The bathroom sink plays a crucial role in keeping us clean. When we finally force ourselves out of bed, it gives us our first taste of water (splash!). Then, when the day is over, and we can barely keep our eyes open from the grind, it helps wash away the entire day’s worth of toil (sleepy scrub).
Let’s not delude ourselves, though. Most of the time, we decide to ignore it completely. As a result, it will never be as popular as its more established sibling, the bathtub, or its more advanced cousin, the dishwasher.
It’s nothing more than the vanity in your bathroom. It is constantly there, but it is never in the way, and most of the time, you don’t even notice it until you glance down and see that it is covered with specks of dried toothpaste. The issue is it isn’t even the most crucial part of it.
Your Bathroom Vanity is Probably Teeming with Bacteria
One would expect the constant flow of water containing soap would keep it clean, but sadly, this is not the case. It is, in point of fact, an active hotspot for the microbes that are the most harmful.
Even though they are relatively small, stagnant pools of water are breeding grounds for some of the most harmful bacteria we may eat as humans. Along with others, this includes Streptococcus, Campylobacter, and E. coli.
A few things need to be in mind before you lose it and start screaming at the vanity in your main bathroom.
Know thy Bathroom Vanity
Although the procedures for cleaning that we describe should be adequate for the typical untidy vanity, when choosing the types of cleaning products to use on your sink to give it a more thorough cleaning, it is crucial to keep in mind the material from which it is made.
We’ve included a list below with some of the most frequent types of sink cleaning materials. Determine which one is good for your vanity, make a mental note of its general recommendations for continuing maintenance (if there are any), and ask yourself whether there is anything you should steer clear of before you start playing Cinderella.
Cleaning Ceramic, Porcelain, Fireclay, and cast iron Vanity
These hard materials last long and don’t scratch or break easily. They are some of the most popular materials for vanities because of this reason. However, they are nevertheless susceptible to being harmed. Therefore, you must stay away from the following when you are cleaning them:
- You are not allowed to use scouring pads or brushes, especially ones made of metal (like steel wool).
- Scratching or otherwise damaging the surface might result from using abrasive cleansers or scouring powders, so avoid using them.
- In general, you should avoid bleach (it can be used carefully and occasionally if your vanity is white).
Cleaning Stainless Steel Vanity
Stainless steel sinks are less common in contemporary bathrooms than kitchens, but you may still find them in some homes. Even though they are long-lasting and can survive vigorous cleaning, they need to be on par with Thor’s hammer in terms of quality. In addition, when not properly maintained, stainless steel can develop surface scratches. So avoid doing the following at all costs:
- Do not use steel wool or brushes. They won’t just leave scratches but also make the surface more susceptible to corrosion and stains.
- Avoid using abrasive powders or other erosive cleaners when cleaning. They will leave surface scratches that detract from the finish.
- You should avoid using bleach and any form of a cleanser containing chlorine since these might potentially cause harm.
Cleaning Resin and Composite Vanity
Resin is the marble option for those on a tighter budget (or granite). Imagine something that is highly durable plastic. Sometimes it is a polymer that has granite particles incorporated into it. It is a relatively easy-going, low-maintenance substance, like the best roommate you could ever ask for because it is nonporous and resistant to stains. Despite this, it is nevertheless susceptible to scratches on occasion. Here are some tips:
- Do not use steel wool or brushes on the surfaces since doing so might cause scratches.
- It would help if you did not clean with scrubbing powders or other abrasive cleaners.
- A helpful hint: if there is a scratch on something, it has a hidden meaning. Sandpaper with a coarse grain can gently but effectively remove the stain.
Cleaning Natural Stone Vanity
Some examples of sink materials are granite, marble vanities, travertine vanities, sandstone vanities, onyx vanities, jade vanities, and soapstone vanities. Assume there is one thing about which you can be confident. If so, the materials are too sophisticated and durable for the everyday morning wash.
However, they are somewhat porous, and the seal needs to be reapplied at least once yearly (Yep, you read that correctly!). You must also keep mineral deposits like salt, lime, or soap from building up on these stones. Here is the information that you require to know:
- Avoid using cleansers containing a significant amount of acid (aka, high pH). The use of natural cleaners, such as vinegar or lemon juice, is encompassed under this definition.
- Never use brushes or steel wool to clean anything.
- It would help if you did not clean with abrasive products.
- Bleach is not always necessary, but when it is, it must be diluted significantly before application. Avoid using it daily.
Cleaning Quartz Vanity
Quartz is one of the materials considered the most long-lasting for vanities. It is as smooth and hard as polished granite, but unlike most natural stones, it does not have pores. Consequently, they require much less care (you don’t have to seal them yearly).
But you can’t just pile everything on them and expect them to be strong enough. Important things to keep in mind:
- Do not use very acidic cleaners; this includes natural cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice; these products are strictly prohibited.
- Never use brushes or steel wool to clean anything.
- Do not clean your vanity with abrasive chemicals since doing so might cause the color and gloss to fade.
