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Let’s be be honest: nobody wakes up excited about scrubbing their loo. But here’s the thing, your bathroom deserves better than a half-hearted swipe with whatever’s under the sink. A proper cleaning routine is about creating a space where you can actually relax without wondering what’s lurking in the corners. The good news? With the right approach and a few bathroom cleaning tips and tricks, you can transform this dreaded chore into something almost… dare we say it… satisfying. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a genuinely spotless bathroom.
What is the best way to clean a bathroom?
The secret to understanding how to clean bathroom spaces effectively lies in working systematically from top to bottom—think of it as gravity’s way of helping you out. Start by clearing everything out (yes, everything), then tackle the high stuff first: ceiling fans, bathroom light fixtures, mirrors. Work your way down through sinks, showers, and toilets, saving the floor for last. The key is giving your cleaning products time to work their magic whilst you move through each area. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a bit of patience and the right tools. Read the bathroom cleaning tips below to get started.
In what order should you clean the bathroom?
Here’s your foolproof sequence: preparation and decluttering first (trust the process), followed by dusting and sweeping, then mirrors and glass, sink and countertops, shower areas, tiles and grout, toilet, bathtub, floors, restocking, and finally, proper ventilation. This isn’t arbitrary; it’s strategic. Work from top to bottom, dry to wet, and always save the grimiest bits for last. Follow this order religiously, and you’ll never have to re-clean areas because dirt fell from above.
Step #1: Preparation
Before you dive in, arm yourself properly. You’ll need rubber gloves (unless you fancy rainbow fingernails from cleaning chemicals), microfibre cloths, scrub brushes, toilet brush, hoover or broom, mop, and a trusty bucket. Stock up on all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, and something for limescale. Essential tips to clean bathroom include gathering all supplies in a caddy before starting to avoid interruptions. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not trudging back and forth hunting for supplies.
Step #2: Clear and declutter your space
Time for the great bathroom evacuation. Everything comes out—toiletries, bathroom decor, that plant you’re pretending to keep alive. Empty the bin, clear shower caddies, and don’t forget the medicine cabinet. Yes, it looks dramatic, but you need a blank canvas to work with. This is also your chance to be ruthless: if that half-empty shampoo bottle has been there since 2019, it’s time to let it go.
Step #3: Dust and sweep
Professional bathroom cleaning tips suggest that you start at the top and work your way down—ceiling fans first (they’re dirtier than you think), then light fixtures and air vents. Grab those cobwebs lurking in corners like tiny horror movie sets. Sweep or hoover the floor, including behind the toilet where mysterious dust bunnies gather for secret meetings. This step prevents you from spreading dust onto freshly cleaned surfaces later—it’s all about strategy.
Step #4: Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
Here’s where you channel your inner professional window cleaner. Spray your glass cleaner generously, then wipe in circles before finishing with vertical strokes. For stubborn water spots, white vinegar is your best friend—let it sit for a few minutes to work its magic. Old newspapers create an impressively streak-free finish, though microfibre cloths work brilliantly too. Smart tips to clean bathroom glass surfaces involve cleaning when they’re cool to prevent streaking.
Also Read: Reflecting Style: The Ultimate Guide to Toilet Mirror Cabinets
Step #5: Clean the sink and countertops
The sink gets more action than you’d think, so show it some love. Spray everything down with all-purpose cleaner, then scrub the basin thoroughly—don’t forget the drain area where mysterious gunk accumulates. An old toothbrush is perfect for getting around tap fixtures. For vanity countertops with natural stone surfaces, stick to pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damage. Finish by polishing taps with a dry cloth for that satisfying sparkle.
Step #6: Clean the shower and shower curtains
Effective bathroom cleaning tips suggest letting cleaning products sit for a while. So, spray down the shower walls and let the cleaner do its thing whilst you tackle other areas—patience is key here. Scrub tiles thoroughly, paying special attention to corners where soap scum likes to party. Shower heads benefit from a good vinegar soak. Wash or replace shower curtains and liners; they’re grimier than they appear. A squeegee after each shower prevents future water spots—your future self will thank you.
Step #7: Clean the tiles and grout
Grout is where good intentions go to die, but don’t despair. Effective bathroom tiles cleaning ideas include using bicarbonate of soda paste for stubborn stains. Alternatively, you can apply store-bought grout cleaner. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes—this isn’t the time to rush. Scrub with an old toothbrush or a proper grout brush, then clean bathroom floor tiles with an appropriate cleaner. For stubborn stains, hydrogen peroxide mixed with bicarbonate of soda works wonders. Annual grout sealing makes future cleaning infinitely easier. If grout remains stained despite cleaning efforts, it might be time to renovate bathroom surfaces entirely.
