Keeping a clean bathroom should be a top priority in any home. A sparkling clean bathroom not only looks great, but it also helps promote good hygiene and prevent the spread of germs.

Investing some time in a thorough deep clean makes a big difference. Getting on a regular deep cleaning schedule helps maintain a fresh, sanitary bathroom everyone can enjoy.

Supplies Needed

To deep clean your bathroom, you'll need the following supplies:

• All-purpose cleaner - An all-purpose cleaner that can be used on most bathroom surfaces is essential. Look for one that cuts through soap scum and grease.

• Bathroom cleaner - In addition to an all-purpose cleaner, you'll want a dedicated bathroom cleaner that's formulated to disinfect and sanitize the toilet and other areas.

• Scrub brushes - It's helpful to have a few different scrub brushes - a grout brush, a toilet brush, and a soft scrub brush for bathtubs and sinks. Make sure to replace toilet brushes often.

• Microfiber cloths - Microfiber cloths are great for wiping down surfaces without leaving lint or streaks. Have plenty on hand.

• Vacuum - A vacuum with a crevice tool will allow you to vacuum hard to reach areas and baseboards.

• Rubber gloves - Protect your hands while cleaning with rubber gloves.

• Old toothbrush - An old toothbrush can be useful for scrubbing in tight areas.

• Bucket - Use a bucket to mix and carry cleaning solutions from one area to another.

• Towels - Have plenty of clean towels on hand to wipe down surfaces. Paper towels also come in handy.

• Step stool - Use a step stool to reach higher areas like ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Having all these supplies ready will make deep cleaning your bathroom much easier and more effective. Let's get cleaning!

Clean the Walls and Ceiling

Use a vacuum attachment or duster to remove any dust or cobwebs from the walls and ceiling. Pay close attention to corners and edges where dust accumulates.

For a deeper clean, fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild cleaner or vinegar. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge mop into the solution and wring it out well. Wash the walls and ceiling using broad strokes. Work from top to bottom to avoid drips.

Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently as you go to keep it clean. Use a squeegee or dry microfiber cloth to remove excess water. This helps prevent water spots or mildew growth.

Check for any mold or mildew in corners, near vents, or where moisture accumulates. Scrub these areas with a baking soda paste or bathroom cleaner containing bleach. Rinse thoroughly.

Examine the walls and ceiling to spot any stains or dirt that needs extra attention. Use a cleaning toothbrush dipped in cleaner to scrub localized areas. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing too hard, which can damage the paint or drywall.

Finish by going over the entire surface with a dry microfiber cloth to pick up any last dust or moisture. Change towels frequently for best results. Proper wall and ceiling cleaning removes grime, brightens the space, and helps keep bathrooms looking fresh between deep cleans.

Scrub the Tub and Shower

Give the tub and shower walls a deep clean by using a bathroom cleaner and scrub brush. Spray or spread bathroom cleaner over the surfaces of the tub and shower walls. Check the cleaner's label to see if it needs to sit for a bit before scrubbing.

Letting the cleaner soak helps break down soap scum and hard water stains. After letting it sit for the recommended time, scrub the walls and floor of the tub with a scrub brush. Pay close attention to soap scum rings around the tub and mineral deposits on the shower walls.

Scrub until the surfaces are clean. For extra grimy areas, reapply cleaner and let it soak longer before scrubbing again. Rinse everything thoroughly.

Clean the Toilet

Cleaning the toilet is one of the most important parts of deep cleaning your bathroom. Start by flushing the toilet to get rid of any debris. Next, apply a toilet cleaning product inside the bowl, making sure to coat the sides and under the rim. Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes so it can break down mineral deposits and grime.

While the cleaner sits, scrub the outside of the toilet with a multi-surface cleaner and rag. Pay close attention to the base, lid, seat, and handle. These areas tend to collect dirt and germs.

After letting the bowl cleaner sit, it's time to scrub. Use a toilet brush to scrub the sides, under the rim, and bottom of the bowl. Scrub thoroughly to remove any stains or buildup. Flush the toilet periodically to rinse away the grime.

Once the inside is clean, flush the toilet one final time. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe down the seat, lid, handle, base, and any other exterior surfaces. Dispose of the rag or paper towel afterward. The toilet should now be sparkling clean!

Wipe Down Surfaces

Keeping surfaces in the bathroom clean is important for sanitation and aesthetics. Start by using a multi-surface cleaner and paper towels to wipe down the sink, counter, and mirror. Make sure to get into crevices and corners. For the mirror, follow up with a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to get a streak-free shine.

