Photography: Lisa Cohen / Styling: Tess Newman-Morris
Ensuring bathrooms are spick and span, while filled with homely comforts and personal touches, can make all the difference in creating a welcoming environment. We’ve spoken to the experts for tips on how to declutter, deep clean and style your bathrooms so that your guests will feel totally at ease, whether they’re staying for a week or just a few hours.
1. Start by decluttering
Before you start cleaning, declutter unnecessary items from your shelves and cupboards. “Remove everything from cabinets, drawers and countertops and review what you have,” advises home organisation coach Lisa Hodgson.
“Discard expired products, half-used toiletries, dried up make-up and unwanted gifts.” This is especially important in spaces where storage is limited, such as powder rooms.
When it comes to essential items, consider creativity. Interior designer Nicki Dobrzynski displays rolls of toilet paper in an antique rice measure. “I find it’s a nicer way to display them and I can easily see when supplies are low.”
2. Give the bathroom a deep clean
Three top tips from declutter coach Lisa Hodgson.
Step 1
Dust ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, ledges, windowsills and shelves using a dry cloth or vacuum. Don’t forget to remove hair from the shower drain and replace the liner of your wastepaper basket. Finally, remove all towels and the bathmat for a thorough washing.
Step 2
Wipe down the sink bowl, faucets, countertops, showerhead and handles with an appropriate cleaning solution. Use a bleachwater solution, or something more abrasive like Jif or Gumption, with an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach spots and stubborn grout lines.
Step 3
Polish glass and mirrors with a microfibre cloth, sanitise toothbrush holders and mop the floor. Restock with freshly laundered bath towels, hand towels and a bathmat. Do a final check of toilet paper, tissues and hand soap.
3. Think about the items your guests may need
Once you’ve decluttered and removed any personal items your guests won’t need, restock essentials like toilet paper, hand soap and plenty of hand towels.
“It’s a good idea to have stock of extra toothpaste, toothbrushes, and personal care products in case your guests have forgotten something,” says Lisa. “Make sure these extras are stored in an accessible spot, like in a basket or on a shelf.”
As well as the basics, thoughtful extras will let your guests know that they’re welcome. “A little vase of fresh scented flowers, a stack of hand towels rolled up in a small basket, and a candle is welcome in any bathroom,” says Nicki
4. Make it extra special
Whether your guests are staying for a day, a week or a weekend, small tweaks can give your space a lavish, home-away-from-home atmosphere. “I go for luxury hotel vibes,” says The Hostess blogger Stephanie Conley Buhre.
“I make sure there are scented candles, fresh soaps, shower gel and a lovely dressing gown.” For guests staying overnight, Nicki likes fluffy bath towels folded with a little soap on top. “I save hotel soaps for just this occasion,” she admits.
Lisa also suggests having a seperate set of bath towels prepared for when guests come to stay. “I advise having dedicated guest bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths that you keep separate from your day-to-day ones,” says Lisa. “That way they will keep their plush, highquality spa-like feel.”
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