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A newly fitted bathroom always feels fresh, bright and inviting. With the right care it will stay that way for years. The materials, fittings and finishes used in modern bathrooms are designed to last, but only if they are maintained correctly. Proper cleaning protects surfaces, prevents long term damage and reduces the likelihood of mould, staining and wear. Below is a detailed guide based entirely on the correct processes demonstrated during installation and the best practices recommended by our team.
If you would like to watch our video on how to clean and properly maintain a bathroom, click here: How To Clean & Properly Maintain A Bathroom
If you would like to book a free home visit, please visit https://agecare-bathrooms.co.uk/ or call 0800 999 8994.
Avoiding the Common Mistakes
The most important thing to remember is that certain products can cause irreversible harm. Bleach is the biggest culprit. It must never be used on chrome under any circumstances. That includes taps, drains, toilet seat hinges and heated towel rails. Bleach eats into the chrome surface and causes pitting and rusting. The only place bleach belongs is inside the toilet pan.
Abrasive creams and powdered cleaners should also be avoided. They scratch protective coatings on screens, trays and wall panels. Warm soapy water or mild non abrasive cleaners are safe, effective and protect the materials long term.
Using Ventilation to Prevent Mould
Moisture builds up quickly in a bathroom and can settle in corners, on silicone lines and on grout. Even a working extractor fan often needs extra help. Leaving the window slightly open or keeping the bathroom door ajar after bathing makes a significant difference. Allowing steam to escape naturally reduces the risk of mould, protects the silicone and keeps the space fresher for longer. Early signs of mould can be wiped away easily with warm water, but preventing it from forming is always more effective.
Caring for Walls and Tiles
Most wall panels only need warm soapy water and a soft cloth to stay clean. Regular wiping prevents soap marks from settling and avoids the need for harsher cleaning later on. If your bathroom includes tiled areas, keep a close eye on the grout. Grout is the first place to show moisture damage. A quick wipe every week helps prevent the darker staining that can appear in shower areas.
Keeping Shower Screens Clear
Many shower screens are treated with a special coating that repels water, but this does not eliminate the need for regular cleaning. A simple routine of warm soapy water followed by a microfibre cloth keeps the glass clear and bright. If marks start to appear over time, a gentle glass cleaner is suitable as long as it is non abrasive. Paying attention to the edges and seals makes a noticeable difference because these areas collect residue more quickly.
Maintaining Drains and Traps
Shower traps collect hair and soap residue more quickly than most people expect. The good news is that the traps we install are removable, which makes cleaning straightforward. Lifting the trap out, rinsing it under warm water and removing any hair keeps the drainage free flowing and prevents odours. Doing this once a week or every two weeks depending on use is usually enough.
Looking After Anti Slip Flooring
If your bathroom has an ultra or polysafe anti-slip floor, you will notice that the surface is slightly textured. This texture provides excellent safety underfoot, but it can hold onto dirt more easily. Sweeping or removing debris before mopping makes cleaning far more effective. Warm soapy water is suitable for general cleaning, but if the floor begins to look dull, a specialist cleaner applied for around thirty minutes refreshes the surface and lifts the dirt from the textured grip. This is particularly helpful in hard water areas where mineral deposits can appear more quickly.
Do Not Forget the Smaller Areas
Some areas are easy to overlook yet make a significant difference to the appearance and hygiene of the room. Silicone seals around shower trays, baths and basins should be wiped regularly to stop build up. Shower heads should be cleaned to prevent limescale from settling, especially if you live in a hard water area. Heated towel rails collect dust between the bars which should be removed to keep them looking clean and functioning well.
Steam also settles along the tops of screens, trims and corners. Including these in your routine helps keep the bathroom feeling new for much longer.
Building a Simple Routine
Once you get used to the correct products and methods, bathroom maintenance becomes quick and straightforward. A weekly cycle that includes wiping surfaces, cleaning the screen, clearing the shower trap, mopping the floor and checking corners and silicone prevents long term issues. Bleach should only be used inside the toilet pan, and chrome should always be cleaned with non bleach products to protect the coating.
By working with the materials rather than against them, your bathroom will remain bright, hygienic and durable.