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Home » Organization

How to Deep Clean a Bathroom: 9 Steps For Sparkling Results

Brittany Kline | Updated May 7, 2024 Organization

Are you tired of spending the whole day deep-cleaning the bathroom? Say goodbye to all-day deep cleaning sessions with these simple tips on how to deep clean your bathroom quickly and efficiently!
How to Deep Clean a Bathroom
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Scrubbing toilets and wiping down showers isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s fun list. It’s one of my least favorite things to do around the house!

Sure, I try to keep things tidy with a quick wipe down of the sink and counters every day, but there’s nothing quite like a deep clean to make everything sparkle.

But if you’re tired of spending hours on end scrubbing away, don’t worry! I’ve got some tips for how to deep clean a bathroom and get it looking fresh and clean in no time.

Say goodbye to endless cleaning sessions and hello to more time for the things you actually enjoy!

Key Takeaways

  • Deep cleaning your bathroom isn’t just about looks – it’s about keeping you and your family healthy. From shower curtains to toilet tanks, every corner deserves some TLC.
  • Use the right cleaning solutions and techniques for your bathroom’s materials. Vinegar works wonders on ceramic and mild showers, while non-acidic cleaners are best for stone surfaces.  
  • Keep your bathroom spick and span with regular upkeep. Wipe it down every week and do a thorough scrub every two weeks.
  • And remember those monthly deep cleans – they’re key to keeping germs and mold away while keeping everything shiny and clean!

How To Deep Clean A Bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom used to be my least favorite chore. I’d put it off for as long as possible, hoping the grime would magically disappear (spoiler alert: it didn’t).

I found a way to make bathroom cleaning a breeze without spending all day on it.

Here’s my biggest tip: prep is key. Gather up all your cleaning gear—yes, that includes the vacuum (trust me, it works wonders), mop, broom, cleaners, paper towels, and those handy microfiber cloths.

Once I load up my cleaning cady, I’m ready to tackle my bathrooms like this:

1. Deep Clean The Shower

clean shower

Giving your tub a good scrub-down keeps your bathroom feeling fresh and inviting.

Whether you’re dealing with soap scum, stubborn stains, or just everyday dirt, there are a few tricks to get your shower/tub looking brand new.

Tubs/Showers

For plastic or fiberglass tubs, use mild cleaners like baking soda and water to avoid scratching. Gently scrub with a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse well.

Porcelain or enamel tubs can handle a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner or baking soda paste. Scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth, then rinse thoroughly.

Shower Doors

Soap scum can build up on the shower doors. To remove soap scum from the glass shower doors, a mix of vinegar and water does wonders. 

Just spray it on, let it sit for a bit (overnight if you’ve got stubborn stains), and then wipe it down. Voila, sparkling clean glass!

Shower Curtains

Shower curtains are often overlooked, but they can have their fair share of grime and mold, too. For a plastic shower curtain, you can even clean them right in the tub.

If your shower curtain is machine washable, toss it in with some detergent and a cup of vinegar for an extra cleaning boost. 

Shower Head

The plastic bag trick is handy for dealing with mineral deposits on the shower head. Simply fill a plastic bag with vinegar and put it over the head with a rubber band. 

Let it sit for a little while or overnight. Then rinse it and wipe away any build-up with a cloth or sponge.  

Bathtub/Shower Grout

If you have stubborn mold creeping into the grout, don’t sweat it. Here’s what I do:

  • Use a scrub brush (an old toothbrush works wonders!), baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
  • Mix equal parts baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
  • Put the paste on the grout and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to work its magic.
  • Use the scrub brush to scrub the grout gently.
  • Rinse the grout lines with water.  

