Knowing how to clean a bathroom properly can save you time, frustration, and even money. Whether you're aiming to deep clean your bathroom floor, quickly disinfect a restroom, or just want the best tools to speed clean the shower or bathroom sink, this guide walks you through every step—from what professional cleaners use to easy ways to keep things sanitary between deep cleans.
Tools You'll Need for Effective Bathroom Cleaning
To effectively clean your bathroom, you’ll need the following tools:
Cleaning Solutions:
- All-purpose bathroom cleaner: For countertops, tiles, and sinks
- Disinfectant spray or wipes: For toilets, flush handles, and door knobs
- Vinegar &dish soap: Great combo for removing soap scum in the shower
- Baking soda:Works well on stains and odors, especially in sinks and grout
- Bleach or toilet bowl cleaner:For deep cleaning unused toilets or tough stains
- Glass cleaner: For mirrors and chrome fixtures
- Grout cleaner or paste: Optional, but helpful for deep cleaning the bathroom floor
Tools and Equipment:
- Toilet brush: Essential for scrubbing the bowl
- Scrub brushes (various sizes):For grout lines, sinks, and shower corners
- Microfiber cloths or rags:For wiping down surfaces without streaking
- Squeegee: To prevent water spots on glass shower doors
- Bristle broom or handheld vacuum: For picking up loose dirt and hair
- Spray bottles: For mixing and applying DIY solutions
- Mop or Vacuum:For cleaning and disinfecting the bathroom floor
- Gloves:Protect your hands, especially when using strong cleaners
- Bucket:For mixing, rinsing, and transporting supplies
Step-by-Step Guide on Bathroom Cleaning
Let's take a look at the easy-to-follow steps of the best way for cleaning a bathroom, whether you're deep cleaning or trying to clean fast and professionally. Start at the door, work methodically, and leave the floor for last.
Preparation
- Start by opening a window or turning on the exhaust fan for better airflow.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands and face masks to avoid inhaling fumes.
1. Disinfect Light Switch & Door Handle
Spray a disinfectant (like Lysol or alcohol-based cleaner) directly onto a microfiber cloth—never directly on electronics or painted surfaces. Wipe down the door handle and switch plate thoroughly, paying attention to smudges and fingerprints. These high-touch areas are often overlooked but collect the most germs.
2. Clean the Mirror and Vanity Surface
Use a glass-safe cleaner or a vinegar-water mix (1:1 ratio) on the mirror. Spray and wipe using an “S” motion with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent streaks. Remove items from the vanity, then spray the entire surface with an all-purpose cleaner. Let it sit for 1–2 minutes before wiping. Pay attention to corners, under soap dispensers, and around the faucet base where grime collects.
3. Deep Clean the Bathroom Sink & Faucet
Sprinkle baking soda directly into the sink basin. Scrub with a damp sponge or brush, focusing on the drain area. For stubborn buildup around the faucet and handles, wrap a vinegar-soaked paper towel around them and let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse everything thoroughly and wipe dry for a polished look.
4. Sanitize Toothbrush Holders & Soap Dishes
Dump out water residue and rinse items in hot water. Scrub with dish soap and a bottle brush, especially inside cup-style holders. For soap scum, soak in a vinegar bath for 15 minutes. Dry fully before returning items to the counter to prevent mold.
5. Wipe Cabinet Handles, Drawer Fronts & Hardware
Spray a mild cleaner onto a cloth (never directly onto wood or laminate). Wipe all drawer pulls and door handles, then clean any grime from the front panels. Check lower cabinets near the sink—drips and splashes often land there.
6. Disinfect and Scrub the Toilet (Top to Base)
Spray the entire outer toilet—tank, lid, seat, sides, and base—with disinfectant spray. Let sit while you move to the bowl. Pour toilet cleaner under the rim and scrub with a toilet brush for at least 30 seconds, reaching under the lip. Don’t flush yet. Go back and wipe all sprayed surfaces with a clean cloth, finishing with the toilet handle. Flush after everything is cleaned.
7. Remove Soap Scum & Mold from the Shower
If you're looking for the best way to clean a shower, start by tackling the biggest offenders: soap scum and mildew. Spray shower walls, glass, and fixtures with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and dish soap. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down buildup. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge or a shower brush. For mold or mildew, use a mold remover spray and a toothbrush to get into grout lines. Rinse thoroughly and finish with a squeegee to keep moisture from settling.
8. Clean the Bathtub (If Separate)
Rinse the tub with hot water. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface, especially where grime collects. Spray vinegar over the top to activate a fizz. Scrub with a non-abrasive pad, then rinse thoroughly. For stained tubs, make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and apply it to problem spots for 20 minutes before scrubbing.
