How to Clean Your Bathroom: A Step-by-step Guide
Is cleaning your home truly incomplete without maintaining a spotless bathroom? Maintaining a spotless bathroom is crucial for both hygiene and overall well-being. Despite being designed for cleanliness, why can it quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
To avoid such issues, a rigorous deep cleaning every one to two weeks is recommended. This frequency may vary based on your routine cleaning activities such as shower wipe-downs, floor sweeping, or faucet disinfection. However, toilets, sinks, and other areas with high usage should ideally be cleaned on a weekly basis.
A study by American Cleaning Institute’s 2018 National Cleaning Survey has raised a few questions such as “Which room in American homes gets deep cleaned most often?” When asked, "What's the most dreaded cleaning task?" and "Which part of our homes gets cleaned the most?" – the unanimous response is "the bathroom." In line with this, the most frequently cleaned item in our households happens to be none other than – the toilet.
This study provides solid evidence supporting the initial question we posed. The cleanliness of a bathroom greatly impacts the overall cleanliness and ambience of a home. It should, after all, be cleaned first when guests are expected.
Whether you need to clean a powder room or a luxurious bathroom, follow this guide to learn about how often you should clean your bathroom, benefits of bathroom cleaning, how to clean a bathroom properly and some tips to go beyond just cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom?
Bathrooms should be cleaned regularly to maintain basic hygiene and cleanliness. Depending on its usage and personal cleaning preferences, one should clean it once a week or at least bi-weekly. Bathrooms that are frequently used might need more regular maintenance, including wiping, dusting, and ventilating, compared to those used less frequently to remove moisture, dirt and odors.
5 Benefits of cleaning Bathroom Frequently
Cleaning your bathroom regularly has several advantages, including:
Improved Hygiene: Frequent cleaning helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria, germs, and pathogens, promoting a healthier bathroom environment.
Enhanced Appearance: It makes the bathroom shine like a new by maintaining its aesthetic appeal, keeping fixtures, tiles, and surfaces looking clean and fresh.
Odor Control: Regular cleaning helps eliminate unpleasant odors caused by mold, mildew, and stagnant water, ensuring your bathroom smells pleasant.
Prevents Stains: Frequent cleaning prevents the accumulation of tough stains and mineral deposits, making it easier to maintain a spotless bathroom.
Longevity: Cleaning frequently extends the lifespan of bathroom fixtures and surfaces, reducing the need for costly replacements or repairs.
10 Bathroom Cleaning Supplies You Must Have to Clean the Bathroom
Prior to embarking on the cleaning procedure, it's essential to assemble all the required cleaning materials. Having these 10 essentials at hand will streamline your efforts and ensure a thorough clean.
All-purpose cleaner
Disinfectant sprays or wipes
Toilet cleaner
Glass cleaner
Tile and grout cleaner
Microfiber cloths
Scrubbing brush
Sponges
A pair of rubber gloves
A mop or wiper
12 Steps Guide on How to Clean Your Bathroom
Follow this 12-step bathroom cleaning checklist to revive its shine in just one hour.
Step #1: Start with Decluttering
Why: A clutter-free space streamlines the cleaning process and highlights often overlooked areas.
What to Do: Start by removing personal items like toiletries, towels, and bath rugs. Relocate them temporarily. Empty and replace the trash bag, and take this chance to declutter expired or unused items, leaving only the essentials.
Expert Tip: Use this opportunity to discard expired or unused items.
By completing these initial steps, you prepare the bathroom for a focused and effective cleaning process, one that allows you to address every nook and cranny for a truly sparkling result.
Step #2: Dust and Sweep
Why: Dusting and sweeping are vital initial steps that prepare for a deeper clean, preventing dust buildup that can affect air quality.
What to Do: Start by dusting top surfaces, like ceiling fixtures, and work your way down to lower areas. Then, sweep the floor thoroughly, ensuring corners and under fixtures are clear. Remove and shake or wash bath mats before sweeping underneath for a complete clean slate.
Expert Tip: Use a long-handled duster for hard-to-reach areas.
Step #3: Clean the Toilet
Why: The toilet is a hotbed for germs and bacteria, making regular cleaning essential for hygiene and overall health.
What to Do: Apply toilet cleaner inside the bowl, including under the rim, and let it sit. While it works, disinfect the exterior with wipes or spray. Scrub the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush, paying attention to often-missed areas. Finish by flushing to ensure cleanliness and freshness.
Expert Tip: For mineral stains, consider using a pumice stone.