2. Clean & Disinfect Your Toilet

cleaning toilet

Cleaning the toilet – not exactly everyone’s favorite topic, right? But hey, it’s one of those things that’s gotta be done! Here are quick steps to get it done in minutes:

  • First, give your bowl a little TLC with toilet cleaner. Put some cleaner in there and let it work its magic while you clean the rest of the toilet. 
  • Wipe down the outside of the toilet and toilet seat. 
  • I use Lysol wipes to clean the toilet lid (top and bottom), seat, handle, and base. 
  • Once the outside’s looking spick and span, it’s time to clean inside the bowl with a trusty toilet brush. A few swirls and swishes, and you’re done!

Really Deep Clean Once or Twice a Year

At least once or twice a year, give the toilet tank a good cleaning to prevent corrosion and rust – you’ll thank yourself later.

I drain the toilet bowl to make it easy to remove stains, then wear rubber gloves and apply a towel soaked in vinegar to the stains for a few hours or overnight.

The next day, I’ll scrub it down and flush to make sure my toilet deep clean is done.

3. Clean & Sanitize The Sink & Mirrors

bathroom mirror

Are you dealing with water spots and toothpaste splatters? Whip up a simple vinegar and water solution to make those surfaces shine like new. Just spritz, wipe, and enjoy the sparkle!

Now, onto the germ zones – faucet handles and countertops. Grab your trusty disinfecting wipes and give them a thorough once-over.

And for those bigger areas, it’s time to bring out the heavy-duty stuff – a bathroom-specific disinfectant. Spray it on, let it work its magic, and revel in that squeaky-clean feeling.

After sanitizing, dry the sink and faucets with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots. Then, give those mirrors a quick wipe with a vinegar solution for a streak-free shine.

4. Dust & Wash Ceiling & Walls

wash shower door

Dust and grime are notorious for sneaking into hard-to-reach areas like the bathroom ceiling and walls. This can cause breathing problems, especially for people with allergies. 

Here are some friendly tips to keep your ceiling and walls looking fresh:

  • Regular cleaning and dusting is key, with a deep clean at least once a year to keep everything spick and span.
  • Invest in a long-handled duster for those tricky-to-reach spots like light fixtures – trust me, it’s helpful to keep things bright!
  • If allergies are a concern, consider wearing a mask for breathing protection.
  • Whip up a homemade cleaning solution with warm water, a splash of white vinegar, and a teaspoon of dish soap – it works wonders on most surfaces.
  • Don’t forget to get the outside of the shower too!

5. Wipe Down Any Furniture/Storage

bathroom towels

A simple wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth can make a world of difference, whisking away dust and preventing build-up over time.

For a deeper clean, an all-purpose cleaner is your go-to to cut through any grime and leave everything looking and smelling fresh.

Remember, a clean space is as much about what you can see as what you can’t, so be thorough!

6. Clean Air Vents

dry air vent

Cleaning air vents is also important to keep the air fresh, so I try to do it at least once per year.

Start by removing the covers and thoroughly vacuuming them. This simple step can prevent a build-up of airborne particles that might be harmful to our health.

Next, it’s bath time! Wash those vents and fans with soapy water and a microfiber cloth to ensure they’re not only functional but also squeaky clean.

7. Sweep/Mop The Floor

broom and mop

I usually save the bathroom floors for last. But if they are pretty dusty, I’ll give them a quick sweep before I start the other parts of deep cleaning the bathroom.

First, I grab my trusty broom and give those floors a thorough sweep. But if there’s some stubborn dust hanging around, I break out the vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to tackle it.

Next up, it’s time to bring out the mop. I whip up a cleaning solution with warm water, a squirt of dish soap, and a cup of vinegar and go to town mopping.

Now, onto the nitty-gritty: those grout lines in the tile floors. They’re the sneaky spots where mold and grime love to hide, and I tackle it the same way I do the shower grout.

8. Go Through Products

bathroom drawer organized

When doing a deep clean of the bathroom, it’s a good time to go through your bathroom stash.

You know the drill – expired meds, half-used shampoo bottles, and that lotion that’s been collecting dust? It’s time to bid them farewell!

There’s no need to keep clutter in any place in the house, and the bathroom is no different.

