Keeping a clean bathroom is an important part of maintaining a sanitary home. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of grime, mold, and bacteria that can pose health hazards. Additionally, who doesn't appreciate being able to use a sparkling clean bathroom? Taking the time to clean the bathroom properly and frequently pays off with a space you feel comfortable using and proud to show guests.

 

While deep cleaning the bathroom from top to bottom does require some work, keeping up with minor daily and weekly cleaning tasks prevents having to tackle huge messes. By establishing a regular cleaning routine, it's easy to stay on top of any dirt, stains, and soap scum before they have a chance to accumulate. With the right supplies and techniques, you can easily incorporate bathroom cleaning into your regular home maintenance schedule.

Daily Cleaning

Keeping your bathroom clean on a daily basis will prevent buildup and keep everything looking, feeling, and smelling fresh. Here are some tips for daily bathroom cleaning:

• Wipe down sinks, countertops, and mirrors. Use a multi-surface daily cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth. Wipe away any splashes, drips, or toothpaste and makeup residue.

• Rinse the sink and tub. Give the sink and tub a quick rinse to wash away any hairs or debris. This prevents buildup.

• Tidy up. Pick up any towels, clothes, or other items that don't belong in the bathroom.

• Take out the trash. Empty the small bathroom trash bin every day. Replace the trash bag liner when needed.

• Spot clean the toilet. Use a toilet brush and toilet cleaner to scrub any visible stains or dirt inside the bowl. This helps prevent mineral deposits and rings from forming.

• Refill soap and toilet paper. Check dispensers and holders to refill hand soap, hand towels, and toilet paper as needed.

Spending just a few minutes each day on these cleaning tasks will prevent dirt and grime from accumulating and keep your bathroom fresh and inviting all week long. Consistent daily cleaning is the key to maintaining a clean space.

Weekly Cleaning

A weekly deep clean of the bathroom is essential to prevent mold and mildew buildup. This is especially important for showers, tubs and toilets.

Cleaning the Shower

• Use a shower spray cleaner or mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray down the walls, doors, and floor of the shower. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.

• Use a soft scrub brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the shower walls and doors to remove soap scum and mineral deposits. Rinse thoroughly.

• For glass shower doors, use a squeegee to wipe water off after showering to prevent water spots.

• To clean the shower floor, sprinkle baking soda and scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Cleaning the Bathtub

• Spray tub cleaner over the entire surface - don't forget the faucet and handles! Let sit 5-10 minutes.

• Use a soft scrub brush or plastic scrubbing pad to gently scrub away dirt and soap scum.

• For extra grimy tubs, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and scrub with a wet sponge. Rinse thoroughly.

Cleaning the Toilet

• Squirt toilet cleaner under the rim and let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush. Flush to rinse.

• Clean the outside of the toilet by spraying all-purpose cleaner and wiping down the lid, seat, tank, and base.

• Don't forget to disinfect the toilet handle and top of the seat!

Monthly Cleaning

Monthly cleaning is essential for keeping your bathroom sparkling. This involves deeper cleaning tasks that may be overlooked with daily or weekly cleaning.

Cleaning Walls and Cabinets

The walls and cabinets in a bathroom can accumulate grime, mildew, and soap scum over time. It's important to thoroughly clean them once a month. Start by mixing together warm water and an all-purpose cleaner or mild soap in a bucket. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out well. Wash the walls and cabinets using circular scrubbing motions to remove built-up dirt and stains. Pay close attention to corners and along edges. For stubborn spots, allow the cleaning solution to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing. Rinse the walls and cabinets with clean water afterwards, and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Tile walls may also benefit from a deep clean with an alkaline tile cleaner to remove soap scum and hard water deposits. Check for any cracked or loose grout and re-grout if needed. Disinfect cabinets by wiping down all surfaces with a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner containing bleach. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Cleaning Floors

Bathroom floors tend to get grimy from dirt, hair, and spills. Once a month, do a thorough cleaning. Sweep or vacuum the floors first to remove loose debris. Mix an all-purpose bathroom cleaner with water in a bucket. Mop tile, vinyl, or linoleum floors with the cleaning solution. Use an old toothbrush to scrub dirt and grime from grout lines. Let the floor air dry completely.

For natural stone floors, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft mop. Avoid using vinegar, bleach, or other harsh chemicals on stone surfaces. Thoroughly dry the floors with a clean cloth.

Disinfect floors by mopping with a cleaner containing bleach. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where germs may lurk. Let the disinfectant sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Avoid mixing bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners, as this creates toxic fumes. Properly ventilate the bathroom during cleaning.

Cleaning Supplies

Having the right cleaning tools and products is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom. Here are some cleaning supplies that every bathroom should be stocked with:

• All-purpose bathroom cleaner - An all-purpose cleaner is ideal for cleaning most bathroom surfaces like counters, mirrors, showers, and bathtubs. Look for one that cuts through soap scum and hard water stains.

• Toilet bowl cleaner - A dedicated toilet bowl cleaner helps remove stains and disinfect the toilet. Opt for one with bleach or other strong antibacterial ingredients.

