7 Hotel Housekeeping Tricks You Need For A Cleaner Bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, hotel housekeepers have seen it all. Whether it's a dirt-caked toilet bowl or a toothpaste-crusted sink, these masters of clean know how to tackle a mess in the most efficient way possible. 

"Everything we do in a room is timed," says Madeline Chang, director of housekeeping at Hawaii's Aston Waikiki Sunset hotel, where she has worked for 14 years. "We have to have a (list) that housekeepers follow so they don't waste any time going back to the cart."

Below are some highlights from the bathroom list, which will make any clean freak swoon. And even if you're not one, these are tricks we should ALL borrow. Ready?

1. Use the right cleaning solution. 

Products with hydrogen peroxide are a must, Chang says. Unlike bleach, they work without emitting those irritating fumes into the air, and they perform wonders on shower grout. 

2. Give it enough time to kick in. 

Anytime you use a cleaning product, let it sit for about seven minutes before wiping away, Chang says. This allows the product to fully cut through dirt and grime, a time-honored hotel staff secret. 

3. Work clockwise. 

...or counterclockwise, whatever you prefer. Just make sure you clean in a circular fashion around the room "so you don't miss anything," Chang says.

4. Drain the toilet. 

An empty toilet bowl will allow you to get a good, thorough clean. Select your method of choice (plunging is probably easiest), and apply a cream cleanser to make the porcelain really shine. 

5. Start at the top, and clean downward. 

On shower walls, for instance, start spraying at the top, and work your way down with a soft sponge. That way you'll never retrace your steps or re-smudge the tile or glass. 

6. A toothbrush is your greatest weapon.

Dirty grout between your tiles? Scrub away!

7. Do the floor last.

If dust, hair or dirt falls during your cleaning session, you'll get it all in one fell sweep.

And THAT is true efficiency. Happy cleaning!

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