Life

Genius Things That Make Your Bathroom Way Cleaner

by Bianca Mendez

A bathroom can go one of two ways: it could be a luxe oasis filled with scented candles and bath bombs. Or, on the other hand, it can be a dark, dingy room filled with weird smells that are just as mysterious as those treasures of Legends of the Hidden Temple. Luckily, if your own bathroom is leaning towards the second version, learning how to make your bathroom sink and toilet cleaner using clever products and brilliant inventions can allow the room to feel more like a spa and less like a Porta Potty.

Now, you spend a decent amount of time inside your bathroom, whether you're doing some unspoken business, applying your makeup, or simply showering. But with all those activities comes a fair amount of dust, grime, and mildew, so it's high time that you give it some love to make it feel just as homey as the other rooms in your apartment or home.

While some of these bathroom products are a little weird (like a unicorn "before-you-go" spray) they nevertheless do a great job at masking odors, limiting mess, and ultimately preventing your bathroom from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Plus, it encourages everyone who stops by to practice better hygiene, and who wouldn't want that? Another plus to using these toilet and sink accessories is that they help maintain the bathroom, so it'll be less of a hassle to clean when the time comes. Sweet!

1An Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser & Brush Holder

BAIESHIJI ® Automatic Dustproof Toothpaste Dispenser with Toothbrush Holder Organizer Set, $10, Amazon

This dispenser is perfect for minimizing clutter and toothpaste stains on your bathroom sink. With a one touch, it automatically squeezes out just the right amount of toothpaste for you to get brushing, so you'll never use too little or too much, thus protecting your teeth and your budget. It also comes with a toothbrush holder that protects up to five brushes from getting moldy and contaminated with the icky fecal matter floating around your bathroom.

2A Stool To Help You Pop A Squat More Healthily

Squatty Potty: The Original Bathroom Toilet Stool, $25, Amazon

Apparently, pooping while sitting builds up fecal matter in your colon, thus causing hemorrhoids and other damages to your digestive track. Gross, right? That's why squatting is the way to go. Featured on Shark Tank in 2014,the innovative Squatty Potty allows you to squat comfortably while you go to the bathroom, reducing straining and pressure. With the adequate support, you don't have to hold on to the dirty toilet seat to keep your balance.

3An Automatic Soap Dispenser That Works Great During Flu Season

OPERNEE Automatic Touchless Stainless Steel Auto-Soap Dispenser With Waterproof Base, $20, Amazon

Since hands are typically the prime bacteria-transmitters, the obvious way to stop germs is to avoid touching as much as possible — especially during cold and flu season when everyone is washing their hands more than usual. Enter this sleek-looking soap dispenser that minimizes touching by using a sensor to detect your hand. It expels the right amount of soap you need and doesn't drip or trail, meaning less mess.

4A Tiny But Fierce Drain Cleaner

Sani Sticks Drain Cleaner and Deodorizer, Lemon Scent, $13 for 24 Pack, Amazon

There's some nasty stuff happening in those sink drains. Sani sticks are tiny, six-inch sticks that work to get rid of any bacteria buildup and clogged drains. Plus, their fresh lemon scent help break down smelly odors.

5A Sanitary Toilet Brush Canister That Actually Cleans Itself

OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush and Canister, $23, Amazon

There's nothing cute about a toilet brush peeking out from behind, which is why this OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush and Canister provide a sleek and sanitary way for storage. This brush's tapered shape allows you to deep clean your toilet from every angle. When finished using, the canister will lock in the brush, catch access water with its built-in drip tray and ventilation slots will allow the water to evaporate.

6A Spray That Will Have Your Business Smelling Like "Unicorns"

Squatty Potty Unicorn Gold Toilet Spray, $15, Amazon

Even the unicorn trend made its way to the bathroom. This citrus before-you-go spray is made from a blend of essential oils and 100 percent gold nanoparticles that erase any unpleasant smells in the toilet bowl. So yes, I guess you can say that this spray turns your, ahem, "business" into gold.

7A Set Of Charcoal-Infused Air Fresheners

Bamboo Activated Charcoal Air Freshener and Purifier Bags, 5-Piece Set, $26, Amazon

These chemical-free purifier bags made from bamboo and activated charcoal are the ultimate lazy way to reduce mold and odors inside your bathroom. Just place these charcoal-infused bags behind the toilet or next to the sink and let them do all the work.

8Essential Oils To Make Your Bathroom Naturally Stink-Free

Plant Therapy Top 6 USDA Certified Organic Essential Oils Set, $40 Amazon

Aside from smelling good, these essential oils have a place in your bathroom cleaning routine. For example, add a few drops into your toilet bowl to help mask odors or mix them with your cleaners when it's time to wash down your sink. Convinced? Then, snag these six essential oils, that are 100 percent organic with scents including peppermint, sweet orange, eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree, and lavender.

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