Keep Your Washroom Clean: 7 Smart Tips

Why! Why is it so hard to keep the washroom clean with a child around? Are you in the same phase as I am? I can feel you.

It was 7:25 a.m. The water heater wasn’t working, my son had just hollered “Maaa, there’s no bucket in the bathroom,” and I was still in my nightie trying to pack his tiffin. That’s when I saw the state of the washroom, muddy footprints, soggy soap, and a smell that said someone had forgotten to flush. Again.

I took a deep breath, grabbed the naphthalene balls, and made myself a chai. Because honestly, keeping the washroom clean isn’t about having a maid with superpowers. It’s about having small, everyday systems that don’t let the chaos build up. Here’s what works in my house (most weeks!).

Make a simple schedule to keep the washroom clean

This idea actually came to me not from some fancy Instagram hack, but from a Domino’s store washroom! I’d stepped in to wash my hands and saw a laminated cleaning checklist stuck to the wall with clear slots for each day and person. Genius, right?

Even if you’re just two people in the house, you can divide and conquer. It reduces resentment and avoids that whole “Why am I always cleaning the toilet?” fight. Here’s what a simple week could look like:

Print it, stick it to the washroom door with cello tape, and watch how much smoother the week feels. This routine alone keeps the washroom clean without either of us turning into the bathroom martyr. And if you’re exploring more ways to streamline chores beyond just the bathroom, I highly recommend reading my blog on home organizing tips, it’s packed with real-life routines that actually work.

Use homemade hacks to keep bathroom fresh

I mix a spoon of baking soda with 10 drops of eucalyptus oil and keep it in a small open jar behind the commode. Total gamechanger! The washroom smells fresh, and it’s chemical-free.

I also make my own no-bleach toilet cleaner using vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap. Works just as well, and no stinging eyes.

Quick wipe-down every morning

Once everyone’s done with their showers, I do a 2-minute wipe. Mirror, sink area, and floor corners get the most attention. Keeps the washroom clean with barely any effort.

Also, I trained the family to rinse the bucket after use and hang up the mug. Took a few weeks, some drama, and one scolding, but worth it.

Stock your cleaning chaadar

I keep a chaadar just for bathroom cleaning. It’s old, thin, and perfect for mopping up sudden spills or wiping the geyser. Having cleaning supplies in the washroom saves me time. My kit:

• 1 bottle vinegar
• 1 spray bottle with diluted soap
• 1 old brush for corners
• 1 microfiber cloth
• 1 pair bathroom chappals

Label it, chuck it in a bucket, and your future self will thank you.

Small storage = big difference

I moved all extra shampoo sachets, razors, and creams into labelled dabbas. That one change made the shelves so much easier to clean.

Bonus: less clutter means you’re halfway to keeping your washroom clean.

Don’t forget the ceiling fan and exhaust

I once found a full cobweb convention happening on my bathroom exhaust fan. It was not pretty. Now I clean it monthly. Even 5 minutes with a dry brush helps.

Let sunlight in to keep washroom clean

Most washrooms in Indian flats have tiny windows. Keep them open during the day. Sunlight keeps the washroom dry, fresh, and fungus-free. Plus, it just feels nice.

Bonus: Family checklist stuck on the wall

Everyone has their own habits. My son leaves the light on, my husband “forgets” to rinse the floor. So I made a tiny checklist and laminated it.

It says:

• Flush.
• Rinse bucket & mug.
• Wipe sink.
• Switch off light.

It’s become a silent teacher and honestly helps a lot in keeping the washroom clean without me turning into bathroom monitor aunty.

Final thoughts from a not-perfect homemaker

My washroom isn’t perfect. But it smells nice most days and doesn’t scare guests. That’s enough.

These little routines? They’ve helped me stop dreading bathroom cleaning and start owning it. If I can keep the washroom clean in a two-bedroom Bangalore flat with a child, a husband, and one occasionally confused maid, so can you.

Start small. Even a 3-minute rinse ritual can change the whole vibe.

And if you’re looking for more home systems that actually work, check out this post on home organizing tips. You can also learn smart bathroom routines from Better India’s cleaning hacks.

You’ve got this.

FAQs:

Q: How do I keep the washroom clean without using harsh chemicals?
A: You can use vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda as safe and natural alternatives to keep your washroom clean.

Q: What’s the fastest way to make a washroom clean before guests arrive?
A: Focus on wiping the sink, cleaning the mirror, and placing a freshener. These quick fixes help your washroom look clean in under 5 minutes.

Q: How can I involve my kids in keeping the washroom clean?
A: Make a simple chore chart and let them handle small tasks like refilling soap or wiping the bucket. It makes keeping the washroom clean a family routine.

Q: Does opening windows really help keep the washroom clean?
A: Absolutely! Ventilation prevents moisture buildup and mould, keeping your washroom clean and smelling fresh naturally.

Q: What’s a good weekly routine to keep a washroom clean?
A: Assign light tasks like scrubbing the sink or changing towels on different days. A shared schedule keeps the washroom clean without burnout.

Shruti Menon

A proud homemaker from Bangalore, Shruti believes that managing a home is no less than running a company — just with more laundry and less appreciation! From meal planning and kitchen hacks to balcony gardening and DIY cleaning routines, she shares honest, real-life tips to help women simplify their daily hustle. At WTribe, Shruti writes for the Home & Hustle category, offering warm, practical advice with a dose of humour and a lot of heart.