Introduction
Maintaining a clean and germ-free bathroom is important for health and hygiene. While regular cleaning with chemical products kills some germs, overuse of harsh chemicals can be problematic. Fortunately, there are many simple, natural ways to kill germs in the bathroom without exposing yourself or your family to toxins. In this guide, I will share my top tips for killing bathroom germs the natural way.
Use Natural Disinfectants
Many common household items have natural disinfectant properties and can be used to kill germs in the bathroom. Vinegar is acidic and helps break down grime, bacteria, and viruses. I spray full-strength white vinegar on bathroom surfaces and let it sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a cloth.
Tea tree oil is also a powerful natural disinfectant. I add 10-15 drops of pure tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with water and use it to clean all bathroom surfaces. The anti-microbial compounds in tea tree oil kill germs and leave a fresh scent.
Hydrogen peroxide is another household staple with disinfecting abilities. I use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide to wipe down sinks, countertops, and other bathroom surfaces to kill germs.
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that also has antimicrobial properties. Make a paste with baking soda and water and use it to scrub tiles, sinks, tubs, and showers to remove grime and kill germs.
Clean with Essential Oils
Many essential oils like lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil have antibacterial and antimicrobial compounds that destroy bathroom germs.
I add 5-10 drops of my chosen antimicrobial essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Thyme, oregano, and clove oils also work well. I use this solution to mist bathroom surfaces and fabrics. The essential oils kill germs and leave a pleasant aroma.
For a stronger concentrate, I add 15 drops of essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus to a cup of water or witch hazel. Transfer to a glass spray bottle and use it to target tougher grime in the bathroom.
Skip the Soap Scum
Soap scum provides the perfect environment for germs to thrive. To help prevent soap scum from accumulating, I spray shower walls and curtains with white vinegar after use. I also leave the shower door open after bathing so moisture can escape, reducing opportunities for mildew growth.
Use Probiotics
Here’s an unusual tip for killing bathroom germs – probiotics! Probiotic cleaners contain beneficial live cultures that destroy harmful bacteria through competitive inhibition. Rather than killing all bacteria, they promote growth of good strains that outcompete bad strains.
I use probiotic spray cleaners on bathroom surfaces weekly to reduce germs without adding harsh chemicals. Probiotic cleaners help create a healthy microbial environment.
Replace Toothbrushes Regularly
Toothbrushes can harbor millions of bacteria, yeasts, and viruses, including strep, staph, E. coli, and salmonella. I replace my toothbrush, and those of other family members, every 3 months to prevent germ buildup. I also disinfect toothbrush holders weekly with diluted hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to kill germs.
Clean Showerheads
Showerheads can become clogged with mineral deposits, soap scum, and bacteria. I deep clean my showerhead monthly using either white vinegar or a probiotic cleaner. I fill a plastic bag with the cleaning solution, secure it around the showerhead using a rubber band, let it soak for an hour, then scrub away mineral deposits. This kills germs hiding within the showerhead.
Replace Bathmats
The damp, humid bathroom environment allows mold, bacteria, and fungi to thrive in bathmats. I replace my cloth bathmats with fresh ones every 6 months, or more frequently if they smell musty. I choose natural fiber bathmats and wash them in hot water with borax and tea tree oil to kill germs before use.
Takeaway
By using natural disinfectants like vinegar, tea tree oil, and essential oils, along with probiotics and simple hygiene habits like replacing toothbrushes, I can kill bathroom germs without using harsh chemicals. Maintaining a clean, germ-free bathroom naturally promotes my family’s health.