Disinfecting wipes are also useful for wiping down surfaces, as they clean and kill germs at the same time. Focus on high touch areas like faucet handles, the toilet flush lever, towel racks, and light switches.

For granite or marble countertops, avoid harsh cleaners and stick to a mild soap and water solution. Wipe spills quickly to prevent stains. You may also want to periodically use a granite or marble polish to protect the surface.

Be sure to empty any bins or trash cans and give them a quick wipe down as well. Tidy up any items that have accumulated on the counters and return them to their proper place.

Regularly wiping down all bathroom surfaces helps maintain cleanliness and prevent a buildup of grime, soap scum, and bacteria.

Clean the Floor

Sweeping and mopping the floor is one of the most important parts of deep cleaning your bathroom. Start by sweeping the floor thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, hair or other debris. Make sure to get into corners and along edges.

Next, fill a bucket with hot water and add your preferred floor cleaner. For a thorough clean, use a disinfecting cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for bathrooms. Dunk a mop into the water and wring it out so it's damp but not dripping. Working in sections, mop the floor using a figure-8 pattern. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water to remove dirt.

Change the water when it becomes dirty. Continue mopping until the entire floor has been cleaned. Pay special attention to grout lines and corners where grime tends to accumulate. Let the floor air dry completely before walking on it.

Sweeping and mopping removes built-up dirt, eliminates odors and makes your bathroom floors look sparkling clean. It's a necessary step for a deep clean.

Take Out Trash

Taking out the trash regularly is an essential part of keeping your bathroom clean. Make sure to empty all trash cans in the bathroom and replace the liners. This includes the small trash can by the toilet as well as any larger bins.

Emptying the trash helps prevent odors and keep bugs away. Replace plastic liners when they get dirty or ripped. Use scented liners or a few drops of essential oils to help the bathroom smell fresh.

Take the bathroom trash out to your main garbage bin regularly. Don't allow trash to pile up in the bathroom bins. Make a habit of taking it out daily or every other day.

Tie up filled trash bags tightly before putting in main garbage bins. This contains odors and prevents spills or leaks. Double bagging may help for bathroom trash that may be wet or contain odor causing items.

Cleaning out trash properly is a simple but essential bathroom cleaning task. Stay on top of it to maintain a fresh, hygienic bathroom space. Consistent trash removal will keep your bathroom clean between deep cleans.

Dust Light Fixtures

Properly dusting light fixtures in your bathroom is an important step that is often overlooked in cleaning routines. Using a duster, microfiber cloth, or other soft cloth, gently wipe down all exterior surfaces of the light fixtures to remove built up dust and grime. Pay close attention to lightbulbs and any glass coverings, as dust is easily visible on these transparent surfaces.

Take care not to apply too much pressure when dusting, as you do not want to accidentally detach any light fixture components. It's also smart to turn off the light before dusting to avoid getting zapped! For stubborn dust, a slightly damp cloth can help grab particles better than a completely dry cloth.

Remember to use a step stool or ladder if needed to safely reach all light fixtures in the bathroom. Proper lighting is key to a clean look, so don't neglect this dusting step. Just a few minutes spent thoroughly removing dust from all bathroom light fixtures will make the whole room look cleaner and more inviting.

Create a Cleaning Schedule

Maintaining a clean bathroom requires regular upkeep. Here is a suggested weekly and monthly cleaning schedule to keep your bathroom sparkling:

Weekly

• Wipe down surfaces - counters, mirror, sink. Use a multi-surface spray cleaner.

• Clean toilet bowl with toilet brush and toilet cleaner. Wipe down outside of toilet with multi-surface spray.

• Wipe down inside and outside of shower walls with multi-surface spray or scrub with soft brush.

• Sweep and mop floor.

Monthly

• Scrub tub and shower with bathroom scrub brush and bathroom cleaner. Let sit before rinsing.

• Clean inside of toilet bowl and tank with pumice stone and toilet brush.

• Dust light fixtures.

• Wipe down walls and baseboards.

• Clean out cabinets and drawers. Remove expired products.

• Deep clean floor grout with brush and grout cleaner.

Following this schedule will help you stay on top of bathroom cleaning and prevent major buildup. Always inspect your bathroom weekly and perform spot cleans as needed. A little effort each week makes the monthly cleaning faster and easier.