How to keep your bathroom clean and dry during winter

As the temperature drops, bathrooms can quickly go from comforting to clammy. Steam lingers, mould creeps in and small plumbing issues can escalate fast. The upside? Most issues can be stopped in their tracks with keeping your bathroom clean and dry, plus a few simple checks and preventative measures.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

At glance: How to deep clean your bathroom

A deep bathroom clean starts with a plan. Jason Shipway from Perth-based Enhanced Cleaning recommends always working from the top down:

• “Clean dust vents, exhaust fans and high surfaces first so debris falls downward,” he says.
• Apply cleaning products early, especially to showers, tiles and toilets, and let them sit while you tackle other areas.
• “Move through the space in order: shower, vanity, toilet, then floors last,” says Jason. “Use separate cloths to avoid cross-contamination.”
• Don’t forget commonly missed spots: grout lines, behind taps, under the toilet rim and around the base.
• Jason’s winter essentials for a proper bathroom clean include a good squeegee, microfibre cloths, a stiff grout brush, mould treatment spray and a well-functioning exhaust fan or moisture absorber to keep humidity under control.

Tip: Make your grout white again with these handy hints.

How to clean your bathroom regularly

“Winter is when moisture, soap scum and hard water build up faster, so regular cleaning is key,” says Jason. Throughout winter, follow these steps to keep your bathroom dry and help remove moisture.

• Use a squeegee after every shower. “This helps remove excess water from screens and tiles, reducing mould and streaks.”
• Microfibre cloths make it easy to wipe down surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals, especially around grout lines, corners and fixtures.
• Keep the air moving. “This is just as important as cleaning,” adds Jason. “Use your exhaust fan and open windows where possible to help surfaces dry properly.”

Tip: Clean shower glass the right way with this easy guide.

Use the windows and the exhaust fan

Heat lamps on their own don’t remove moisture. “While your bathroom may feel warm and dry, moisture is often still present,” explains Nathaniel Smith of the Master Plumbers Association of NSW. “Without proper ventilation – be it an open window or an extractor fan – that warm, moist air settles on cooler surfaces, creating condensation.

Left unchecked, that moisture can lead to mould, peeling paint and even structural damage.

Running the fan during showers and for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards uses very little energy, but can prevent bigger problems later.

Tip: Make sure your exhaust fan is working properly and venting outside – not into the roof cavity. “A quick test is to hold a tissue near the fan to see if it draws air,” says Nathaniel.

Check the bathroom hoses

Those flexible hoses under your vanity or behind your toilet are easy to forget, until something goes wrong. “Warning signs include bulging, cracks, kinks or rust around the fittings,” says Nathaniel. “These hoses are a common cause of sudden, significant water damage and can flood your house when they fail.”

Check them every six to 12 months. Most hoses last five to 10 years, but replacing them early is far cheaper than dealing with the results if they burst. Look for moisture around connections, reduced water pressure or unusual noises – all signs they may be deteriorating.

Unblock the drains

If your shower water starts pooling around your feet, winter build-up might be to blame. “Blocked drains in winter are usually caused by hair, soap scum and heavier product use,” says Nathaniel. “Grease and residue solidify more quickly in colder temperatures.”

Skip harsh chemical cleaners, which can damage pipes, advises Nathaniel. A plunger or manual drain cleaner is a safer first step for minor clogs, and a simple drain cover will help catch hair before it becomes a problem – a low-cost fix that can save you a call-out.

Identify any leaks

Small leaks are easy to ignore, but they rarely stay small for long. “Dripping taps, moisture under vanities or musty smells are often early warning signs,” says Nathaniel. “Water stains and bubbling paint can also indicate hidden leaks.”

”Poor ventilation makes things worse, allowing moisture to build up behind walls or inside cabinetry. Shower glass, silicone seals and grout lines are especially prone to mould if they stay damp, while towels and bath mats can take longer to dry, leading to musty smells — and even mould growth. Catching these early can prevent serious damage and a much bigger bill later.

Check your hot water system

Nothing ruins your morning in winter quicker than a cold shower. “Hot water systems work harder in winter because they’re heating colder incoming water while also meeting higher demand,” says Nathaniel. “This extra strain can expose underlying issues.”

Watch for lukewarm water, strange noises or rust-coloured water, which are all signs your system may be on the way out. Check manufacturer’s recommendations for how often hot water systems and tanks should be serviced by a licensed plumber. If you’re unsure how old your unit is, check the manufacturer’s label on the unit.

How to keep your bathroom feeling cosy during winter

• Refresh the basics: Callum Matheson, bathroom buyer at Bunnings, says simple changes like plush bath mats can help make bathrooms feel more comfortable during winter. “Heated towel rails, upgraded LED mirrors and even bidet-style toilet seats can make a noticeable difference,” says Callum.
• Do a seasonal reset: “Swap out old toilet brushes, mouldy toothbrush holders and worn bath mats for newer, more hygienic ones,” advises Jason. “Silicone toilet brushes are longer lasting and resist bacterial build-up, while stone bath mats dry quickly and don’t need washing.”

Keep in mind…

• Any plumbing or hardwired electrical work must be done by a licensed tradie.
• Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks, and store all cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

Keen to learn how to keep your drains clear?

Read our article on how to unblock and clean bathroom drains.

 

 

Photo credit: Mondella, Sue Stubbs, DETA. 
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