How to Deep Clean the Bathroom: 24 Expert Tips for Sparkling Results

Bathrooms are an essential part of any home, and keeping them clean is a top priority for maintaining a healthy living environment. Over time, it’s inevitable that dirt, grime, and bacteria will collect in various areas like countertops, toilets, and showers.

I know in my house, with 2 teenagers, dirt seems to multiply at an accelerated pace. In order to ensure a thorough and satisfying clean, it’s essential to know how to deep clean the bathroom periodically. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to effectively deep clean your bathroom, ensuring it stays pristine and inviting.

Deep cleaning your bathroom involves more than just a simple wipe down of surfaces or occasional scrub of the shower. When it comes to getting your bathroom looking and feeling its best, it’s essential to target every nook and cranny for a comprehensive clean.

How To Deep Clean The Bathroom

The basic process for deep cleaning a bathroom is:

Prepare your supplies
Wipe down all surfaces
Deep clean the toilet, tank and jets
Clean sinks and faucets
Clean the tub and shower

We all know the crud hides in the corners and crevices. By following the steps outlined, you will be able to tackle even the toughest dirt and grime in various areas, such as the vent fan, light fixtures, walls, and baseboards.

You will now have the clean bathroom you always wanted- sanitary and uncluttered!

Remember that once you complete this deep cleaning, it is much easier to stay on top of this chore by keeping a regular cleaning routine.

I have included below a list of tasks you can complete on an ongoing basis to make sure the daunting task of deep cleaning need to be completed much less frequently. You can maintain the fresh clean, and uncluttered space at all times.

*This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

Before You Start

Gather Cleaning Supplies

Before deep cleaning your bathroom, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. These may include:

All-purpose bathroom cleaner
Disinfecting wipes
Baking soda
White vinegar
Rubber gloves
Cleaning cloths or paper towels
A scrub brush, sponge, or an old toothbrush
Toilet brush
Mop and bucket

Having all your supplies at hand will streamline the cleaning process and prevent interruptions. once you get started, you want to power through and finish. I am a huge fan of having a cleaning caddy that you can use to grab and go when cleaning. If you have a large home, I suggest having one upstairs and downstairs.

Prepare the Bathroom

Next, prepare your bathroom for cleaning by decluttering the space. Remove any items that don’t belong in the bathroom, such as clothing, dishes, or miscellaneous items. Also, clear the countertops and take out any items from the shower or tub.

This may be a good time to jump ahead to the “cabinets” section. Clearing out and re-packing the drawers and cabinets will allow you to get everything off the countertops, tub and shower. This step will make it easier to clean and organize your bathroom efficiently.

Cleaning Tips 101

If you have to consistently keep moving things out of your way to deep clean your bathroom, this will become a huge time waster, and eventually, you will stop cleaning.

If your bathroom vanity is cluttered with makeup, or hair accessories or creams, let’s start by getting them off your bathroom countertops. Here are some organization storage supplies to get, this one is perfect for makeup, or you may prefer something like this one. This works well for hair accessories, I use these for flossers and hair accessories, and they work well. I use them in my kids bathroom too.

When your stuff is put away, it makes bathroom cleaning so much easier to do. So, look around at your bathroom and see what organizers would help to keep a clean bathroom. These work well in my shower so I don’t have shampoo bottles sitting around.

Organize your cleaning supplies in a way that they’re easily accessible while you clean. A cleaning supply caddy comes in really handy here.

SAFETY TIP: Any time you are using cleaning supplies, make sure to open any windows and run the bathroom fan to help ventilate the room. And speaking of safety…

Safety Precautions

It’s crucial to take some safety precautions while you clean a bathroom. Wearing rubber gloves will not only protect your hands from harsh cleaning chemicals but also help in preventing the spread of germs.

Additionally, when using different cleaning products, avoid mixing them, as this can cause harmful chemical reactions. Make sure to read the labels and instructions thoroughly before using any cleaning product.

In summary, before starting the deep cleaning process, gather all the essential cleaning supplies, prepare the bathroom by decluttering, and take necessary safety precautions. Now you are ready to clean your bathroom like a pro…LETS GO!

Cleaning the Bathroom Surfaces

Walls and Ceiling

The easiest way to clean your ceiling and walls is to use the steam that you see every time you take a hot shower. First, spray all-purpose cleaner onto the ceiling and walls. Make sure to get good coverage, without dripping.

