Imagine the perfect bathroom. Sure, you must have visualized a big tub, a gorgeous bathroom interior, and transparent shower walls. But there’s something common in all our thoughts — the perfect bathroom is “super-clean.”

So, how do you keep your bathrooms clean? Due to water, steam, and excess moisture, the bathroom can quickly become a space for fungi, bacteria, and unwanted odors. In this guide, we’ll take you through the cleaning process, the cleaning tools you’ll require, and practical tips that will keep your bathroom clean for longer periods.

Quick bathroom cleaning tips

Before we get to the actual cleaning part, here are some quick tips and strategies to get the cleaning done effectively:

Take the excess stuff out

The more you hoard the bathroom, the more cleaning you’ll have to do. Instead, throw away the items you haven’t used in a month or are expired. The remaining items should be organized in closed drawers and cabinets so that dust does not accumulate.

Dust first, Mop later

Before you clean with a wet towel or a mop, dust everything first. Also, dust the counters, light fixtures, and the bathtub's edges. This makes cleaning easier.

Have all your cleaning materials in one place

Cleaning motivation only goes so far. If you do not have the right materials in place, you’re bound to put it off for another day. One way to avoid this is by having everything in a drawer in the bathroom, so you can get the job done quickly without having to go search for the materials.

Make use of the right cleaning agents

You might be tempted to spray disinfectant all over your bathroom. But is it essential? The truth is that you can clean most parts of your bathroom with distilled vinegar or other cheaper cleaners. Save bleach and disinfectants for the dirtiest parts of the bathroom.

Clean from top to bottom

This is one of the most recommended tips for cleaning any room. By starting at the top and then working your way to the bottom, you ensure that you aren’t getting already cleaned places dirty again.

For example, if you cleaned the floor first and then went on to clean the bathroom fan, you’ll get your spotless floor dirty again. Instead, clean from top to bottom, whether dusting things or wet cleaning.

Keep your windows open

While cleaning, your bathroom may get very damp. This can lead to bacteria growth and mold. To prevent this, keep your bathroom windows open and the fan running. Also, do this after you take a shower every day.

Bathroom cleaning tools

Here’s a basic list of all the products and tools you’ll require:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop
• Bucket
• Duster
• Scrub pads or brushes
• Squeegee
• Disinfectant
• All-purpose cleaner
• Distilled vinegar
• Warm water
• Rubber gloves
• Microfiber rags
• Glass cleanser

Bathroom cleaning: A step-by-step process

You can perform this entire process once a week. There also might be some things you want to tend to daily, but more on that later. Let’s get started with these steps first.

1. Put bathmats and towels in the laundry basket

Your bathmats and towels should be cleaned at least once a week. Because they are damp, they are more prone to bacteria and fungus growth. To keep them clean, vacuum the bathmats and rugs first. Then put them in your washing machine to get washed and dried.

This will also help clear the entire floor for the next cleaning steps.

2. Dust and wipe from top to bottom

Take a microfiber cloth or duster and begin dusting from the topmost areas, like cobwebs on the corners of your walls or light fixtures. You can then take a damp rag and wipe these light fixtures, countertops, and baseboards. If you’re comfortable vacuuming the bathroom, you can do that instead of dusting it.

3. Disinfect and clean the toilet

Start by cleaning the outside of the toilet first by using an all-purpose cleaner and wiping it from top to bottom. Next, clean the seat with the same cleaner and wipe it with a clean cloth dipped in warm water.

You can use a disinfectant or bleach to clean the toilet's inside. Just pour the same over the edges and let it glide over. Use a toilet brush to scrub the solution and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. You can then flush or pour warm water.

If you don’t have bleach or disinfectant at home, mix a tablespoon of baking powder into a quart of white vinegar and water solution.

Note: If you’re using a powerful cleaning agent such as bleach, keep the ventilator on and windows or doors open.

4. Make your mirrors and glass sparkle

We all hate a dirty mirror. To make your mirror or any other glass in your bathroom sparkle, you can either use a glass cleaner or prepare a DIY solution of 50:50 vinegar and water. Spray this solution and wipe using a microfiber cloth, squeegee, or a lint-free material like an old t-shirt or coffee filter.

5. Add shine to faucets and fixtures

Spray the solution you used for cleaning the mirror or use an all-purpose cleaner over the faucets and fixtures. Use an old toothbrush or scrub to clean the dirt and any stains. Wipe it with a clean cloth afterward.

6. Clean counters and any items on it

Start by wiping the fronts and tops of your cabinets and drawers. You can use soapy water for the same, and if you’re worried about germs, add some bleach to this soapy water. While cleaning your counters and drawers, also clean the items on them by wiping them with a wet microfiber cloth.

7. Clean sinks, tubs, and showers

Sprinkle some baking soda into your sink and tub. Use a soft sponge or a non-abrasive scrubber to scrub the insides and edges of the sink and tub. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the remains.

For your shower, spray some cleaning product on the shower walls and let it rest for a few minutes. Spray some water and clean it afterward. If the showerhead is clogged with soap scum or hard water buildup, you can fill a zip-top bag with a cup of vinegar and secure it with a rubber band over your showerhead. Let it stay overnight or for a couple of hours, which will dissolve all the buildup.

8. Scrub corners and small spaces with a toothbrush

You don’t want to miss out on dirt and dust lying in those pesky small corners of your bathroom, like under the sink or in the gap between the walls and floors. To clean these narrow gaps, take out an old toothbrush and wash it thoroughly. Apply a little cleaning solution or a small amount of bleach to it and give these areas a good scrub. Spray some water later, or just wipe it with a cloth.

9. Clean the bathroom floor

First, sweep all the dirt and dust that may have fallen on the floor while you were cleaning everything else. Once done, mop using hot soapy water (or an all-purpose cleaner if the area is small). Ensure that you clean the baseboards and the space around and behind the base of the toilet, as these places tend to accumulate a lot of grime and dirt.

Daily bathroom cleaning tasks

Cleaning a dirty bathroom is not how you would like to spend your entire weekend away. What if you could do that in just an hour or two? This is possible if you spend just 10 minutes every day cleaning things in your bathroom.

These tasks could be simple like:

• Aerate the bathroom every time you are done showering by keeping the windows open.
• Wipe the showerhead after you use it
• Don’t let things or clothes accumulate in your bathroom
• Wipe toothpaste stains or buildup in the sink. Don’t let them stay on for long.
• Hang up towels after use

Conclusion

We all love a clean bathroom. But keeping it clean is also essential for our health. We don’t want to let bacteria and fungi take over our bathrooms. At the same time, we don’t want to inhale foul odors.

If you have procrastinated on your bathroom cleaning for a long time, this is your sign to get started today. If you have too much on your plates, you can hand over your cleaning duties to our expert cleaners at Homero. We follow a foolproof cleaning checklist that tends to every nook and corner of your home and makes everything super clean.

Book your appointment today!