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How to Clean Your Bathroom: Complete Guide

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Nobody looks forward to cleaning a dirty bathroom. It can be a daunting task. Fortunately, our cleaning pros are here to share the wisdom we’ve gleaned from years of experience providing bathroom cleaning services. Now you don’t have to tackle this unpleasant task alone.

Essential Supplies for Bathroom Cleaning

Having the right tools and products on hand makes bathroom cleaning faster and more effective. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cleaning Supplies

  • All-purpose cleaner: For countertops, sinks, and surfaces.
  • Glass cleaner: Ensures mirrors and glass are streak-free.
  • Disinfectant spray or wipes: Perfect for sanitizing high-touch areas.
  • Toilet and shower cleaners: Removes stains, bacteria, and soap scum.

Cleaning Tools

  • Microfiber cloths or rags: Gentle on surfaces, reusable, and effective.
  • Toilet brush: For thorough scrubbing.
  • Scrub brush or sponge: Tackles tough grime in sinks and tubs.
  • Mop and broom: Keeps bathroom floors spotless.

Additional Items

  • Rubber gloves: Protects your hands during cleaning.
  • Trash bags: For waste and decluttered items.
  • Squeegee: Prevents streaks on glass doors or mirrors.

Gathering these essentials ensures a smooth and efficient cleaning process!

How to Clean Your Bathrooms in 10 Easy Steps

Cleaning the bathroom can feel daunting, but with a methodical approach, it becomes more manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide that explains both the reasons behind each task and how to execute them efficiently.

1. Clear off bathroom surfaces.

Clutter of products on the bathroom counter.

Grab your shampoo, conditioner, and any other products from the shower or tub. Remove items from the sink. Take the trash can, towels, and rugs to the hallway.

Why: Decluttering creates space to clean thoroughly and prevents objects from getting in the way.

How: Remove shampoo, soap, and other items from the shower and tub. Take rugs, trash bins, and towels to the hallway. This ensures every surface is accessible for cleaning.

2. Dust your bathroom from top to bottom.

Get dust, dirt, and cobwebs out of corners and off overlooked spots like blinds and around windows. Don’t forget the baseboards.

Why: Dust and cobwebs can accumulate in corners, blinds, and baseboards, detracting from a clean look.

How: Use a microfiber duster or cloth to reach corners, blinds, windowsills, and baseboards. Work top-down to avoid re-dusting.

3. Scrub and rinse the shower or tub.

Professional cleaning shower in a bathroom.

Use a shower/tub cleaner or an all-purpose solution to gently scrub dirt and grime from the shower or tub surfaces and rinse. If you have a glass door, wipe it down with a glass cleaner.

Why: Soap scum and grime build up quickly, making the shower or tub less hygienic and visually unappealing.

How: Apply a shower or all-purpose cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub with a non-abrasive brush. Rinse thoroughly. For glass doors, use a glass cleaner to prevent streaks.

4. Clean the sink and counter/vanity space.

Spray the all-purpose cleaner on the faucets, basin, and countertops, and wipe clean with a cloth. If there is some buildup in the soap dish and sink, scrub and then wipe. Wipe the mirror with a glass cleaner.

Why: The sink and counter are hotspots for bacteria and buildup from water, soap, and toothpaste.

How: Spray an all-purpose cleaner on the faucet, sink basin, and countertop. Scrub any stubborn residue, then wipe clean with a cloth. Polish the mirror with a glass cleaner.

5. Clean the toilet.

Person cleaning toilet bowl.

Squirt toilet cleaner inside the rim and toilet bowl. If you scrub inside your toilet regularly, an all-purpose cleaner should work fine. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush. Spray the all-purpose cleaner on the rest of the toilet and wipe with a clean cloth.

Why: Toilets harbor germs and need consistent cleaning for hygiene and odor control.

How: Apply toilet cleaner inside the bowl, scrub with a toilet brush, and flush. Use an all-purpose cleaner on the seat, lid, and exterior, then wipe with a disinfectant cloth.

6. Take a multilevel approach to cleaning the bathroom floors.

Tile floors being cleaned with a mop.

  • First, pick up items such as baskets, towels, and toilet plungers.
  • Second, sweep up dust that has gathered on the floor, particularly in the corners of the room.
  • Third, use a vacuum to pick up any debris that's left.
  • Fourth, combine an all-purpose cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Run the mop over the floor, and when finished, keep the bathroom free of people long enough to allow the floor to dry.

Why: Bathroom floors collect dust, hair, and grime, especially in corners. Layered cleaning ensures thoroughness.

How:

  1. Remove items like baskets or bins.
  2. Sweep corners and edges.
  3. Vacuum remaining debris.
  4. Mop with warm water and all-purpose cleaner. Allow the floor to dry before using the space.

7. Organize and wipe down items before putting them back.

Go through any baskets you removed from surfaces and quickly tidy up the items inside. Clean off products such as shampoo and conditioner bottles.

Why: Cleaning and tidying items ensures they look fresh and prevents spreading dirt back onto surfaces.

How: Wipe down bottles, soap dishes, and baskets with a damp cloth. Sort items, discarding anything expired or unused.

