Banish excessive bathroom dust for good with this clever cleaning routine

Dust. It’s one of life’s little annoyances that’s hard to keep on top but many don’t realise that dust in our bathrooms can also lead to a buildup of mould and mildew.

While unpleasant to look at, mould and mildew also have health consequences, as inhaled particles exacerbate allergies and can lead to respiratory issues.

But thanks to constant humidity, dust builds up easily and sticks to hard-to-reach corners which makes cleaning a huge chore. Until now.

Responding to a cry for help from @thehopefulhoarder, cleaning expert Ann Russell shared the steps she takes to remove dust build-up, so it “never gets that bad again.”

In a recent TikTok post, Russell revealed that bathroom dust comes from a combination of towels, toilet paper fibres and human skin cells, so the first she does is run a duster mop over the walls and ceiling before vacuuming with an upholstery nozzle (the one with the brushes on it).

“Go over your bathroom before you get water involved in any way,” she said.

Next, take a well-rung wet cloth and use that to dust your all surfaces including the top of the toilet and window sills, she advised.

“You start with the areas that are kind of sanitary and hygienic and then you work your way in towards things like the loo that might be unhygienic – you’re going to wash the cloth afterwards, then clean your bathroom as normal,” she explained.

Lastly, she reminded viewers to thoroughly clean the bathroom floor, which she does on her hands and knees using a cloth and a bowl of soapy water.

She said it’s much easier than having to pick up bits of dust that have been left on the floor, which will leave you with “a sparkling bathroom.”

“If you keep on top of it and you get the worst off first it never seems to get quite as bad again,” she added.

@annrussell03 @Emma – The Hopeful Hoarder ♬ original sound – Ann Russell She/Her

Audiences were thrilled with the tips and many rushed to thank Russell for her tips while others shared what they used to clean those difficult spots.

“Ann you’re so genuinely lovely and helpful. Can we get your face on the £20?” one commentator wrote.

“Why did I never think toilet paper caused dust, of course it would.” another added.

“Loo roll literally makes me sneeze sometimes when I rip of a few pieces. It’s everywhere ”

“I also have crazy dust/lint build up – wild card but I use a dry rubber squeegy that I scrape along the floor to pill it all up then vac it.”

Thanks to Russell we can all keep a handle on bathroom dust but in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives there’s another bathroom essential that often flies under the radar: the bath mat.

Will Cotter, the COO of FreshSpace Cleaning, has sounded the alarm on the importance of keeping your bath mats clean, sharing expert advice on why neglecting them could pose serious health risks.

“Not cleaning bath mats can make them a breeding ground for bacteria,” he told Ruggable. 

Indeed, the cozy warmth and constant dampness of a bath mat provide an ideal habitat for microbial growth. Mold and mildew thrive in such conditions, posing risks not only to the longevity of the mat itself but also to the respiratory health of inhabitants.

So, how can you tell if your bath mat is due for a much-needed wash? Cotter offers some telltale signs to watch out for.

“If your bath mat always feels wet, it’s time to wash it,” he advised.