regular cleaning. However, mistakes can be made, or spots can be missed. In this case, it’s the back and outside. Here, you’ll find not only lime but also urine or toothpaste residues. Baking soda or vinegar is suitable for scrubbing the toilet.

9. Forgetting the Shower Curtain When Cleaning

Over time, various deposits accumulate on the shower curtain, often consisting of dirt and soap residues. If you don’t clean the curtain regularly, mold can also form. To wash the curtain, you don’t even need a washing machine. First, brush the shower curtain thoroughly. Then, rub it with vinegar and water. Finally, rinse the curtain with clear water.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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