6 things guests always notice about your bathroom—even if you don't

These things easily slip under the radar.

If you survey any cleaning pro, they’ll tell you that one of the first things to tackle before guests arrive is the bathroom. There’s no doubt visitors will find their way to this space at some point, so it’s worth giving a little extra attention to detail. From how tidy the vanity looks to the scent in the air, small cues go a long way in setting the tone. We talked to experts about the things people always notice about bathrooms and the little adjustments that make your bathroom feel more inviting.

Meet Our Expert

• Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro Temecula and Murrieta
• Kathryn Emery, home improvement expert with Be The Best Home
• Jennifer Yang, organizing expert and managing director at Seville Classics

Related: What Guests Secretly Notice About Your Home (but Will Never Tell You)

01 of 06

Dirty Baseboards

Baseboards are low to the ground and blend into the background, accumulating grime so gradually that you barely notice until you’re seated and staring right at them. “Guests often spot them from the toilet vantage point, where buildup can make the space feel neglected despite other spotless areas,” notes cleaning professional Trish Duarte. 

She recommends using a vacuum with a brush attachment to suck up loose dust, then wipe with a microfiber cloth dampened in warm water and mild dish soap. Aim to do this every two to four weeks depending on your home’s needs.

02 of 06

Little Touches 

Life gets chaotic, which can make keeping up with tiny details tricky. However, if you go the extra mile in your guest bathroom, visitors will definitely take notice. 

“Topping off the soap, adding in some clean and matching (bonus for cute seasonal) hand towels, putting room freshening spray in sight and spritzing pre-gathering are all basic but essential ways to make sure the bathroom is an enjoyable stop during a gathering,” notes Kathryn Emery, home improvement expert. 

Another tip: Ensuring there’s enough toilet paper. Nobody wants to have to ask where it is—or find themselves without.

03 of 06

Dusty Exhaust Fans and Vents 

The exhaust fan is easily overlooked because it sits above eye level and isn't part of everyday cleaning. As a result, dust settles unnoticed over time. 

“Clean the exhaust fan and vents because guests might glance up while using the space and notice the buildup, which can make the room feel stuffy or poorly maintained,” Duarte says. “It’s also the last thing you want hindering someone from turning on the bathroom fan when they need it. You’ll want that in good working order to keep odors from drifting into other living areas.” 

Turn off the power, remove the cover if possible, and vacuum with a brush attachment to lift loose dust. Follow with a damp cloth dipped in mild soapy water, wiping thoroughly before drying.

04 of 06

Scattered Clutter 

Whether shelving, countertops, or the vanity itself, we have a tendency to become “blind” to accumulated clutter in the bathroom. It’s pretty noticeable to guests, though. 

“Bathroom counters become visually invisible to the people who live in the home because they’re used nonstop,” says Jennifer Yang, professional organizer. “Convenience slowly takes over and suddenly clutter just feels normal, but to a guest it immediately reads as disorganized.”

Emery adds that not only do you want your guests to have a pleasant bathroom visit, but you also don’t want to "air your personal choices on your countertop in full view.” Decide what stays and goes, and put items in their rightful place behind medicine cabinet doors, baskets, and under the sink.  

05 of 06

Drip Marks Below Towel Racks

These marks fade into the wall over time, especially in bathrooms that see constant use. This makes them easy to accidentally skip when doing your usual rounds. Duarte says to clean them, though, because guests spot the streaks immediately when glancing around. 

“When the toilet sits directly across from the towel rack, those drips practically form a trail leading straight to the baseboard, a visual you’d rather they didn’t have,” Duarte says. “It’s like an arrow saying ‘look here’ when you wish they wouldn’t.” 

Dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and spray it with your all-purpose cleaner. Wipe clean with a barely damp cloth.

06 of 06

Splattered Mirrors, Sinks, and Backsplash

From accidental toothpaste art to soapy droplet residues, bathroom mirrors, sinks, and backsplashes are all prone to grime. “Splatters often build up unnoticed from daily brushing and from washing dirt, makeup, and debris off our hands and face,” Duarte notes. “Clean it because guests leaning in to wash their hands or check their reflection will spot those dots, which can make the area feel grimy up close.” 

 When wiping counters, extend to the mirror, sink, and backsplash using all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. For tiled surfaces, a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush works well on grout lines. 

Related: 8 Details Guests Always Notice in Your Home—and How to Make Them Count

Read the original article on Real Simple