Clean bathroom daily or you'll regret it

It's a dirty job -- but someone has to clean the bathroom. And when it's you, what's the most efficient way?

Since most materials used in bathrooms are easy to clean, give it a quick wipe daily, experts advise. Tackle a full clean once a week.

"Frequent cleanings mean less work, because there will not be weeks of crud to clean," says Cathy Faulcon Bowen, a professor with Pennsylvania State University's department of agricultural and extension education. "If you have a single bathroom and many users, the bathroom might need to be cleaned more often."

Daily touch-up

• Rinse out sink, bathtub and shower stall after each use.

• Remove excess hair from sink or tub.

• Flush toilet after each use.

• Remove dirty clothes.

Weekly chore

Step 1: Do everything but the toilet.

• Swab sink/tub/shower stall. Wash these areas with a soapy cloth or sponge and all-purpose cleaner; rinse with clear water.

• Clean the space behind the water faucet controls and back splash: Soap scum can accumulate at fixtures' edges. "To clean this tight area well, you usually have to use an old toothbrush," Bowen says.

• Most plastic shower curtains can be machine-washed with a load of towels. (Check the tag.) Hang wet shower curtain in the bathroom to air dry.

• Shine mirror with glass cleaner.

Step 2: Take on the toilet.

• Wash tank, outside of bowl, seat and lid with soapy cloth; rinse.

• Scrub inside toilet bowl with toilet-bowl brush. Any all-purpose cleaner will work if the toilet bowl is cleaned weekly.

Step 3: Wipe or mop the floor for the finishing touch.

"Any household member who uses the bathroom should have a turn to clean it regularly," Bowen says. "Kids may be taught to handle a single task, then take on the entire job as they get older. If kids see Mom and Dad cleaning the bathroom, they will put up less of a fight when their turn arrives."

Cleaning solutions

Use the simplest, mildest cleaner that will complete the job. If your bathroom contains a special surface or material, follow manufacturers' cleaning guidelines.

For an all-purpose cleaner, mix 2 tablespoons ammonia and 2 tablespoons liquid dish detergent in 1 quart water.