Bathrooms are where the cleaning challenges can really get tough. There are so many surfaces: chrome, brass, glass, porcelain, fiberglass ... plus a wide variety of soils: hard water deposits, soap film, rust stains and mildew, not to mention germs. An assortment of effective cleaning products is available for these jobs.

Rinse the tub after each use to keep soap film and hard water deposits from forming.  Keep a small sponge handy for wiping down the tub walls after bathing. Use a towel or a squeegee on shower walls. Dry faucets and handles to prevent water spots.

Keep shower doors and curtains open after use to allow them to air dry and prevent mildew. If mildew does appear, use liquid household bleach or cleaners with bleach to remove stains.

Use a daily shower cleaner to keep shower and tub surfaces free of soap scum, mildew stains and hard water deposits. Mist surfaces right after showering while the walls are wet and warm - no rinsing, wiping or scrubbing is necessary. For best results, start with a clean shower. Check label directions to be sure the product is suitable for your bathtub/shower surface.

To clean vertical surfaces where cleaners can run off quickly (bathtubs, showers, toilet bowls), spray foams and thick liquids are effective.

Consider using a disinfectant cleaner for toilet bowls, tubs and showers.

Only products that have an EPA registration number on the label have met government requirements for killing germs. It's important to follow label instructions to be sure you are getting the germ-killing benefits.

Avoid using products containing bleach to remove rust stains as they may intensify the color. Use only a rust remover for such stains.