By following these steps meticulously, you're ensuring that your toilet isn't just visually clean but also sanitized, making your bathroom a more hygienic space.
Step #4: Clean Ceiling and Walls
Why: Ceilings and walls are often neglected, leading to dust, cobwebs, and potential mold or mildew buildup, affecting overall cleanliness and air quality.
What to Do: Use an extendable duster to clean ceilings, focusing on corners and edges. Work in a zigzag motion. Then, sweep walls from top to bottom, especially behind fixtures. Consider a step ladder for hard-to-reach spots, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
Expert Tip: Consider a mild detergent for stained areas.
The aim is to be as comprehensive as possible to create a cleaner, healthier environment in your bathroom.
Step #5: Scrub Sinks and Countertops
Why: Sinks and countertops harbor bacteria and stains, affecting both hygiene and appearance.
What to Do: Pre-treat with an all-purpose cleaner, allowing it to sit. Scrub thoroughly with a sponge, paying attention to faucet and drain areas. Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish, starting with countertops and ending with the sink.
Expert Tip: Use an old toothbrush to clean around faucets and drains.
By adhering to these steps, you're ensuring that your sink and countertops are not just visibly clean but also sanitized, making your bathroom a cleaner, more pleasant space to use.
Step #6: Wipe Mirrors and Glass Surfaces
Why: Mirrors and glass surfaces show water spots and smudges, affecting bathroom cleanliness and brightness.
What to Do: Start by spraying a glass cleaner on all mirrors and glass surfaces, such as shower doors or glass shelves. Make sure to cover all areas for a comprehensive clean. After applying the glass cleaner, use a microfiber cloth to wipe these surfaces. A W-shaped motion is recommended as it helps in achieving a streak-free finish. This pattern ensures you're not going over the same spots multiple times, which can lead to streaking.
Expert Tip: Buff the surface with a dry cloth for added shine.
By cleaning your mirrors and glass surfaces in this manner, you not only improve the aesthetics of your bathroom but also make it appear brighter and more welcoming.
Step #7: Clean Tub and Shower
Why: Tubs and showers can collect soap scum, mildew, and stains, affecting both appearance and hygiene.
What to Do: Begin by spraying a tile and grout cleaner on the walls and floors of the tub and shower area. This specific cleaner is designed to break down soap scum and mildew that often build up in these wet areas. Next, use a scrubbing brush for the tiles and grout. The bristles can get into small crevices where grime may accumulate. For glass doors or screens, a sponge is generally more appropriate to avoid scratching the surface. Finally, rinse everything off with warm water. The warm water helps to remove any remaining cleaner and dislodges loose grime for a thorough clean.
Expert Tip: For stubborn grime, a grout brush can be particularly effective.
By adopting this cleaning approach, you're ensuring a more hygienic and aesthetically pleasing tub and shower area, making your bathroom a more comfortable space for daily use.
Step #8: Clean Shower Curtain and Liners
Why: Shower curtains and liners can harbor mold, mildew, and soap scum, impacting appearance and posing health risks.
What to Do: Remove, inspect, and shake off debris. Machine wash with warm water and detergent, adding baking soda for extra cleaning. Pre-treat stubborn stains with vinegar or bleach. Alternatively, hand wash in a tub with mild detergent and brush. Air dry or use a dryer if care instructions allow, ensuring complete dryness to prevent mold and mildew.
Expert Tip: Regularly extend the curtain post-shower to dry quickly.
This thorough approach ensures that every aspect of your shower curtain and liner is cleaned, extending their lifespan and maintaining a healthier bathroom environment.
Step #9: Faucets and Fixtures
Why: Faucets and fixtures are high-touch areas prone to germs, bacteria, and grime buildup.
What to Do: Wear gloves and use a bathroom-specific disinfectant on a cloth or sponge. Wipe down all parts, including handles and spouts. For mineral deposits, use equal parts white vinegar and water, soak a cloth, and let it sit before scrubbing. Rinse with clean water and dry.
Expert Tip: For water spots, use a vinegar solution.
By paying special attention to these often-overlooked areas, you're not only making your bathroom look better but also making it a safer space by reducing bacterial hotspots.
Step #10: Sweep and Clean Floors
Why: Bathroom floors are prone to bacteria and mold due to moisture and foot traffic.
What to Do: After sweeping away any loose debris, begin the mopping process. Use a floor cleaner that is safe for your bathroom's flooring material. Mopping helps to remove stains and disinfect the floor, providing a deeper clean than sweeping alone. After mopping, dry the floor with a cloth or air dry to prevent water spots and mold, ensuring a cleaner, safer bathroom.
