Fixtures

• done!Wipe down the towel racks, toilet-paper holder, hooks, and other fixtures.

  Wet a cloth with water, and squirt dishwashing liquid onto it.

• done!Work around wall mountings, if necessary.

  A wet toothbrush will do the job.

• done!Dry with a clean cloth.

  This will prevent mineral deposits.

Medicine Cabinet

• done!Empty the cabinet.

  Wipe the walls and the shelves (tops and undersides) with a cloth spritzed with all-purpose cleaner. Dry with a clean cloth.

• done!Clean the door.

  If the door is wood, wipe it with a damp cloth and dishwashing liquid, applying pressure to any toothpaste splatters. If it is glass, spray glass cleaner onto a cloth and wipe it in a circular motion. For a mirrored door, see Mirror, below.

Mirror

• done!Apply cleaner.

  Mix one part white vinegar and one part warm water in a bucket and dip a cloth in the solution. Or spray glass cleaner onto a cloth or a crumpled piece of newspaper. Refrain from spraying cleaner directly onto the mirror, because excess liquid can seep behind the edges, causing black spots to appear on the reflective surface.

• done!Wipe the mirror.

  Work in a circular motion, from the outside of the mirror in and from top to bottom.

• done!Buff off spots.

  If residue from toothpaste or hair spray persists, rub it with a cloth wet with hot water.

• done!Dry thoroughly.

  Use a clean cloth or a coffee filter to prevent streaks.

Plastic Shower-Curtain Liner

• done!Take down the liner.

  Put it in the washing machine with old towels. The towels will agitate the liner, scrubbing off soap scum.

• done!Run the washing machine on a hot-water soaking cycle.

  Pour in 3/4 cup of bleach when water fills the machine. Detergent isn’t necessary; the bleach should kill mold and mildew and remove stains.

• done!Clean any remaining mildew.

  Should there still be mildew after machine washing, make a paste of baking soda and water, smear it onto a cloth, and rub it on the growth.

• done!Rinse off the baking-soda solution.

  Wipe the liner with a wet cloth.

Sink Accessories

• done!Wipe down any containers.

  Whether plastic, porcelain, or stainless steel, most containers can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and water.

• done!Do the detail work.

  Get into the grooves of toothbrush holders and the edges of soap dishes with a cotton swab or a pipe cleaner.

• done!Dry the pieces.

  Wipe with a clean cloth to prevent mineral deposits.

Toilet

• done!Pour a bucket of water into the toilet.

  This will flush out the water that’s already in there.

• done!Gently rub rust and hard-water stains in the bowl.

  A natural pumice stone (available at hardware stores) will work well. To avoid scratching, keep the stone moist.

• done!Squirt toilet-bowl cleaner or a mildly abrasive creamy cleanser around the inner rim.

  Then swab the bowl, rim, and drain with a toilet brush.

• done!Flush the toilet.

  The cleaner can corrode the bowl’s glaze if it sits too long.

• done!Wipe the commode.

  Spray all-purpose cleaner onto a cloth and scrub the screw coverings at the bottom with a toothbrush.

• done!Wipe the seat.

  Using the same cloth, scrub around the hinges with a toothbrush. Rinse the area with a wet cloth, and buff dry.

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