Cleaning your bathroom is one of the most essential, yet often dreaded, household chores. Bathrooms see a lot of traffic and are prone to accumulating grime, mildew, and soap scum. Maintaining a clean bathroom isn't just about aesthetics—it's also important for hygiene and overall health.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most effective steps to deep-clean your bathroom, covering everything from tiles to toilets and countertops to showers.
In this blog, we will go over:
- Preparing for the Clean
- Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Bathroom
- Bathroom Cleaning Tips for Stubborn Stains
- Maintaining a Clean Bathroom
- Eco-Friendly and DIY Cleaning Solutions
General Cleaning Rules: Preparing for the Clean
Before diving into cleaning each area of your bathroom, it’s important to prepare properly.
- Declutter First
Remove all items from the countertops, shower, and bathtub. Clear the area so you can access every surface without obstructions. This includes items like shampoos, soaps, toothbrush holders, and decorations.
- Start from the Top and Work Your Way Down
Cleaning from the ceiling and walls down to the floor prevents dirt and dust from falling on freshly cleaned surfaces.
- Ventilate the Space
Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated during the cleaning process. Open windows or turn on the exhaust fan to help air circulate, especially if you’re using chemical cleaners.
- Let Products Sit
When using bathroom cleaners, give them time to sit and work on the grime before wiping them off. This is particularly important for cleaning toilets, showers, and areas with soap scum.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Bathroom
Cleaning the Sink and Countertops
The bathroom sink and countertops see a lot of use and can quickly become covered in toothpaste residue, soap scum, and water spots.
- Remove Items
Take everything off the countertop and sink area, including soap dishes, toothbrushes, and makeup.
- Wipe down the countertops
Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the bathroom counters and sinks, then wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth.
- Scrub the sink
Use a sponge or abrasive scrubber to scrub the sink bowl. Don’t forget the faucet handles, which are high-touch areas prone to bacteria buildup. If your sink has any stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda and scrub gently.
- Tackle the faucet and fixtures
Water spots and soap residue often build up on faucet fixtures. Use a glass cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water to make them shine. A toothbrush is great for scrubbing around small, intricate areas.
Shower, Tub, and Tiles: Dealing with Soap Scum and Mildew
Showers and tubs collect soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains, making them one of the tougher areas to clean.
- Spray with a bathroom cleaner
Use a dedicated bathroom cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and water. Spray the cleaner generously on the tiles, walls, and tub.
- Let it Sit
Give the cleaner a few minutes to work its magic, especially in areas with heavy buildup.
- Scrub
Use a scrub brush to scrub the surfaces, focusing on corners and grout lines where mildew accumulates. Use a toothbrush for small or hard-to-reach spots.
- Rinse and Dry
Rinse everything with warm water and use a squeegee to remove excess water from glass doors and tiles. This helps prevent water spots.
- Clean the Showerhead
To remove mineral deposits, fill a plastic bag with vinegar, wrap it around the showerhead, and secure it with a rubber band. Let it sit for an hour, then rinse.
Cleaning the Toilet
- Apply toilet bowl cleaner
Squirt a toilet cleaner under the rim of the bowl and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to break down any stains and bacteria.
- Scrub the bowl
Use a toilet brush to scrub inside the bowl, focusing on the waterline and under the rim where grime tends to build up.
- Clean the outside
Wipe down the toilet tank, handle, seat, and base with a disinfectant cleaner or wipes. Pay attention to high-touch areas like the flush handle, which can harbor germs.
- Disinfect the brush
After cleaning, dip the toilet brush in a disinfectant solution and allow it to air dry to keep it sanitary.
Cleaning the Mirrors and Fixtures
Mirrors and fixtures can quickly accumulate water spots, toothpaste splatters, and fingerprints.
Glass Cleaner: Spray mirrors with glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe them down in a circular motion for a streak-free shine.
Polish Fixtures: For faucets and handles use a disinfectant or an all-purpose cleaner. Dry them with a microfiber cloth to leave them gleaming and prevent water spots.
Mopping and Scrubbing the Floors
Bathroom floors often harbor dirt, dust, and hair, so thorough cleaning is essential.
- Sweep or Vacuum: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove loose debris.
- Mop or Scrub: Depending on your floor type, either mop with a floor cleaner or use a scrub brush for tiles. If your floor has grout, clean it with a grout cleaner or a baking soda paste.
- Dry: Use a clean towel to dry the floor to avoid slippery surfaces and watermarks.
Bathroom Cleaning Tips for Stubborn Stains
Certain areas in the bathroom might need extra attention, especially for tough stains like rust, hard water deposits, or mildew.
- Hard Water Stains: Use a paste made from baking soda and vinegar to scrub hard water spots on tiles and glass. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Mold and Mildew: For grout lines or corners with mold, spray a solution of bleach and water, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a brush.
- Rust Stains: Use a pumice stone to scrub rust stains from porcelain fixtures, being careful not to scratch the surface.
- Soap Scum: Commercial soap scum removers or a homemade solution of vinegar and dish soap work well. Scrub the affected area with a sponge or brush.
Maintaining a Clean Bathroom: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Habits
To keep your bathroom in tip-top shape, adopt a regular cleaning routine:
Daily:
Wipe down countertops and sink after each use.
Squeeze the shower walls to prevent water spots.
Ensure proper ventilation to avoid mold and mildew.
Weekly:
Scrub the toilet and disinfect high-touch areas.
Clean the mirrors and polish fixtures.
Sweep or vacuum the floor.
Monthly:
Deep-clean the shower, bathtub, and tiles.
Clean grout lines with a specialized cleaner.
Wash bath mats, shower curtains, and towels.
Eco-Friendly and DIY Cleaning Solutions
If you're looking for eco-friendly alternatives to commercial cleaning products, you can make your cleaners with common household ingredients:
- Vinegar and Water
A 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water works wonders on soap scum, water spots, and mildew. Use it on glass, tiles, and countertops.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent natural abrasive for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and grout. Combine it with water to form a paste.
- Essential Oils
Add essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon to your cleaning solutions for a natural, fresh scent and added antibacterial properties.
Cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By breaking it down into manageable steps, gathering the right supplies, and sticking to a routine, you can maintain a sparkling clean bathroom with minimal effort.