9. Wipe Down Bathroom Walls and Baseboards
Use a damp microfiber cloth with all-purpose cleaner. Start from the top of the walls and work down. Focus on areas behind the toilet and near the shower—these collect steam, dust, and bacteria. Don’t forget to clean the baseboards with a separate cloth or vacuum them first if dusty.
10. Polish Fixtures: Towel Bars, TP Holder, Hooks
Use a damp cloth and disinfectant to wipe down towel bars, toilet paper holders, and robe hooks. Polish stainless or chrome with a dry microfiber towel afterward to remove water spots and leave a shine.
11. Flush & Refresh Unused Toilets
For bathrooms with unused toilets, flush first, then scrub with toilet cleaner to remove any ring or mineral buildup. Pour a cup of vinegar into the bowl monthly to keep it fresh and sanitary.
12. Empty, Clean & Deodorize the Trash Can
Empty the bin and spray the inside and outside with disinfectant. For a deep clean, wash with warm water and dish soap in the tub. Dry completely, then add a deodorizer like a dryer sheet or baking soda before replacing the bag.
13. Clean the Bathroom Floor (Last Step)
Start by removing loose debris—hair, dust, and dirt—which tends to gather around corners and baseboards. If you have a eufy robot vacuum with mopping features, this step can be almost hands-free. It vacuums up debris and follows up with a light mop, making it a smart option for everyday floor maintenance in bathrooms.
For a deep clean, use a disinfecting floor cleaner and mop manually. Avoid pouring straight bleach onto tile grout unless it’s diluted, as it can wear down the surface. For a dirty bathroom floor, spot-treat with a spray cleaner, scrub grout lines with a brush, and mop section by section—backing out of the room to avoid walking on clean surfaces.
Let the floor dry completely before placing rugs or storage bins back in place.
Deep Bathroom Cleaning Tips
Even if you clean your bathroom regularly, sometimes it needs a deeper touch—especially when grime builds up in the corners or your bathroom floor loses its shine. Here are some focused tips to truly deep clean your bathroom professionally and leave it feeling fresh:
- Start from Top to Bottom: Dust ceiling vents, corners, and light fixtures before touching any surfaces below. This ensures dirt doesn’t fall onto clean areas later.
- Use a Grout Brush on Tile Floors and Walls:Spray grout lines with a vinegar and baking soda solution or use a commercial grout cleaner. Let it sit 10 minutes, then scrub hard. This lifts dirt you won’t get with just mopping.
- Remove Limescale from Faucets and Showerheads: Wrap faucets in vinegar-soaked cloths for 15–30 minutes. For clogged showerheads, unscrew and soak them in vinegar overnight. Rinse well afterward.
- Deep Clean Behind the Toilet: Pull out small trash bins and get low to clean the hard-to-reach floor space and wall area behind the toilet. Disinfect these spots—they're some of the dirtiest in the room.
- Soak the Shower Curtain or Liner: Don’t forget fabric or plastic shower curtains. Soak them in a tub with warm water, vinegar, and baking soda. For moldy spots, add a bit of bleach or toss them into the washing machine (if machine-washable).
- Disinfect Frequently Missed Surfaces: Wipe down doorknobs, toilet levers, drawer handles, and the base of the bathroom sink. These areas collect bacteria fast and are often skipped during quick cleans.
- Use a Mop with Scrubbing Power: For a dirty bathroom floor, especially with dried soap or hair buildup, use a mop that has a scrubbing strip or pair with eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Prowith mopping featureto prep and follow up manually.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've now explored the ins and outs of how to clean a bathroom, from everyday tidying up to the deep cleaning techniques that leave every corner sparkling. Remember, a clean bathroom is not just about appearances; it's about creating a healthy and pleasant environment for you and your family.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean a bathroom?
Start by clearing clutter and spraying down all surfaces. Work top to bottom—mirrors, sinks, toilet, shower, and floor last. Use disinfectants where needed, and let cleaners sit before scrubbing for best results. Finish with a full floor mop.
In what order should l deep clean my bathroom?
Begin with ceiling corners and light fixtures, then clean mirrors, counters, sinks, and the toilet. Follow with the shower or tub, walls, and baseboards. Always finish with the floor to avoid re-contaminating clean areas.
What should you not do when cleaning a bathroom?
Don’t mix cleaning products—especially bleach and ammonia—as it can be dangerous. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers on delicate surfaces, and don’t forget to ventilate the space while using strong cleaners.
What do professional cleaners use to clean bathrooms?
Pros often use disinfecting sprays, vinegar-based solutions, non-scratch scrubbers, microfiber cloths, and grout brushes. Many also use commercial-grade toilet bowl cleaners and mildew removers for tough buildup.