9. Replace Towels & Mats

It’s time for the finishing touch—swapping out those used bathroom towels and bath mats for fresh ones. It’s a simple step, but boy, does it make a world of difference!

Stepping out of a hot shower and wrapping yourself in a fluffy, new bath and hand towels in your now-sparkling bathroom is a spa treat!

And don’t forget the bath mats – there’s something so satisfying about stepping onto a fresh, clean mat after your shower. It’s the little details that really make a difference.

FAQS

How often should I clean my bathroom?

Ideally, I clean our bathrooms at least once a week and do some small cleanups every day so things aren’t too dusty or dirty.

A quick wipe down of the toilet once a week and using a damp cloth daily on the sink can work wonders in keeping germs at bay – after all, some pesky germs can stick around on surfaces for up to a week!

For deeper bathroom cleaning, it’s a good idea to scrub the floors and bathtub every two weeks.

And for a major deep clean – doing that once per month makes sure that every nook and cranny gets the attention it deserves.

What does a “deep clean” do for my bathroom?

Think of it as giving your bathroom a fresh start. Say goodbye to all that built-up dirt, grime, and potentially harmful bacteria that can make your space feel less than inviting.

With a thorough scrub-down, you’re not just cleaning – you’re sanitizing. And that means creating a healthier environment for you and your family. 

Some of the perks of a deep bathroom clean include:

  1. Removing all that pesky dirt and grime build-up.
  2. Saying adios to bacteria and germs!
  3. Improving the air quality so you can breathe easily.
  4. Putting a stop to mold and mildew growth – nobody wants that.

How can I completely clean up my bathroom?

clean bathroom

Here’s my step-by-step guide to how I clean up our bathrooms:

  1. Start by clearing the bathroom surfaces and floors, and gather your cleaning supplies.
  2. Wet down the shower and sink to loosen dirt, then go to town with your cleaner and scrubbing tools.
  3. Apply toilet cleaner, let it sit, and then tackle the exterior with a multipurpose cleaner. If you’re using strong all-purpose cleaners, you may want to have the window open.
  4. For mirrors, a glass cleaner and a paper towel will do the trick.
  5. Sweep and mop the floor with a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant, then let the room air dry.
  6. Disinfect surfaces with an antibacterial spray or distilled white vinegar, paying special attention to faucet handles, doorknobs, and window pulls.

What’s the best order to clean my bathroom?

The best order to clean your bathroom is to work top to bottom. That means starting with higher surfaces and working your way down.

I do this because it’s frustrating to clean the floor and counters, and then when I clean the walls and ceiling, that dust gets them all dirty again.

Begin by cleaning the higher surfaces first, such as the shower walls, shelves, and any cabinets or storage units mounted on the walls.

Move on to the sink and countertops, followed by the toilet and any other fixtures or furnishings at mid-level.

Finally, focus on the lowest surfaces- namely, the floors. Sweep away debris and mop up spills or stains.

Final Thoughts

clean bathroom

I don’t like cleaning the bathrooms, but I know it needs to get done to keep my family healthy.

With regular upkeep and a monthly deep clean, your bathroom can easily become a spotless retreat.

But it’s not just about a sparkling space – it’s about safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone who steps foot inside.

Slip on those gloves, grab your favorite scrub brush, and get started deep cleaning the bathroom!

You got this, Mama! Happy scrubbing!

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About Brittany Kline

Hi, I’m Brittany Kline—a mom, home systems expert, and culinary enthusiast passionate about helping busy families simplify life—starting in the kitchen. With a master’s degree in education and years of experience creating streamlined home solutions, I specialize in practical meal planning, effortless home organization, and family-friendly recipes that make life easier (and tastier) for moms everywhere.

As a former educator turned household management pro, I understand the daily chaos that comes with raising a family. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to helping moms take control of meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen routines—so they can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying family meals.

My recipes and meal-planning strategies have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, TIME, USA Today, and Business Insider, among many others. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or tips to make meal prep stress-free, I’m here to help you turn chaos into calm. Click here to read all of my posts.

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