Cleaning Tempered Glass Vanity
Tempered glass, which is also sometimes called “toughened glass,” is much stronger than regular glass. However, it is still susceptible to breaking and scratching if harsh cleaning happens.
The same spray that you use to clean your windows can also be used to clean them quickly! When you are cleaning, here are some things that you should be aware of:
- Abrasive pads are not to be used in any capacity.
- Avoid using any cleansers that include coarse granules at all costs.
- Do not use chlorine, bleach, ammonia, or alcohol in any way.
Bathroom vanity cleaning supplies
When it comes to cleaning, you’ll need the following things once you’ve identified the kinds of items that should under no circumstances be used on your specific vanity. So what’s the finest aspect of it? You likely already have each of these items in your home.
- 2–3 cotton towels or sponges of a gentle texture (keep one dry for the end)
- Liquid dish soap
- Sprays for disinfection
- Water spray
Exactly, that sums it up!
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a Bathroom Vanity
1. To begin, clean the surface of the bathroom vanity
- Ensure your entire basin is completely dry before removing your cotton towel or sponge.
- Using your hands (with gloves) to remove as much filth, hair, and dust as possible from the area.
- Remember to pay attention to the sink’s faucet.
2. Afterward, use hot water to clean the vanity thoroughly
- Keep the hot water running; this will help kill the germs, break up the soap scum, and loosen the dirt.
- Now moisten a cotton towel or sponge, ensuring that the hot water makes contact with all sides of the object, and rub it in a circular motion.
- Clean the tap of the sink with hot water as well.
3. Add some soap, and let the bubbles do their magic
- Put a couple of droplets of dish soap in the basin using the squirt bottle.
- Put a stop to the vanity.
- Turn the water on to a warm temperature (or as hot as it’s safe to touch without hurting!), fill up about half of the vanity, and then observe the formation of bubbles.
4. Scrub and Drain!
- Use a cloth or sponge to clean away the residual dirt and grime.
- Be sure to give the drain some care by focusing on any cracks or fissures that may be present, particularly the facet of the gutter.
- Drain all of the water.
5. Rinse and dry the vanity
- Rinse the vanity in ice-cold water until there are no more bubbles and no soap trace remains.
- Then, get a dry cloth and use it to dry it off thoroughly.
6. Disinfect
- After cleaning the vanity and allowing it to dry, spray disinfectant into the basin and the faucet.
- Use your cloth to dry the vanity and the tap until it appears like it was just installed.
How to Clean the Bathroom vanity Drain
The drain is the most critical component in maintaining a clean sink. Aim to clear the drain of your bathroom vanity at least once a week to avoid getting blocked.
What Is Required of You
- Wire hanger
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1: Rinse the Stopper and Drain
Please remove the drain stopper, empty any debris that may have accumulated, and then rinse it before putting it back in place. Doing this will assist in avoiding the accumulation of stray trash particles in the drain. Keeping the drain in your bathroom clean can also prevent unpleasant odors from accumulating. The smell from your restroom may be due to bacteria growing in the drain, which worsens with time.
Step 2: Remove Any Clogs
Remove the stopper from the drain if it is sluggish, and then use the end of a wire hanger to clean away as much of the clog as possible. If the blockage remains, try flushing the drain with a biodegradable and noncorrosive pipe cleaner or a home cleaner such as hydrogen peroxide. If the clog persists, try using a pipe cleaner.
How to Properly Clean the Faucet in the Bathroom
When cleaning a bathroom faucet, you must ensure the cleaning solution is appropriate for the faucet’s material.
What Is Required of You
- Dish detergent
- Towel for washing with water
- Vinegar (optional)
- Bristle-less toothbrush
Step 1: Wash the Faucet
Mix the liquid dish soap with the water. After using a cleaning cloth to wipe the faucet, allow it to air dry.
Step 2: Remove Any Buildup
Use a cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to clean the surfaces and remove any stubborn buildup. Next, scrub the perimeter with a gentle toothbrush dipped in the mixed solution. Finally, wipe the faucet with a clean, dry towel to complete the process. Any remaining residue will be eliminated, leaving the surface shiny.
The Most Effective Bathroom Vanity Cleaning Tools
Using a standard bathroom cleaning spray and a gentle cloth, you should be able to clean the majority of bathroom vanities. To gently break away filth, try using a dish detergent for delicate surfaces or a distilled white vinegar and water solution.
Scrubbing the area surrounding the faucet and the drain can require an old toothbrush or a tiny brush with soft bristles.
You can clean the vanity basin every night with a container of multi-surface cleaning wipes or a stack of clean towels nearby. This regular cleaning will allow you to keep your home clean.
Conclusion
Because the bathroom sink is an area that is especially prone to harboring bacteria, you must make it a point to clean it at least once a week. However, we believe you would prefer this to continue for longer. If so, make sure to always dry your vanity after using it.
If it is drier, there will be less opportunity for germs to grow in the tiny droplets around the drain, so think about having a secondhand towel that you can use only to dry it off.
Also, keep a bottle of disinfectant spray nearby and spray it on the vanity once every few days. In that case, your bathroom vanity will always look great when you say goodbye in the morning and at night.
