Quite often, in the excitement and stress of preparing for special visitors, it is easy to overlook the smallest rooms in your house, the bathrooms. Why does that realization strike terror in the hearts of most hostesses? Is it really that important to your guests for your bathrooms to be sparklingly clean?



If you have ever gone out to eat at a fancy restaurant and found the bathroom dirty, you know the answer to that question. You probably lost your appetite when you walked into a public restroom that smelled bad or had dirty sinks and stools. Didn't you wonder what kind of people own this establishment? Even worse, weren't you tempted to call the health department to complain about the unsanitary conditions of the restroom there?

Actually, the only thing more important than a clean kitchen is an immaculate bathroom. Dirty bathrooms conjure up images of nasty little bugs crawling around and diseases being spread. Even though you thoroughly scrub your hands before leaving such a bathroom, it is impossible to really feel free of the bacteria growing there.

Now that you are convinced of the importance of having a clean bathroom, the next thing is figuring out what it will take to accomplish this task. If your bathroom hasn't been cleaned well in some time, it may take some time and effort for you to complete this challenge.

Don't get discouraged, once you have the deep-cleaning finished, the daily routine you establish will only require a few minutes of your time. Besides that brief daily pick-up, once a week should keep it shining and ready for company. You and your loved ones will definitely enjoy using the facilities more. You may even want to take a luxurious bubble bath, including candlelight, on a regular basis in your clean bathroom.

Besides the actual cleaning of the bathroom, there is the task of getting out all the dirty clothes and linens. Replace the towels and washcloths with fresh ones on a regular basis. Neither guests nor family are impressed with dirty linens in the bathroom. Make sure there is fresh soap or liquid soap for washing hands.

Before you begin the task of giving your bathroom a make-over, get your equipment together. There is nothing worse than planning to do something important only to discover that you do not have the proper tools. You will need a broom and dustpan or vacuum cleaner to improve the look of the flooring in your bathroom.

After you have carefully removed all the dust and dirt, etc, from the floor, next comes the mopping. Make sure your mop is in decent shape and that your water is hot for washing the floor. Whether you prefer a liquid cleaner or powdered, make sure that it has a pleasant, clean odor. Once you have completed that task, clean off the counters, putting away all the odds and ends that have collected there. Wash out the sinks and tub/shower including wiping down the shower walls. Shine up the faucets.

Don't forget the stool. If you have hard water, you may need to use something that removes rust stains also. Clean mirrors with windex and a paper towel. Depending on their condition, either wash or replace shower curtain, window blinds/curtains, rugs, and wastebasket. It is a good idea to use something in your bathroom that will create a pleasant clean scent. You may want to use a spray or a candle, but make sure that the bathroom smells as clean as it is.

Once a day, glance at your bathroom with a smile, knowing that you are prepared even for unexpected guests. Keep things picked up, counters cleared off, basket emptied, and 5 minutes is all you will need to show off your immaculate, shiny bathroom to company.