Cleaning Tubs & Toilets

Division Of Student Affairs; Western Michigan University

Supplies to Have on Hand:

Tools and supplies needed to do a thorough job of cleaning:

• Detergent

• Household cleaner that kills germs

• Cloths

• Pail

• Measuring cup

• Toilet brush

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Sinks & Tubs:

Wash the walls and floors around the tub or shower with a household cleaner that kills germs. This should be done once or twice a month. A good cleanser to use is liquid chlorine bleach.

Using a pail and a measuring cup, mix one cup of chlorine bleach with two gallons of water. Rinse the walls and floors with clean water. Then wipe them dry. Wash the sink once a week with a household detergent. Wash the faucets and soap dishes. To prevent water spotting, dry the faucets. Iron stains can be removed by rubbing them with a cloth dampened with vinegar or lemon juice.

Do not use scratchly cleaners on sinks or tubs. They scratch the smooth surface and make it harder to clean afterward.

Clean the inside of the toilet once a week. An easy way to clean the bowl is to pour some detergent into the toilet and let it stand for fifteen minutes. Brush the inside of the bowl with a toilet brush, flush the toilet.

If you prefer to clean your toilet bowl with a special cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. Do not use this cleaner for any other purpose. Keep this poisonous cleaner out of the reach of children.

Once a week, wash both sides of the toilet seat and lid with hot water and detergent. Wash the outside of the toilet bowl and tank. Rinse them with clean hot water and wipe them dry.

Safety in the Bathroom:

Store all cleaning products out of the reach of children, in a locked closet or cabinet. Clean out the medicine cabinet often. Throw out old medicines and unknown substances by flushing them down the toilet.

To prevent falls, put a rubber mat or rough decal strips on the bottom of the tub or shower stall. (Be sure to check with your apartment manager on whether or not this is allowed).

Commonly Used Cleaning Products:

CLEANSERS - Comet, Ajax, Bon Ami, Soft Scrub

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS - Top Job, Mr. Clean, Lysol, Pine Sol, Clorox Bleach

TOILET BOWL CLEANERS - Sno Bowl, Lysol Bowl Cleaner