When it comes to cleaning your home, no room requires more of a hard scrubbing, deep clean, quite like the bathroom. I usually leave the bathroom as the last room to clean, just because it’s such a pain. Even though, most people bust hump trying to get their bathroom as clean as possible, there may be some common mistakes being made, which can mean your bathroom may not be as clean as you think.

This article from Enviro Maids, lists several of the most common mistakes you make when cleaning your bathroom. Check it out, and see if any of these mistakes are being made in your cleaning routine.

Mistakes you make when cleaning your bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom is not the most enjoyable task, but it’s an important one. If your bathroom cleaning routine consists of only disinfecting the toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub, you’re not doing enough! There are other areas that harbor germs and dirt that must get equal attention. To make sure your bathroom is thoroughly clean read on to learn about areas you’re neglecting and other bathroom cleaning mistakes you’re making.

Mistake #1: Cleaning only part of the toilet

The inside of your toilet and the seat always get cleaned, but what about the other parts of your toilet — the outside of the bowl, the base, and the back of the toilet? According to Goodhousekeeping.com these areas get just as dirty. Don’t forget to clean the outside of the tank, the top of the tank, the bolt caps, and the handle, as well.

Mistake #2: Not giving your cleaning products time to do their job

Do you give your cleaning solutions time to work properly? The pros at Prevention.com find that many people spray the surfaces of their bathroom with a cleaning solution and immediately start wiping away. When you prematurely wipe the cleanser away, you’re not giving it time to do what it’s supposed to do — dissolve dirt or kill bacteria and germs. Read the labels of your cleaners and follow the directions carefully. The manufacturer of the product has done extensive testing on how to properly use their product.

Mistake #3: Neglecting the “high touch areas”

Don’t forget to clean the areas in your bathroom that you frequently touch, but rarely clean. Cabinet handles, light switches, shelves, faucets, towel racks, toilet paper holders, and toothbrush holders all fall under this category. These areas should be routinely cleaned, especially when family members are fighting the cold, flu, or stomach virus.

Mistake #4: Not washing your shower curtain liner

Mold doesn’t only grow on your shower tiles and grout, it also grows on your shower curtain liner. When you notice a buildup of mold on your curtain liner, simply toss it in the washing machine.Readersdigest.com suggests adding a ½ cup of baking soda during the wash cycle, followed by a ½ of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. Use the gentle cycle on your washer and air-dry the liner. A great tip from Goodhouse Keeping is to remember to pull the curtain closed each time after you shower. If the liner is bunched accordion-style, it’’ll exacerbate the growth mold.

Mistake #5: Wet toilet brush

Bacteria, mildew, and mold all thrive in warm, dark environments. That’s why you shouldn’t place a wet toilet brush back into its holder immediately after use. Goodhouse Keeping suggests setting the wet toilet brush across the toilet seat, where it can drip into the bowl. The brush should be completely dry before putting it back. Be sure to disinfect your toilet brush after each use, and don’t forget to disinfect the holder, too.

Mistake #6: Not using your exhaust fan

This is more of a preventative tip, than a cleaning tip. Your exhaust fan is meant to be used regularly when you shower to help prevent the buildup of mildew. Once you’re done showering, leave the fan running for another 15 to 20 minutes to help absorb as much moisture in the air as possible. If you have a window, you can open it partially and it’ll work just as well.

Mistake #7: Mixing multiple cleaners

Many cleaners are made up of toxic chemicals that may pose a health risk to many. When you use two or more different types of cleansers at the same time, the combination can be extremely hazardous. According to Prevention.com, combining two or more chemicals together — such as bleach and ammonia — can damage the lining of your lungs. Use a solution of 10 percent vinegar and water instead; it’s 99.9 percent effective in killing bacteria and doesn’t pose a health risk.