July 7, 2026, 10:15 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the household–and also one of the places where moisture, lime, and germs accumulate quickly. Even if it looks clean, numerous bacteria often hide on surfaces, in joints, and corners. Therefore, the bathroom should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Besides the toilet, sink, and bathtub, there are other areas and items that should be regularly cleaned or washed.
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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 during drying. 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 growth conditions. Thus, a multitude of microorganisms can quickly settle 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 140 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
Bath Mats
Similar to towels, bath mats should also be washed regularly. Ideally, they should be cleaned in the washing machine at least once a week at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 is 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 touched, even before washing hands. Thus, bacteria and germs 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.
Drains
If the bathwater doesn’t drain properly, hair, soap residue, or lime deposits are usually the cause. 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.