Then run the hot shower for about 15 minutes, letting the steam build up on all of the surfaces.

Shut off the shower and let the steam sit for about 20 minutes. Then wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Run the fan for a while to let all of the moisture out of the room.

Floors

The first thing to do on the floors is to pick up any loose articles, and then vacuum the entire floor. Then, create a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, and dampen a microfiber cloth or mop with the solution.

Wipe down the entire floor, paying special attention to corners and baseboards. This vinegar solution helps to remove grime, sanitize the floor, and leave a streak-free shine.

Cabinets

Keeping your bathroom cabinets clean is essential in maintaining overall cleanliness. First, empty your cabinets of their contents and dust away any debris or cobwebs and wipe down the surfaces completely to eliminate any dirt or grime.

Should you run into any built-up gunk, just use a little baking soda as a “scrubbing agent.” Once you are finished, dry down all surfaces with a clean towel, and wait for them to completely air dry. Now you can replace the contents (organize as you go.)

Countertops

In order to deep clean the countertops, you must first remove any items living there. Decide which ones NEED to be there and store the rest in your newly organized cabinets and drawers. Then spray an all-purpose cleaner across the entire surface.

Let it rest for a few minutes so that it can soften any gunk, then wipe down with a damp cloth making sure to remove all residue. For stubborn stains or grime, you can create a paste made of equal parts baking soda and water, and gently scrub the area with a soft brush or cloth.

How To Deep Clean The Bathroom Toilet

Toilet Bowl

To deep clean the toilet bowl, squeeze toilet bowl cleaner around the rim and bowl. Use a toilet brush to give it a quick scrub and flush the toilet. Apply more toilet cleaner to the bowl and under the rim, allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes.

Next, scrub the bowl thoroughly, focusing on areas with hard water stains. Bar Keepers Friend can also be a helpful product for removing stubborn stains.

Toilet Seat and Lid

Fill your sink with hot water and add half a cup of bleach. Dip a microfiber cloth in the bleach and water mixture, squeezing out any excess liquid. Then, wipe down the exterior of the toilet, Beginning at the top of the tank and working your way down.

Be sure to clean both the top and bottom surfaces of the toilet seat, as bacteria can accumulate on both sides. For extra disinfection, you can let the bleach solution sit on the surfaces for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

Rim and Flusher

The rim and flusher are 2 areas that are easy to neglect, but where dirt and germs may accumulate. Using the same bleach and water solution from the previous step, thoroughly clean the jets, flusher and rim of the bowl. Should you choose to use a commercial toilet cleaner, make sure to vent the room well while you clean.

This will help remove any build-up around these areas and keep your toilet hygienic. Remember to clean the area where the flusher connects to the toilet tank, as grime can accumulate there as well.

Outside of Toilet

For the outside of the toilet, continue using the bleach and water mixture to wipe down the tank, base, and sides. Make sure to clean the back of the toilet and the entire base, as it often collects dust and grime.

Pay close attention to the base’s crevices and any areas you might typically overlook during routine cleanings. A disinfectant spray may be of good use here. Or in an extreme case, a steam cleaner.

This process should leave you with a sparkling clean, sanitary toilet. A device worthy of being called “Your Throne!”

Sink and Faucet Maintenance

Sink Cleaning

If you are like most people, you probably clean your sink fairly regularly. To do this, you can use your favorite disinfectant cleaner, or a mixture of water and vinegar. Liberally spray the sink, including the faucet and behind the faucet, ensuring all areas are covered.

If there’s stubborn grime, use a mildly abrasive cleanser or a paste made from baking soda and water to scrub the sink gently. A mixture of vinegar and water also works on soap scum and some amount of scale.

When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your bathroom sink, create a cleaning checklist to help you stay on top of tasks. Here are a few important ones:

Rinse or wipe down the sink daily.
Use a disinfectant spray at least once a week.
Deep clean the sink using the vinegar solution or a mildly abrasive cleanser every month.

Faucet and Handles

Keeping the faucets and handles in your bathroom sink clean is an essential part of bathroom maintenance. To clean them, mix dish soap and water, and then use a cleaning cloth to wipe the surfaces thoroughly. Dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots or streaking.

If you notice any stubborn buildup or lime deposits, wipe down the surfaces using a cloth dipped in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. To clean hard-to-reach areas, such as around the base of a faucet or between handles, use a soft toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution.

Drains

Properly cleaning and maintaining the drains in your bathroom sink will prevent clogs and keep the sink functioning smoothly. Begin by removing debris or hair that may have gathered around the drain.