• Disinfecting wipes - Keep a pack of disinfecting wipes in the bathroom to quickly wipe down surfaces and help prevent the spread of germs. The portability makes them great for spot cleaning.

• Toilet brush - Invest in a quality toilet brush with sturdy bristles for scrubbing the toilet bowl and hard to reach areas. Replace it every 3-6 months.

• Grout brush - A small grout brush is useful for scrubbing grime and mildew from tile grout lines.

• Microfiber cloths - Microfiber cloths are lint-free, fast-drying and can be used for most bathroom cleaning tasks. Dedicate some just for bathroom use.

• Glass cleaner - A streak-free glass cleaner will keep mirrors and shower doors sparkling. Avoid products with ammonia.

• Rubber gloves - Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves when cleaning. Opt for heavy-duty gloves that can withstand harsh cleaning chemicals.

Having these essentials ready will make bathroom cleaning quicker, easier and more effective. Be sure to restock cleaning supplies regularly.

Cleaning the Toilet

The toilet is one of the most used fixtures in a bathroom and can easily accumulate grime, dirt, and bacteria. It's important to thoroughly clean and disinfect the toilet regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.

Disinfecting the toilet should be done at least once a week. Make sure to use a toilet cleaning product that contains an EPA-approved disinfectant. Spray or pour the disinfectant all over the toilet bowl, under the rim, on the seat, lid, tank, and handle. Let it sit for the manufacturer's recommended contact time to allow the disinfectant to work. Scrub the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush to remove any stains or buildup. Make sure to get under the rim where bacteria and hard water deposits tend to accumulate. Flush the toilet to rinse away the disinfectant.

For a deeper clean, you may need to occasionally scrub the toilet bowl more rigorously with a pumice stone or toilet wand to remove stubborn stains and mineral deposits. Wear gloves while scrubbing for protection. Let the disinfectant sit for longer before scrubbing for maximum effectiveness.

Be diligent about disinfecting and scrubbing the toilet properly to prevent the spread of germs and keep the bathroom sanitary. Proper toilet hygiene is essential for a clean, healthy home.

Cleaning the Shower

Preventing mold and mildew in the shower should be a top priority. Moisture and humidity create the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive. Mold can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions if left unchecked.

It's important to fully dry the shower after each use. Squeegee the walls and glass shower doors to remove excess water. After showering, leave the bathroom door open and turn on the exhaust fan. This will help ventilate the steamy air and allow surfaces to dry faster.

Clean the shower at least once a week, paying special attention to crevices where soap scum and mildew tend to accumulate. Use a non-abrasive cleaner containing bleach, like tilex, to kill and remove mold and mildew. Spray the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Be sure to also clean the shower curtain liner regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Consider replacing it every 3-6 months, since the liner can develop mildew even with frequent cleaning.

Check all shower caulking and re-apply fresh caulk anywhere you see cracking, peeling or gaps. This will prevent water from seeping into crevices and causing unseen mold growth.

With diligent cleaning and moisture control, you can keep your shower fresh, sanitary and mold-free. A little weekly effort goes a long way to maintaining a healthy bathroom environment.

Cleaning the Sink

The bathroom sink sees a lot of use, so it's important to clean it regularly to prevent grime buildup and kill germs. Start by removing everything from the countertop and sink basin. If the sink has a built-in soap dispenser, wipe this down as well.

Use a multi-surface cleaner or mix together warm water and an all-purpose cleaner. Spray or wipe the cleaner over the entire sink including the faucet, handles, basin, countertop around the sink, and the backsplash. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cleaner to break up grime.

Scrub all surfaces of the sink with a sponge or cleaning brush. Pay close attention to the drain and faucet where buildup tends to accumulate. Rinse thoroughly and wipe away any excess water with a clean microfiber cloth.

For disinfection, make a DIY disinfecting spray. Mix together 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 20-30 drops of tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemon essential oil. Spray this over all surfaces of the cleaned sink. Let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing. The vinegar helps kill bacteria while the essential oils add antibacterial properties.

Make this disinfecting spray weekly to help keep the sink free of germs between deep cleans. It's important to both physically remove grime as well as disinfect. A sparkling clean, germ-free sink will help maintain the fresh feel of the whole bathroom.

Cleaning the Floor

A clean bathroom floor is essential for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria. When it comes to cleaning the floor, there are a few key tasks:

Mopping - Floors should be mopped at least once a week using a disinfecting cleaner or a homemade solution of hot water and vinegar. Use a damp mop and work in sections, rinsing the mop frequently. Make sure to get into corners and along edges. Allow the floor to fully dry before walking on it.

Vacuuming - If you have carpet or a rug in your bathroom, be sure to vacuum it thoroughly at least once a week. This will remove embedded dirt, dust, and hair. Check around the edges and under the rug as well.

Grout cleaning - Over time, grout between bathroom tiles can get dirty with soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains. It's a good idea to scrub grout with an old toothbrush and baking soda paste every couple of months. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. This will help keep grout looking fresh.

Paying attention to the floors is key for maintaining a clean, inviting bathroom space. Be diligent about regular mopping, vacuuming, and grout cleaning.