I’m a Mom of Boys: Here’s How I Keep My Bathrooms Clean

Keeping a bathroom spotless with boys in the house can feel like a never-ending battle against a tide of mess. But, after years of stepping over puddles and wiping away mysterious smudges, I’ve picked up quite a few tricks that help keep the chaos under control.

From homemade cleaning solutions that tackle the toughest stains to strategies for getting the kids involved in the cleanup, I’m sharing my personal playbook for maintaining a fresh and sparkling bathroom—despite the whirlwind of boy energy that tests it daily.

Here’s how I manage to keep our bathrooms clean, and you can too!

The Shower Head

If you’re tired of scrubbing at your shower head and getting nowhere, try this overnight vinegar soak. All you need is a plastic food bag filled with white vinegar and a couple of drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent. Secure it over the shower head with something as simple as a hair tie.

Let it sit while you sleep, and by morning, you’ll easily wipe away all that annoying limescale and soap scum. It’s a game-changer, especially on those busy mornings!

The Mirrors

Forget about those harsh cleaning sprays. I’ve switched to using E-Cloths for a safer and just as effective clean. Just dampen a microfiber E-Cloth with water, wring it out, and wipe.

After you’ve cleaned off the gunk—like my kids’ sticky fingerprints or toothpaste splatters—use a dry polishing cloth to finish off for that perfect streak-free shine. This method is not only simple but ensures a clean mirror every time, without any of the worry about chemicals around your family.

Cleaning the Toilet

Let’s face it, cleaning the toilet is never fun, but I’ve found some hacks that make it quicker and save you money on those fancy cleaners.

For a fizzing clean, drop a couple of antacid tablets or a denture tablet into the toilet bowl, wait about 20 minutes, then give it a quick scrub with a toilet brush.

Surprisingly, mouthwash works too! Pour a quarter cup into the bowl, let it sit for half an hour, then scrub and flush.

Under the Toilet Seat

You wouldn’t believe the kind of surprises that can lurk under a seemingly clean toilet seat. Recently, our downstairs bathroom started to smell less than fresh, and the culprit was hiding right under the seat. Even though it looked clean, the real mess was out of sight under the hinges.

Now, it’s a regular part of our cleaning routine to remove the seat and tackle the hidden grime. Just flip up the hinges and give it a good scrub with an old toothbrush.

Homemade Lemony Toilet Cleaner

Say goodbye to those stubborn toilet bowl rings with a simple, natural cleaner you can make at home.

Mix two to three parts borax with one part lemon juice until you get a thick paste. Spread this mixture generously around the inside of the toilet bowl, including under the rim. Let it sit for about 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the citric acid from the lemon and the abrasive action of the borax to do their magic.

Afterward, give it a good scrub with a toilet brush and flush. You’ll be amazed at how fresh and clean your toilet looks without using harsh chemicals.

Check and Replace Toilet Caulk Regularly

Keeping the caulk around your toilet in good shape is key to preventing leaks and keeping everything sanitary. Over time, caulk can crack and start to peel, allowing moisture and grime to seep in where you least want it. Make it a habit to inspect the caulk every few months.

If you notice any cracks or deterioration, scrape off the old caulk, give the area a thorough clean, and apply a fresh bead. This will help keep your bathroom cleaner and prevent bigger issues down the line.

The Shower Curtains

Battling mildew in the bathroom, especially on shower curtains, is a constant challenge. To prevent a buildup, soak new curtains and liners in salt water before hanging them up. This simple step helps ward off mildew for longer.

If mildew does show up, here’s what I do: mix ½ cup each of borax and vinegar with two cups of water, apply it to the mildewed areas, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing off.

For tougher spots, a paste of vinegar and salt works wonders, or you can spray a mixture of bleach and dish soap for that extra cleaning power.

The Ceiling

Next time you’re sprucing up the bathroom, don’t forget to glance upwards—the ceiling can hide just as much dirt and mildew as any other part.

Here’s a no-sweat way to tackle it: mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bucket. Gear up with some goggles to protect your eyes, then dip a long-handled sponge mop into the mixture. Wring it out well and start wiping down the ceiling section by section.

This method will have your ceiling looking spotless in no time, and it’s a lot easier on your arms than you might think!

The Tiles

Those grout lines between your bathroom tiles can turn into dirt magnets, but there’s an easy fix that doesn’t involve hours of scrubbing.

To brighten up the grout, mix up a paste using one part borax, two parts baking soda, and just enough water to get a good consistency. Grab a toothbrush and scrub this paste right into the grout. For narrow spots, a new pencil eraser does wonders for pushing out stubborn grime.

Another quick tip? Mouthwash with whitening agents can be great for a quick scrub—just apply, scrub, and see how your tiles shine up like new.

Make It a Team Effort

Teaching your boys to clean up after themselves in the bathroom isn’t just about chores—it’s about responsibility.

Trust me, it’s not too harsh to have them help out, especially when it comes to the aftermath of their own messes. After a few guided cleaning sessions, you might notice, like I did, a miraculous improvement in their aim.