Research reveals 1 in 10 are forgetting to clean this essential part of the bathroom

Is it on your cleaning schedule?

Cleaning high-touch surfaces such as kitchen counters and bathroom taps might seem common sense. However, many of us are still forgetting to clean the bathroom door handle

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The bathroom door handle is one of the most important high touch surfaces to be vigilant about cleaning. However, a study commissioned by DBS bathrooms revealed that 1 in 10 Brits have never cleaned their bathroom door.

The bathroom, along with the kitchen, was picked out by the NHS as the most important areas to be cleaning and disinfecting during the pandemic.

bathroom with grey wall tiles and white door with commode

(Image credit: future PLC/David Giles)

As one of the most used rooms in the home, it is important to keep on top of the cleaning in this room. Not least because it is home to the sink and toilet.

Microbiologists believe that germs and bacteria can spray up to six feet away when an open toilet is flushed. Depending on how your bathroom is set up, that isn't good news for the surfaces or door handle in your bathroom.

The survey revealed that on average people in the UK clean their bathrooms 2.5 times a week. However, taps, the bath mat, alongside the door handle, were all found to be neglected during these cleans.

bathroom with basin and steel taps with mirror

(Image credit: future PLC/David Parmiter)

Research by Biocote revealed that the same level of bacteria was found on taps and toilet seats. However, on average people are cleaning their toilet more often than there taps.

10 per cent of people admitted to only cleaning their bath mat once a month. Bacteria can thrive in a humid bathroom, so it is a good idea to pop your bath mat in a hot wash as often as your towels.

bathroom with white door and steel door handle

(Image credit: future PLC/David Parmiter)

To help keep on top of the cleaning in the bathroom there are a few simple tips you can follow:

1. Shut the toilet whenever you flush it to avoid a spray of bacteria over the room.

2. Leave antibacterial cleaners to sit for 30 to 60 seconds before wiping away to allow them to work effectively.

3. Wipe down taps, bathroom door handle and light switch after using them in the evening.

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If you want to change the look of your bathroom door entirely, changing the door handle is a quick and easy way to give your scheme an update – our guide to how to fit a door handle has all the advice you need.

Rebecca Knight
Deputy Editor, Digital

Rebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2022. She graduated with a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018, before starting her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. She fell into the world of homes and interiors after joining the Ideal Home website team in 2019 as a Digital Writer. In 2020 she moved into position of Homes News Editor working across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc and Ideal Home covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hack to the next big interior trend.