September 18, 2026, 4:08 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In the bathroom, moisture, heat, and various residues come together daily. This can cause lime, dirt, and bacteria to settle even in places where you might not expect them at first glance. Regular, thorough cleaning is therefore important. It’s worth taking a closer look at areas and items that are easily overlooked during cleaning, in addition to the toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub.
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Towels
While thorough handwashing or showering removes most harmful germs and bacteria, not all are eliminated. Some of these microorganisms transfer to the towel when drying off. Skin flakes and hair also remain in the fabric, providing an ideal food source for pathogens. In the damp environment of a used towel, they find perfect conditions for growth. This can quickly lead to a multitude of microorganisms settling on the fabric, potentially causing viral, fungal, or bacterial infections.
To avoid health risks, towels in the bathroom should be changed at least once a week. Guest towels are best washed immediately after use. To reliably kill germs and bacteria, washing at 60 degrees Celsius is recommended.
Bath Mats
Similar to towels, bath mats should also be washed regularly. Ideally, they should be cleaned in the washing machine at 60 degrees Celsius at least once a week. Skin flakes and hair also accumulate on the mat, providing a welcome food source for potentially harmful microorganisms. In the moist fibers, they also find perfect conditions to multiply.
To avoid standing on cold tiles or slipping after a shower, it’s advisable to use multiple bath mats in rotation. This way, one mat can dry or be washed while the other is in use.
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Door Handles and Light Switches
Often overlooked but used daily: Door handles and light switches are among the biggest germ sources in the bathroom. They are usually the first things you touch, even before washing your hands. This allows bacteria and germs to quickly accumulate there.
To prevent the spread of pathogens, door handles and light switches should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. A disinfectant or vinegar cleaner reliably removes most germs and ensures hygienic cleanliness.
Drain
If the bathwater doesn’t drain properly, it’s usually due to hair, soap residue, or lime deposits. However, this problem can be easily avoided: Cleaning the drain once a week ensures that water can flow freely. It also saves you from fishing out larger clumps of hair and soap.
In the process, you can avoid using aggressive chemical cleaners that harm both health and the environment. An old toothbrush is ideal for cleaning. It can remove hair and residues and, in combination with a natural bathroom cleaner, thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas.