Week 4: Deep Clean Challenge – Bathroom Cleaning Tips

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Rubber Ducky, You’re the One

Hello and welcome to Week 4 of The Deep Clean Challenge! So far, we’ve successfully tackled our bedrooms, kitchens, and dealt with some clutter. By the end of this week, you might start to notice a significant transformation in your home, especially if you’re following the weekly chore schedule to maintain a cleaning routine. Remember our discussion from last week about behavioral activation? That strategy pairs wonderfully with the weekly chore schedule. You can achieve a functional home with consistent, albeit modest, efforts rather than relying solely on the Deep Clean Challenge. Often, a little regular upkeep can be more effective than sporadic intense cleaning sessions.

Are you ready to make that bathroom sparkle? I certainly am! My bathroom counter has accumulated quite a bit of clutter lately, and it’s time to address that. Interestingly enough, it’s usually in our bedrooms and bathrooms where our routines begin to falter when we experience stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout. I’m not entirely sure why this happens, but I believe it’s because these spaces are generally our safe havens—private areas where we feel most comfortable. When our mental energy, or “spoons” as some may refer to it, starts running low, these spaces are often the first to be neglected. Speaking of spoons, if you’re in a lighthearted mood and want to have some on hand, consider supporting our friend Lizz Porter, who sells delightful little jars of the saltier version. (If you catch my drift, this is the adult-themed variation.) Lizz’s family lost their home in the California wildfires last year, but she has since rebuilt her business.

Why Are We Cleaning the Bathroom This Week?

Just like the kitchen and bedroom, the bathroom is an essential part of our homes. Given its high usage, it tends to get dirty quickly, and a messy bathroom can significantly impact our mood and self-esteem. Nobody enjoys feeling disgusted when trying to engage in self-care activities. This week, let’s aim to create a more pleasant environment in our bathrooms, making it a space that fosters better days ahead. Regular maintenance through the weekly chore schedule will help keep it looking great.

What Is Our Goal in Cleaning the Bathroom?

This week, our objective is to clean the bathroom thoroughly enough that it becomes a pleasant place for our necessary hygiene routines. Additionally, we want to ensure we do this safely, which means using cleaning agents with care. Do you remember the Home-Ec101.com motto? No? Well, here it is for your reference: We solemnly swear to always read the label, never mix chemicals without research, fight the man, test in an inconspicuous area, and hide the evidence.

What Tools and Cleaning Supplies Do We Need to Clean the Bathroom?

This list is quite comprehensive. You likely won’t need every item, as some depend on personal preferences and surface types. Not everyone has marble or linoleum. If your bathroom lacks an exhaust fan or window, be sure to leave the door open while cleaning. Bringing in a box fan or oscillating fan is also a smart idea. (Please remember to turn the fan on!)

  • Broom/dustpan
  • Pillowcase (trust me on this one)
  • Stepladder
  • Mop/bucket
  • Rags or paper towels—your choice
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Acid-based toilet cleaner
  • Bar Keeper’s Friend (great for glass shower doors, but avoid using it on acrylic surfaces)
  • Grout brush, if applicable
  • Cotton swabs
  • Soft-bristled brush (like a foxtail)

How Long Should Cleaning the Bathroom Take?

Bathrooms are generally smaller than other rooms, so cleaning them shouldn’t take as long as some of our previous Deep Clean Challenge projects. However, if your shower has some science experiments growing in it, it might take longer than expected. Your experience may vary, and exceptions apply!

What Will Be Cleaned in the Bathroom?

  • Light fixture/exhaust fan
  • Cobwebs in the corners
  • Mirror(s)
  • Window(s)
  • Walls/Trim/Switchplates
  • Shower/Tub
  • Shower door or curtain
  • Sink
  • Counter
  • Drawers/Cabinet
  • Toilet—inside and out
  • Flooring
  • Mats

We’re aiming to clean all of these areas this week!

How Do We Clean the Bathroom?

First, clear the room of all loose items. If you have a box or a large piece of plasticware, use that to temporarily hold your toothbrushes and other items you don’t want to place on random surfaces. Everything needs to be removed. Take any rugs that require washing straight to the laundry unless you tend to get sidetracked, in which case, just set them outside the door. Don’t forget to remove any hanging towels, and yes, clear out the “library materials” too. Are those magazines old? Recycle them or send them to your craft box. By the way, if you want your teens to read something, this is a great spot to leave those materials!

Start at the Top.

Begin by placing the pillowcase over the broom straw to knock down any cobwebs. Use your foxtail or the vacuum with the soft-bristle attachment to clean the exhaust fan. Wipe the light fixtures with a rag and glass cleaner; if they’re particularly grimy, consider running them through the dishwasher. If you accidentally break a light bulb off in the socket, we can help! And while you’re at it, replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Next, sweep off any dry dust and hair debris from counters and ledges, then thoroughly sweep the floor. If you’ve knocked a lot of dust bunnies into the shower pan or tub and it’s completely dry, consider using the vacuum to suck up that fun mess. Just to clarify, I mean using the vacuum tools, not the entire vacuum appliance!

We now conclude the dry portion of your bathroom cleaning project.

Now, put your toilet cleaner into the bowl. If it has an angled neck, you can squirt it up under the rim and call it good for now. If not, add the cleaner to the water and give a quick scrub with the toilet brush, especially under the rim. You’re not finished with the toilet yet, but close the lid and move on. Remember, chemicals need time to work; the longer you let your cleaner sit, the less physical scrubbing you’ll have to do. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your toilet, check out: How to Clean a Very Dirty Toilet for more in-depth directions.

Do your painted walls need attention? Dilute white vinegar usually does the trick since bathrooms are often painted with semi-gloss paints. However, always test in an inconspicuous area first, especially with flat or matte finishes. Spray your cleaner of choice onto the sink and counter or vanity and, like with the toilet, let it sit for a moment to work unless you enjoy scrubbing away at toothpaste deposits.

Next Up: Clean the Shower and Tub.

Here’s a handy list of tub and shower cleaning-related articles:

Now back to the sink vanity and mirror. Again, work from left to right and top to bottom. Spray and wipe the mirror, then use paper towels or rags to clean the sink and surrounding area. While you’re at it, clean the cabinet—if you have one—a cotton swab can help you reach those tiny corners, especially if your cabinets have decorative ridges. A little cleaner on the end of the swab will help remove grime.

Don’t forget behind the faucet and the overflow holes in your sink, as these areas can accumulate dirt. If your sink is draining poorly or emitting an unpleasant odor, it may be time to clear out the trap, which is a straightforward task that should take less than ten minutes.

And here we are—it’s time to tackle the toilet:

And don’t overlook that dreadful area behind the bolts that attach the seat. Now, grab one of your rags (preferably not the one used on the toilet), spray it with a bit of your all-purpose cleaner or diluted white vinegar, and wipe down the toe boards and molding. Finally, grab your mop and give the floor a thorough clean, paying special attention to the area around the toilet—especially if you have boys or men in the house!

Once the floor is completely dry, replace all your bathroom towels and mats, and call it a day!

How Do We Get Started with This Week’s Challenge to Clean the Bathroom?

If you have little kids, you’ll need to find a way to keep them safely occupied, as it’s all too easy for them to get into the chemicals you’re using or into the toilet before you’ve had a chance to clean it. It’s a challenge, I know.

No kids? No problem! Have you got your music or podcasts queued up? Have you called or texted your accountability friend? Take a moment to assess—do you need any supplies like light bulbs? Get those now so you don’t have to leave the area before starting. Is your timer set? Let’s dive in!

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