Expert Tip: Placing mats at strategic locations can help in keeping the floor cleaner for longer periods.
By consistently cleaning and drying your bathroom floor, you're taking important steps toward maintaining a sanitary and aesthetically pleasing space.
Step #11: Bathroom Cleaning Tools
Why: Cleaning tools like mops, brushes, and sponges can harbor germs if not cleaned properly, defeating the purpose of cleaning.
What to Do: Once you have finished cleaning the bathroom, don't forget to clean your tools. For brushes and sponges, a simple soak in a bleach solution for 30 minutes can be effective in killing bacteria. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly with water afterwards. Mops should be washed in hot water; if your mop head is machine washable, that's an easy way to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. Replace any tools that are worn out or visibly soiled beyond cleaning.
Expert Tip: Air-dry your cleaning tools in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold and designate them for bathroom use only to avoid cross-contamination.
By taking the time to clean your bathroom cleaning tools, you're ensuring that your efforts to maintain a clean bathroom are more effective and hygienic.
Step #12: Final Touches
Why: Final touches transform a clean bathroom into a welcoming, comfortable space, elevating the overall ambiance.
What to Do: Once the bathroom is clean, begin by replacing all the towels with fresh ones. Roll them neatly for a hotel-like presentation or hang them gracefully on towel racks. Restock essential toiletries like soap, toilet paper, and hand lotion. Make sure these are easily accessible for convenience. Enhance your bathroom with a touch of luxury, such as a potted orchid or an aroma diffuser with calming essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, bringing both beauty and nature indoors.
Expert Tip: Choose quick-drying towels and pleasant but not overpowering fragrances.
By paying attention to these final touches, you'll transform your bathroom into a personal sanctuary that is not just clean but also relaxing and inviting.
15 Expert Tips for a Spotless Bathroom
Maintaining the cleanliness of your bathroom is simpler than you may imagine. Follow these 15 daily maintenance tips for a consistently spotless space.
Wipe Down Mirrors: Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to ensure your bathroom mirrors remain streak-free and crystal clear. This simple step enhances the overall appearance of your bathroom.
Keep the Sink and Countertop Dry: After using the sink, take a moment to wipe down the faucet, sink bowl, and countertop. This prevents water spots and stains from forming, keeping the area looking pristine.
Wipe Down Toilet Seats and Handles: Regularly clean toilet seats, lids, and flush handles with disinfectant wipes. This practice helps control germs and keeps these frequently touched surfaces clean.
Manage Floor Wetness: Keep a dry microfiber cloth or mop handy to quickly address any water spills or splashes on the bathroom floor. This not only prevents slips but also maintains the cleanliness of the flooring.
Ventilate the Bathroom: Proper ventilation is key to reducing moisture and preventing mold and mildew growth. Use the bathroom fan or open a window after showers to let humid air escape.
Quick Tub Wipe: After each shower or bath, take a moment to wipe down the tub or shower walls with a squeegee or a cloth. This prevents soap scum and water stains from building up.
Keep a Small Broom Handy: Have a small broom or handheld vacuum in your bathroom for quick hair and dust removal. Keeping the floor clean daily prevents buildup.
Daily Toilet Flush: Flush the toilet daily, even if it hasn't been used extensively. This practice helps prevent stains and odors from developing in the bowl.
Replace Hand Towels: Ensure that you have fresh hand towels available for each use. Regularly replace them to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Disinfect High-Touch Areas: Use disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch areas like doorknobs, faucet handles, and light switches. These areas can harbor germs and bacteria.
Organize as You Go: Put away toiletries and products after using them to keep countertops clear and clutter-free.
Check Drain Covers: Regularly inspect and clean drain covers to prevent hair and debris from causing clogs in the plumbing.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Accessible: Store cleaning supplies in a designated spot within the bathroom for quick and easy access. This encourages you to perform quick touch-ups as needed.
Empty Bathroom Bins Frequently: Prevent unpleasant odors and keep pests at bay by emptying bathroom trash bins regularly, especially when disposing of items like used tissues or sanitary products.
Freshen the Air: Maintain a pleasant bathroom scent by using air fresheners or opening a window for ventilation. A well-ventilated bathroom contributes to a more inviting environment.
Following these daily maintenance tips can extend the time between deep cleans and keep your bathroom looking and smelling fresh.
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