Does your bathroom go from “clean” to “chaos” way too fast? Here’s how to restore shine, banish odors, and keep it looking spotless.
Bathroom cleaning is one of the tasks that NO ONE wants to do. The accumulated dirt, the bad smells, and the dirty, smelly toilets are good enough reasons to put off cleaning the room that seems the dirtiest in the house.
But it has to be cleaned regularly, and fortunately, bathroom cleaning is not as difficult as it seems.
Even if you regularly clean your bathroom, it will still need a deep clean occasionally. In addition to removing bacteria and germs, a thorough cleaning will also make this heavily trafficked room more sanitary for your family.
And while deep cleaning your bathroom may seem like a big job, I have a few tips that may make it a little simpler.
6 Steps to a Clean & Shiny Bathroom
This ultimate guide to deep cleaning your bathroom walks you through the process, step by step.
Deep Cleaning Supplies
The first step to deep cleaning your bathroom is to gather all the supplies you’ll need. Having everything you need within easy reach will make the cleaning process go much more smoothly.
So, before you start cleaning, make sure you have these items on hand:
- Duster
- Microfiber cloth
- Scrub brush
- A toothbrush or small scrub brush
- Paper towels
- Multipurpose cleaner
- Bleach cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Floor cleaner
- Toilet cleaner
- Toilet brush
- Vacuum
- Bucket
- Mop
Wash the Linens
Before you start cleaning, grab all the linens from your bathroom and wash them in the washing machine. This includes towels, bath mats, curtains, and shower curtains.
Start at the Top
When you’re cleaning any room, it’s best to start at the top and work your way down. The bathroom is no exception, so you should start your deep clean at the top of the room.
Using your duster, knock down any dust and spider webs from the ceiling and crown molding. Then, stand on a step stool and wipe the molding and top of the walls with a wet microfiber cloth.
Continue working your way down by cleaning the light fixtures next. Remove the glass shades from the fixtures and wash them in warm, soapy water. Then use your microfiber cloth to wipe the rest of the light fixture to remove dust and stuck-on grime.
Next, move on to the bathroom window. Clean the glass with glass cleaner and paper towels, then open the window the clean the inside of the window sills and tracks.
Spray any stuck-on grime with a multipurpose cleaner and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Wipe the debris away with a paper towel.
Then leave the window open to let some fresh air circulate throughout the room as you finish cleaning.
Clean the Vanity
As you deep clean your bathroom, it’s also a good idea to take a few minutes to declutter your vanity and shelving. Remove everything from the shelves and use your multipurpose cleaner to clean the surfaces.
Then, go through the items and throw away any old or expired personal care items, as well as any other beauty tools and bathroom supplies you no longer use or need.
Also, be sure to dispose of unused or expired medication. After you have sorted through your items, wipe each item down and replace it on the shelves.
Finish cleaning your vanity area by moving on to the countertop. Remove everything from the counter and wipe down the counter and sink with a multipurpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
Also, wipe down all items on the counter as you put everything back in place.
Then spray the mirror with glass cleaner and wipe it down with a paper towel.
Scrub the Shower and Bath
Grab your bleach cleaner and scrub brushes to tackle the shower and bath. Spray the cleaner all over the shower and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Using your scrub brushes, scrub away stuck-on mold and mildew first.
Then, wipe the bleach solution away with your microfiber cloth. After the mold and mildew have been scrubbed away, rinse the shower and tub with water and allow to air dry.
Wash the Toilet
Move your bleach cleaner and scrub brushes to the toilet, then start spraying. Spray the cleaning solution onto the exterior of the toilet, then wipe it down with your microfiber cloth.
Use your small scrub brush to reach into the crevices around the toilet lid and the bottom of the toilet, and wipe away any debris with the cloth.
Squirt toilet cleaner into the toilet bowl, then let it soak while you clean the area behind your toilet. Using your scrub brush, work any loose debris and hair out from behind the toilet and wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Then wipe the floor and the wall behind the toilet to remove any hidden dust and grime.
Finally, grab your toilet brush and scrub the toilet bowl. Flush the toilet to rinse the cleaner from the bowl.
Mop the Floor
The last step to deep cleaning your bathroom is to tackle the floor. Start by vacuuming the space to remove lingering dust and debris from the floor.
Be sure to reach behind the toilet and under the vanity to remove any hidden dust.
Fill your bucket with warm water and floor cleaner, then mop the floor. Rinse your bucket and mop clean, and fill the bucket with clear water. Mop the floor with clean water to rinse, then allow it to air dry.
Bathroom Cleaning Hacks to Make Maintenance Easier
Bathroom cleaning might not top your list of favorite chores, but it doesn’t have to be something you dread. With a few daily habits and smart hacks, you can save yourself a lot of scrubbing later.
These tips help keep your bathroom sparkling between deep cleans and make the entire process feel easier.
- Keep Cleaning Supplies Within Reach
Store essentials like a multi-surface cleaner and microfiber cloths in a bathroom cabinet or under the sink. When everything is nearby, you’re far more likely to wipe up small messes before they become bigger problems.
- Deodorize Drains Regularly
To keep your drains smelling fresh and prevent buildup, remove and clean the drain stopper, then pour a pot of boiling water down the drain. Add ½ cup of baking soda, then 1 cup of vinegar or lemon juice, and cover the drain to keep the reaction inside the pipe.
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then flush with another pot of boiling water. Repeat this method for both your sink and shower drains to prevent odors and clogs.
- Prevent Water Spots and Soap Scum
Keep a squeegee or dish-soap-filled brush in the shower. Swipe walls and glass after every use to stop buildup before it starts. This simple 2-minute habit can drastically reduce deep-cleaning time.
- Maintain Good Ventilation
Turn on your exhaust fan during and after showers or crack a window. Good airflow reduces humidity, helping prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Bonus Tips
- Follow a regular cleaning routine to make cleaning easier. Putting off cleaning your bathroom will just make it harder, and you’ll need to put in extra effort to get it cleaned.
- Do a bit of cleaning every day to maintain your bathroom’s cleanliness, and deep clean at least once every 8–10 weeks.
- Try to clean the bathroom floor daily with disinfectant to keep it germ-free.
One Last Thing
A clean bathroom creates a healthier and more comfortable space you’ll love using every day. With consistency and the right hacks, it becomes far easier to keep everything fresh, organized, and inviting.
Now we know bathrooms can be a pain to clean, but with the right tools and tips, it’s a breeze. The cleaning tips above will make your bathroom super clean & shiny.
What do you do to keep your bathroom sparkly clean?
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