8. Neatly arrange bathroom items where they belong.

Bathroom items organized neatly on shelves.

Line up bottles, baskets, and other items neatly in the shower or tub, on the sink/vanity, or on the shelves where they belong. If you come across products or items you haven’t used in a long time, put them in a cabinet or throw them away. No need to keep unused containers around, crowding the tub or sink area.

Why: An organized bathroom looks tidier and makes daily routines easier.

How: Place toiletries, towels, and accessories back in designated spots. Group similar items, and store infrequently used products in cabinets to reduce clutter.

9. Take preventative measures against bathroom stains and marks.

To fend off bathroom stains on a daily basis, lift up containers periodically and wipe the surfaces they were sitting on. Using a drain cover can help prevent rings caused by slow-draining water, and wiping down the tub/shower walls after each use can help keep them free of streaks.

Why: Regular maintenance prevents stains and grime from building up, making deep cleaning easier over time.

How: Wipe down surfaces after use, use a drain cover to avoid soap scum, and periodically lift and clean under containers to prevent rings or stains.

10. Implement routine practices to keep the bathroom clean.

Put bathroom items away as you use them. Place smaller items in bins and baskets to prevent clutter. Sweep up hair, dust, and dirt from the floor daily.

Why: Regular upkeep reduces the need for intensive cleaning sessions and keeps the space fresh daily.

How: Put away items immediately after use, sweep the floor daily, and use bins or baskets to minimize clutter.

Monthly Tasks to Keep Your Bathroom Clean

In addition to regular bathroom cleaning, it's essential to incorporate monthly or bi-monthly tasks to maintain a pristine and hygienic space. Consider adding the following to your cleaning routine:

Deep Clean Grout and Tiles: Over time, grout and tiles can accumulate mold and mildew. Use a specialized grout cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub these areas, ensuring they remain spotless and sanitary.

Descale Showerheads and Faucets: Mineral deposits can build up, affecting water flow and appearance. Soak removable parts in a vinegar solution to dissolve limescale, then scrub gently with a brush.

Wash Shower Curtains and Liners: Fabric curtains can harbor mold and soap scum. Machine wash them according to care instructions, and wipe down plastic liners with a vinegar solution or replace them if necessary.

Clean Exhaust Fans and Vents: Dust and debris can reduce efficiency and air quality. Remove covers and vacuum or wash them, and gently clean the fan blades to ensure optimal performance.

Organize and Sanitize Cabinets and Drawers: Remove all items, discard expired products, wipe down interiors with a mild cleaner, and reorganize to maintain a tidy and functional space.

By integrating these tasks into your monthly or bi-monthly cleaning schedule, you can ensure your bathroom remains a clean and inviting environment.

Bathroom Cleaning Services

Person cleaning bathroom counter.

If you would rather put the job of bathroom cleaning in the hands of the pros, you can turn to Molly Maid® for excellent bathroom cleaning services near you. We have locations throughout the United States. When you call Molly Maid to request bathroom cleaning services, you can trust that our attention to detail will leave your bathroom sparkling clean. We approach bathroom cleaning with thoughtful care, leaving your bathroom fresher and cleaner, so you can focus on other things.

We follow a tried-and-true cleaning strategy to ensure great results. We’ll remove items from your shower and apply a highly effective bathroom cleaner. In addition, the tub and shower are thoroughly wiped, leaving fixtures shining and eliminating any soap residue or buildup. Mirrors, chrome, and tiles are cleaned, dried, and polished to perfection. Your vanity and sink receive a thorough cleaning. We also scrub the entire toilet, inside and out. Finally, we sweep and mop the floors and empty the trash.

The Benefits of Bathroom Cleaning Services

Freshly cleaned bathroom.

Professional bathroom cleaning services come with many benefits. For starters, they save you valuable time and energy, allowing you to focus on other things. Our team of experienced pros has the expertise and tools to thoroughly clean your bathroom, ensuring a hygienic environment. We can tackle tough stains and eliminate hidden germs, promoting a healthier living space. A well-maintained bathroom enhances the overall appearance of your home, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and guests. With regular cleaning services, you can maintain a consistently clean and fresh bathroom without the hassle of doing it all yourself.

Schedule Bathroom Cleaning Services Today

While cleaning your bathroom on a regular basis is not something you look forward to, it is essential for maintaining a healthy home environment. If you’d rather not tackle the bathroom cleaning yourself, call for professional home cleaning services from your local Molly Maid. Your time is precious, and if you just don’t have a moment to spare to clean your bathroom as thoroughly as you’d like, you can always count on Molly Maid to deliver stunning results. Our bathroom cleaning services are comprehensive and thorough and backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which assures that the job will be done right every time. To get started, request a free estimate today!

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    About Molly Maid

    In 1984, entrepreneur David McKinnon brought Molly Maid from Canada to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to give busy American homeowners a reliable, professional, affordable solution to messy, dirty houses. Residents of the competitive university town took advantage of the new home cleaning service, which quickly expanded to communities in other states. Today, there are more than 450 individually owned Molly Maid cleaning service franchises operating across the United States. Last year, we performed 1.7 million cleaning services, 90 percent of which were for repeat customers.
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