Learn how to clean a bathroom with advice from a 1950s homemaking book. It will help you keep your bathroom sparkling and learn how to keep up with the task so you don’t get overwhelmed.
I’m pretty sure cleaning the bathroom is a task most homemakers hate. There is so much to clean and since it’s a space used all the time it can get pretty gross, pretty fast.
I’m not naturally someone that keeps up with cleaning well and I can get overwhelmed by the tasks that feel never ending. One thing that helps me get some motivation back and helps me improve this is vintage homemaking books. The advice is usually good and it often helps me get back on track.
A book I’ve shared before is Good Housekeeping’s Guide to Successful Homemaking from 1956. I already shared advice given from the “keeping your kitchen sparkling” and I thought today I’d share some of what I learned from the “keeping your bathroom sparkling” section.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a homemaker for years and just need a little new motivation or if you are new to homemaking and just need to know how to clean a bathroom, this can help get you started.
How to Clean a Bathroom According to 1950s Housewives
How to Clean a Sink
The best way to keep sinks clean is to wipe them out daily with cleaner or just hot soapy water. However, if soap scum and other build up has been allowed to accumulate, use a household powder cleanser like Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend to get it a good deep clean.
Once a week you will also want to disinfect the sink and surrounding area. You can use any bathroom disinfectant but be sure to use it as directed. My favorite is Force of Nature, you can see my full review here on the site.
How to Clean a Shower/Tub
The directions for a tub and shower are the same as the sink. If you have tile you will need to be sure to clean the grout well using a bathroom cleaner and a brush or toothbrush for tougher stains.
How to Clean a Toilet
The most interesting piece of advice in this section of the 1950s homemaking book is that they recommended using a “mop with a flush-away pad on a plastic handle.”
I thought this was a rather new idea but it seems they have been around for a long time. I personally don’t recommend these because they are wasteful.
Instead just use a toilet brush and some toilet cleaner for a quick wipe down of the toilet.
For stubborn discoloration or lime deposit they recommended using a toilet bowl cleaner and letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the toilet as well.
How to Clean a Mirror
This is another section that surprised me. They recommended using an “antifog cloth” which was treated and helped stop steam. You can still buy this kind of product but it’s not something I’ve used so I can’t speak on if it’s effective or a good idea.
In general, just using a glass cleaner at least once a week will help keep your mirror looking good.
How to Clean And Disinfect The Trash Can
Wash trash cans and other containers at least once a week using very hot soapy water. Long-handled brushes can be useful. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
To disinfect use a household disinfectant as instructed. I like to use Force of Nature as it’s safe and effective.
How to Clean Bathroom Floors
The instructions in this book are outdated, it’s best to check the manufactures instructions with newer flooring. Vacuuming or sweeping and then mopping generally best for most flooring.
The key things you will find in this vintage homemaking book is that a lot of things were cleaned with hot soapy water and that keeping up with cleaning was always recommended. A quick wipe down of the bathroom each day will save a lot of time when it comes to deep cleaning.
The surprising part is how often they suggested disposable products. The 1950s really started to see an increase in consumption in general and less was known about the environment impacts of having all of these disposable products. However, while they were often suggested many homemakers stuck to older methods of cleaning that they were taught by their mothers because they were more affordable and familiar.
More Vintage Cleaning Advice
If you want even more tips from vintage housewives here are some articles to check out before you leave.
Deanna Piercy says
When I was a kid we used a toilet bowl cleaner with disposable pads. The pads were square and you slipped one on the end of a long plastic handle. After you used it, the handle opened up which caused the pad to slip off. I can’t recall if we flushed them (I think so!). I hadn’t thought of those in ages.