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Let’s be honest—we spend a lot of time in the bathroom. It’s where we brush our teeth, get squeaky clean, and sneak away when the house gets too loud. It’s our little pocket of peace. But here’s the thing: even in our most sacred of spaces, a few innocent habits could be messing with our health, our plumbing, and, yep, even the planet.
Now I’m not here to judge—I’ve made most of these mistakes myself (hello, bleach-in-the-toilet person over here). But once you know better, you do better. So, here’s a little bathroom wisdom that might surprise you—and save you from a clogged toilet or a moldy shower curtain down the road.
1. Flushing “Flushable” Wipes
Let’s get this one out of the way. Just because it says “flushable” on the label doesn’t mean it should go down the toilet. Most of those wipes don’t break down like good ol’ toilet paper and end up clogging pipes or creating those giant sewer monsters the city has to dig out—what they call “fatbergs.” (Yes, that’s a real thing. And it’s gross.)
What to do instead: Toss ‘em in the trash. Even better—switch to washable cloth wipes if you’re feeling eco-fancy.
2. Leaving Your Toothbrush on the Counter
I know it’s easy. But if your toothbrush is chilling next to the toilet, every flush sends a little poof of bacteria into the air that can land right on those bristles. And then? Straight into your mouth.
Try this: Keep your toothbrush inside a cabinet or cover it with a breathable cap. Bonus points if it lives more than six feet away from the toilet.
3. Pouring Bleach into a Septic System
Oof. If you’ve got a septic tank, bleach is a big no-no. It wipes out the good bacteria that help break down waste—and that can lead to messy (and expensive) problems.
Instead: Use septic-safe cleaners or natural stuff like vinegar and baking soda. Your tank will thank you.
4. Leaving the Shower Curtain All Bunched Up
I used to do this all the time—step out of the shower, pull the curtain closed halfway, and carry on with my day. But those folds? Total mold magnets.
Better move: Spread the curtain all the way out so it dries evenly. You’ll have less mildew and your curtain will last longer.
5. Using a Mountain of Toilet Paper
We’ve all been there. But using too much TP can clog your pipes and your wallet—especially if you’re flushing multiple rounds in one go.
Rule of thumb: About 4-5 squares per wipe should do it. And if you need more? Flush halfway through. It’s not glamorous, but it beats calling a plumber on a Sunday.
6. Ignoring Mold and Mildew (Until It Gets Gross)
Here’s the thing—mold and mildew don’t wait for an invitation. If you ignore them, they move in fast. And they don’t just look gross—they can trigger allergies, asthma, and other fun stuff.
Do this: Spray trouble spots with white vinegar or a baking soda paste, especially around tiles, caulk, and ceilings. And make sure your bathroom dries out completely between uses.
7. Skipping Ventilation
Bathrooms get steamy—and if you don’t let that steam escape, mold moves in. It also wrecks your paint and warps your cabinets.
Quick fix: Turn the fan on before your shower and leave it running for 20 minutes after. No fan? Crack a window or leave the door open a bit. Yes, even when guests are over.
8. Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners for Everything
Sure, they smell “clean,” but those strong-smelling sprays? They often contain VOCs—volatile organic compounds—that can irritate your lungs and eyes, and linger long after you clean.
Try this instead: Look for gentler, plant-based cleaners. Or DIY it with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice—you know, stuff your grandma used before we had ten kinds of spray bleach.
9. Skipping Deep Cleaning (Because You’re “Too Busy”)
I get it. We’re all busy. But when you skip that deep clean, grime builds up fast—in the corners, under the sink, behind the toilet… all the places guests somehow always peek at.
Make it a monthly habit: Pick a Saturday morning, throw on a podcast, and scrub those neglected spots. Your nose—and your future self—will be grateful.
10. Using the Same Toothbrush for… Who Knows How Long
If your toothbrush looks like it’s been through a lawn mower, it’s time to let it go. Old bristles don’t clean well, and they can actually harbor bacteria.
Set a reminder: Replace it every 3–4 months, or sooner if it’s looking rough. Same goes for electric toothbrush heads.
11. Wiping Your Face with Your Body Towel
Your face is delicate! If you’re wiping it down with the same towel you used for… everything else, you’re probably transferring oils and bacteria that don’t belong there. Hello, breakouts.
Best practice: Keep a separate, soft towel just for your face—and change it every couple of days if you’re prone to acne or sensitive skin.
A Final (Friendly) Thought
Listen, none of us were born knowing how to “bathroom right.” A lot of these habits come from doing what’s convenient or what we saw growing up. But with just a few tweaks, your bathroom can be cleaner, safer, and way more pleasant to spend time in—even if it’s just for a moment of peace and quiet behind a locked door.
And hey, if this article convinces you to toss those “flushable” wipes or finally replace that sad old toothbrush—then my job here is done.
Got any weird or wonderful bathroom habits you’ve learned over the years? I’d love to hear them—drop them in the comments or shoot me a message. We’re all just figuring this stuff out, one squeaky-clean toilet at a time.