Step #8: Clean the toilet
Nobody’s favourite job, but it’s got to be done properly. Apply toilet bowl cleaner under the rim first, then tackle the exterior whilst it works. Wipe down everything—seat, lid, handle, base, and behind the toilet where dust accumulates mysteriously. Scrub the bowl thoroughly, reaching under the rim where nasties hide. If your toilet brush looks like it’s seen better days, replace it—you both deserve better. Learning how to clean bathroom properly means tackling the least pleasant tasks with the right technique and tools.
Step #9: Clean the bathtub
Remove all bath products and spray the entire tub with cleaner. Focus on that telltale soap scum ring and any questionable stains. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge—you want clean, and not scratched, bathtub tile designs. For stubborn areas, bicarbonate of soda mixed with dish soap creates a gentle yet effective paste. Don’t forget the overflow drain and taps, where mineral deposits love to accumulate. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent water spots. Valuable tips to clean bathroom tubs include using gentle abrasive pastes for stubborn soap scum.
Step #10: Clean the floor
Another quick sweep or vacuum removes debris from your cleaning efforts. Knowing how to clean bathroom floors correctly involves working from the far corner towards your exit point. Nobody wants to mop themselves into a corner. Mop with appropriate floor cleaner. Pay attention to corners and behind fixtures where dirt congregates. Use a clean mop head and fresh water if things get too grimy. Grout lines might need a brush for stubborn dirt.
Step #11: Replace and restock
Time to put everything back, but thoughtfully. This is your chance to implement better organisation—maybe those toiletries don’t all need to live on the counter? Replace toilet paper, fresh towels, and bath mats. Restock essentials like hand soap and toilet cleaner. Check everything’s clean and dry before it goes back. The key to understanding how to keep bathroom clean is establishing organisational systems during the restocking phase. A bit of sorting now saves headaches later.
Also Read: 20 Bathroom Storage Ideas That Prove Size Really Doesn’t Matter
Step #12: Ventilate your bathroom
Proper ventilation is crucial for understanding how to keep the bathroom clean. Turn on that exhaust fan or crack open windows—your bathroom needs to breathe. It prevents mould and mildew from staging a comeback whilst helping cleaning product fumes dissipate. Leave the fan running for at least 30 minutes after cleaning. If ventilation is poor, consider a dehumidifier or upgrading your exhaust fan. Your efforts deserve protection from humidity’s revenge.
What is the best homemade bathroom cleaning solution?
The champion of DIY bathroom cleaners is beautifully simple: equal parts white vinegar and water with a few drops of dish soap. This powerhouse tackles soap scum, water spots, and general grime without breaking the bank or your lungs. For tough stains, bicarbonate of soda mixed with water creates a gentle abrasive paste. Hydrogen peroxide combined with bicarbonate of soda works brilliantly for whitening and disinfecting. Natural doesn’t mean ineffective—these ingredients punch well above their weight.
Also Read: Keep it Simple With These Cleaning Solutions!
Bathroom cleaning schedule
There are many tips for cleaning a bathroom. However, not all bathroom cleaning tips and tricks can be applied every day. Thus, this list will help you prioritise your to-do list when it comes to cleaning bathrooms.
I. Daily bathroom cleaning tips
Simple daily habits are the foundation of how to keep bathroom clean without overwhelming effort. Wipe down the sink after use, squeegee shower doors (seriously, this prevents so much grief), hang towels properly, and empty the bin when it’s full. Unclog your drain. Declutter your countertops. These small acts prevent the big disasters.
II. Weekly bathroom cleaning tips
This is your proper deep clean following the complete guide above. Fresh towels and bath mats, spotless mirrors, thoroughly mopped floors. Weekly cleaning prevents problems from becoming crises and keeps your bathroom genuinely hygienic rather than just presentable.
III. Monthly bathroom cleaning tips
Time for the jobs you’ve been avoiding: deep clean grout lines, descale shower heads and taps, wash or replace shower curtains, reorganise storage areas. Clean exhaust fan covers and refresh air fresheners. Monthly tasks keep everything functioning properly. Advanced bathroom tiles cleaning ideas focus on deep cleaning grout lines and addressing mineral buildup.
IV. Yearly bathroom cleaning tips
The annual review: reseal grout if needed, assess and replace worn cleaning tools, and consider professional tile cleaning for high-traffic bathrooms. Deep clean or replace bath mats that have seen better days. Annual maintenance preserves your investment and prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems. Annual reviews can also reveal whether it’s more practical to renovate bathroom areas than to continue extensive repairs.
Also Read: 7 Best Natural Bathroom Smell Remover Hacks You Need to Know
How can Livspace help you?
We hope you found these bathroom cleaning tips useful! If you want beautiful interiors for your home, then look no further. Connect with a trusted interior designer near you through Livspace today.
- Our expert team can custom-design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
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