For a natural drain-cleaning solution, pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain, followed by a cup of boiling water. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This process should be repeated every month as part of your cleaning routine. However, if you have a more stubborn clog, use a commercial drain cleaner or consider consulting a professional.

Bathtub and Shower Care

Shower Walls and Doors

Depending on what type of walls you have in your shower, a mixture of water and vinegar, or glass cleaner should be sufficient to clean the shower. Just spray on liberally and let it sit for about 15 minutes to dissolve any built-up scum.

A good maintenance idea is to keep a squeegee in the shower and use it on the glass after each shower.

Bathtub Cleaning

For the tub, make sure to use a cleaner that the manufacturer recommends. For a DIY solution, use water and baking soda. Spray the tub with hot water, and then use the solution to scrub away any soap scum or scale. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate any residue.

Showerhead and Drain

Should you see a loss of water pressure in the shower, you may have some built up scale or mold in the shower head.

To remove mineral deposits and grime from your shower head, fill a plastic bag with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Place the bag around the showerhead, submerging the nozzles, and secure it with a rubber band.

Let the showerhead soak for about 30 minutes before removing the bag and rinsing with water. Periodically use a drain cleaner to unclog your shower drain, and don’t forget to regularly remove hair and other debris from the drain cover.

Shower Curtain

Shower curtains, particularly fabric ones, should be washed monthly to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Check the care instructions on your shower curtain and follow the recommended cleaning method.

If your curtain is machine-washable, add a few towels to the load to help scrub away any soap scum or residue. Make sure to leave the fan running while the curtain hangs up to dry.

These guidelines should help to keep your bathroom clean and sanitary.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains

Rust Stains

To remove rust stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse well and pat dry. For more stubborn rust stains, you may need to use a pumice stone for a more effective result.

Mold and Mildew

To treat mold and mildew, create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the affected surfaces, wait 10-15 minutes, and then scrub the area with a brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary.

For stubborn mold and mildew, you may need to use a bleach solution (10 parts water to 1 part bleach). Apply the solution to the affected area, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. Remember to never mix vinegar and bleach.

Hard Water Spots

To remove hard water spots, start by wiping the surface with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. For stubborn spots, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution on the hard water stains, waiting 5-10 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse well and pat dry. If needed, you can create a paste of baking soda and water to scrub the stains further.

Following these simple yet effective methods can help you tackle stubborn bathroom stains and keep your bathroom looking its best. Remember to always test cleaning solutions and methods in a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid damage to your surfaces.

Finishing Touches and Maintenance

Mirror and Window Cleaning

When deep cleaning your bathroom, it’s crucial not to overlook the mirrors and windows. To tackle these surfaces, use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth, avoiding direct contact with the surfaces to prevent streaks. Then, wipe the mirrors and windows in a circular motion for a sparkling finish.

Replenishing Supplies

It’s essential to keep your bathroom well-stocked with necessary supplies. Ensure you have:

Toilet paper. I have this so I always know when I am running low.
Soap or hand wash
Hand towels or paper towels
Cleaning supplies (disinfecting spray, wipes, etc)

Checking and replenishing these items regularly will keep your bathroom functional and well-maintained. Amazon subscribe and save is a huge help so that you never run out of cleaning supplies.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

To keep your bathroom looking clean and feeling fresh, a weekly cleaning routine is a good idea. it will also help you to minimize the need for deep cleaning.

Declutter: Find a place for everything that is not absolutely necessary on top of the sink. That is pretty much…hand soap.
Dust: Keep a damp cloth or wipes handy for daily wipe-down.
Mirrors and Windows: Clean mirrors and windows as needed (at least weekly) as described above.
Disinfect surfaces: Use disinfectant wipes or disinfectant spray to clean down all countertops and surfaces. Make sure to wipe light switches and door knobs with a microfiber cloth.
Vacuum and mop: Vacuum and mop the floors weekly. Sweep dust off of base molding.

A deep bathroom cleaning can seem like an insurmountable task. But once completed, staying up to date with these cleaning chores will enable you to keep a super clean and sanitary bathroom environment, and avoid long deep cleaning processes. A weekly checklist is a very good idea to help keep you on track and will give your bathroom a fresh feel every day.

How to Deep Clean the Bathroom: 24 Expert Tips for Sparkling Results

How To Deep Clean The Bathroom