There are some people who really love cleaning. The rest of us, not so much. However, some tasks, like cleaning the bathroom, just need to be done. For those who need a little guidance, we’re sharing step-by-step instructions for the most effective way to deep clean a bathroom.
Tools Required for Deep Cleaning the Bathroom
After years of trial and error, we’ve put together the essential list of what you need to deep clean the bathroom.
Toilet Brush
Bowl Cleaner
Rubber Gloves
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Baking Soda or other Powder Cleaner
Glass Cleaner
Clean Rags
Paper Towels
Vacuum
Wet mop or wet Swiffer
The Most Effective Way to Deep Clean a Bathroom: Step by Step Instructions
Start by De-Cluttering
Before you can actually start cleaning the bathroom take stock of what you have on your counters and the floor. See if anything can be thrown away or stored in a closet or cabinet. The fewer things to collect dust, the better you’ll be in the long run.
Next remove any bathmats, rugs, and towels. Set them aside to be put in the washing machine later.
Next Step, Dusting
After you’ve cleared everything from the floor, time to grab a clean rag and get to dusting. By dusting before doing anything else, you’re handling a lot of excess debris and clearing the way for the larger tasks at hand.
And when it comes to dusting, we mean everything. From baseboards to the door handle to the light fixtures. You should be dusting it all.
Clean from the Top to Bottom
Our favorite rule for dusting, and all cleaning in general, is to start at the top and work your way down. This makes it so you clean as you go instead of constantly doubling back to take care of a stray dust bunny.
When it comes to the bathroom, we like to start with any crown molding and light fixtures, then move on to fans and wall décor.
After that’s taken care of, remove everything from the countertop and give it a good dust. This includes any health or grooming products you leave on the counter.
You can finish dusting by working on the toilet. Don’t worry, you’re only dusting the outside of the toilet. Just don’t forget to dust that space between the toilet and the wall.
Finally, give the ground a quick sweep or vacuum to get the initial dust out of the bathroom.
Wipe Down the Glass
For this step, it’s time to pull out the glass cleaner. Spray down any mirrors, windows, and shower doors if you have them.
Make sure to use a microfiber cloth or old t-shirt to wipe any glass. These materials won’t leave any traces behind. Even paper towels can leave a trail of paper fibers in their wake.
Next Up, Fixtures
When it comes to fixtures, you can also use the glass cleaner. Don’t toss the cloth you were using to clean the glass, re-use it for the fixtures since you’re using the same cleaning product.
Spray the sink faucet and shower faucet with the glass cleaner and wipe it all down. Just be sure to be gentle with your metal fixtures.
Harsh chemicals and scrubbing too hard can damage the finish of your fixtures. Just be gentle with them and you’re good to go.
Hard water can leave a lot of buildup around faucets. When dealing with this use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any mineral deposits.
Clear and Clean the Countertop
Now we’re moving on to countertops. Start by clearing off the countertops. Don’t forget to give any items a wipe down if you didn’t while dusting.
Use the all purpose cleaner to spray the soap dispenser and anything else that may be visibly dirty.
Spray your countertops with the all purpose cleaner and wipe away any dust, debris, or gunk. The only caveat is if you have granite countertops.
They have their own rules. Normal cleaning methods can degrade granite.
Clean the countertop before the sink, tub, shower, toilet, or floor. This ensures any debris knocked around during the cleaning process will be taken care of during one of the other tasks.
Scrub the Porcelain
When it comes to cleaning porcelain, like your sink, tub, and shower, we recommend something soft like baking soda or our favorite Bar Keepers Friend.
Begin by sprinkling the cleaning agent over everything and start scrubbing. For the scrubbing, you’ll want to use something that’s non-abrasive to preserve the finish of your porcelain.
Just like everything else, you start at the top, so the final mess is at the bottom. When you’re done scrubbing, run the water to send everything down the drain.
Tackle the Toilet
For many, the toilet is the most unappealing part of the bathroom. It’s ok, we understand. Because of this, we recommend cleaning form the outside in.
Since you dusted the toilet, simply spray your all-purpose cleaner over it and wipe it down.
Next is the toilet lid and seat. Use the all-purpose spray and get to work. Be mindful of the underside, make sure to wipe that whole area clean.
Just like you did with the shower and sink, use your baking soda or other cleaner and sprinkle it around the toilet bowl from top to bottom. Start scrubbing from the top and work your way down.
When everything is finished, wash away the excess soap with a flush.
Leave the Floors for Last
One more thing and you’re done! The floors. All they need is one last sweep or vacuum to get up any rogue dust that may have been kicked up during the cleaning process.
Next, wet your mom and make those tiles shine. Finally, after everything is dry, put down a clean bathmat and rug, and hang clean towels.
Don’t Hesitate to Reach Out
It’s great to do things around the house but know we’re here to help when it’s time to call a professional. Simply dial the number at the top of the screen or click here to request an appointment online.
Resources:
In addition to how to deep clean a bathroom, we have a few other guides:
Our favorite rule for dusting, and all cleaning in general, is to start at the top and work your way down. This makes it so you clean as you go instead of constantly doubling back to take care of a stray dust bunny.
When it comes to the bathroom, we like to start with any crown molding and light fixtures, then move on to fans and wall décor.
After that’s taken care of, remove everything from the countertop and give it a good dust. This includes any health or grooming products you leave on the counter.
You can finish dusting by working on the toilet. Don’t worry, you’re only dusting the outside of the toilet. Just don’t forget to dust that space between the toilet and the wall.
Finally, give the ground a quick sweep or vacuum to get the initial dust out of the bathroom.
For this step, it’s time to pull out the glass cleaner. Spray down any mirrors, windows, and shower doors if you have them.
Make sure to use a microfiber cloth or old t-shirt to wipe any glass. These materials won’t leave any traces behind. Even paper towels can leave a trail of paper fibers in their wake.
Now we’re moving on to countertops. Start by clearing off the countertops. Don’t forget to give any items a wipe down if you didn’t while dusting.
Use the all purpose cleaner to spray the soap dispenser and anything else that may be visibly dirty.
Spray your countertops with the all purpose cleaner and wipe away any dust, debris, or gunk. The only caveat is if you have granite countertops.
They have their own rules. Normal cleaning methods can degrade granite.
Clean the countertop before the sink, tub, shower, toilet, or floor. This ensures any debris knocked around during the cleaning process will be taken care of during one of the other tasks.
When it comes to cleaning porcelain, like your sink, tub, and shower, we recommend something soft like baking soda or our favorite Bar Keepers Friend.
Begin by sprinkling the cleaning agent over everything and start scrubbing. For the scrubbing, you’ll want to use something that’s non-abrasive to preserve the finish of your porcelain.
Just like everything else, you start at the top, so the final mess is at the bottom. When you’re done scrubbing, run the water to send everything down the drain.
One more thing and you’re done! The floors. All they need is one last sweep or vacuum to get up any rogue dust that may have been kicked up during the cleaning process.
Next, wet your mom and make those tiles shine. Finally, after everything is dry, put down a clean bathmat and rug, and hang clean towels.