ArcaMax

Make a mental list of your least favorite places to clean in your house. There’s a good chance at least a couple of them are found in your bathroom. There are the grimy grout lines, the clogged drains and we don’t even need to mention the toilet, right?

While scrubbing these areas will likely never become your favorite household chore, we have learned some tips and found some tools over the years that can make cleaning these spots a little bit easier.

Here’s how to clean some of the trickiest spots in your bathroom, so you can get this room sparkling quickly (and then avoid it again until your next deep-clean).

1. Grimy grout lines

Combine two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Apply to the grout lines and let sit for 10 minutes. Then, you know what to do. Grab an old toothbrush you no longer use and get to scrubbing, paying special attention to the dingiest areas.

While an old toothbrush is the standby for this dirty job, you can also invest in a durable scrub brush that will last longer.

Prevention plan: This is a task that will take a little elbow grease and, unfortunately, there’s no way around it. But to save yourself from future scrubbing sessions, be sure to seal your grout and use a squeegee after each shower.

2. Clogged shower drain

Start with the easiest method: Boil a kettle of water, then slowly pour it down the drain. The goal is that the boiling water will help melt away the soap scum and buildup that’s blocking the pipe. If that doesn’t work, you can try pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. Cover the drain with a wet cloth and let it sit for 5 minutes, before flushing again with hot water. Still no luck? It may be time to call in the pros.

Prevention plan: Soap scum and hair are the most common causes of shower drain clogs. To prevent future clogs, invest in a mesh cover for your drain that will prevent hair from going down the pipe in the first place.

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