Welcome to another Thursday here at Home-Ec 101, where we dive into the nitty-gritty of household chores. Today, we’re focusing on a task that many of us would rather avoid: cleaning the bathroom. If you’re new to this whole cleaning gig, don’t worry! We all start somewhere, and it’s perfectly okay if your upbringing didn’t include lessons on scrubbing toilets. It’s what keeps this platform thriving! (Parents, please take note: it’s essential to teach your kids these skills. Not just for their benefit, but for your own sanity too!) As my children gradually take over more chores, I have come to appreciate that what many empty nesters miss is not just their children but the ability to delegate those chores we all loathe. Today, I’m excited to share with you a comprehensive guide on how to clean the bathroom effectively. And if you’d like, I can create a video version of this guide in the future!)
How to Clean the Bathroom
Are you ready to clean like a pro? Here’s a mantra to remember: top to bottom, left to right, dry to wet. Before gathering your cleaning supplies, check out the Home-Ec 101 Guide to Household Chemicals to ensure you’re using the safest products. Remember: do not mix bleach with anything else! Here’s a quick list of some useful cleaning agents:
- How to Use Chlorine Bleach Safely
- How to Use Rubbing Alcohol Safely
- Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxygen Bleach (great for stained grout)
- Is Synthetic or Distilled Vinegar the Same as Cider Vinegar for Cleaning?
- Is Vinegar a Safe Alternative for Chlorine Bleach?
- Use Caution with Homemade Cleaning Solutions and NEVER Mix Bleach and Vinegar
- How to Use Bar Keepers Friend
- What is Sodium Percarbonate (perfect for grout cleaning)
Now let’s gather our bathroom cleaning supplies for a thorough deep clean. You won’t need every single item every time, so keep your daily essentials in the bathroom:
- Broom (a foxtail or whisk broom is excellent for dusting exhaust fans)
- Vacuum with a soft-bristled brush attachment
- Rags for wiping surfaces
- Paper towels, coffee filters, or newspaper for cleaning mirrors and windows
- Bucket for mixing cleaners
- Mop for the floors
- Grout brush for tiled surfaces
- Acid-based all-purpose cleaner
- Bar Keepers Friend (not for acrylic surfaces)
- Q-Tips for those tight spots
- Squeegee (optional for shower doors)
- Window cleaner for a streak-free shine
- Carnuba wax (optional for added shine)
- Fan (if there’s no window or exhaust fan, ensure good ventilation)
Let’s Dive into Bathroom Cleaning 101!
Take a deep breath—it’s always a good idea to pause before tackling the bathroom. Create a playlist that motivates you; I promise, I’ll get the Home-Ec 101 Cleaning Playlist up soon! Until then, feel free to curate your own on Spotify. Personally, I’m a fan of Glee, despite the embarrassment that comes with it!
Now, open that bathroom door wide and let in some fresh air by opening the window or turning on the exhaust fan. I’ve had my fair share of cleaning bathrooms—three at home and six at work! Thankfully, my kids aren’t as messy as some of the patrons I’ve encountered in public restrooms, but they do have their moments.
Start by clearing out the space. Move all items off the vanity or counter. If you have any rugs that need washing, take them directly to the laundry room. If you’re prone to distractions and might start cleaning elsewhere, just leave them outside the door for now. Don’t forget to remove any hanging towels and those reading materials you store in there!
Start at the Top
Use a pillowcase over the broom to gently knock down cobwebs. Then, grab your foxtail or vacuum with a soft bristle attachment to clean the exhaust fan. Wipe down light fixtures with a rag; if they’re particularly grimy, consider running them through the dishwasher or using a glass cleaner applied to the towel—never spray directly onto the fixtures. If you accidentally break a bulb, we’ve got tips for that too. While you’re at it, replace any burnt-out bulbs before moving on; it’ll save you time later!
Next, sweep off any dust and hair from counters and ledges, and then thoroughly sweep the floor. If dust bunnies made their way into the shower or tub, go ahead and use the vacuum to clean that up—just be sure to use the appropriate tools, not the entire vacuum!
Thus concludes the dry portion of your bathroom cleaning project! Now, put your toilet cleaner into the bowl. If it has an angled neck, squirt it under the rim and let it sit. If not, add it to the water and give it a quick scrub with the toilet brush to ensure it’s evenly distributed, especially under the rim. Although you won’t be finished with the toilet just yet, close the lid and let the cleaner do its magic. The longer it sits, the easier your scrubbing will be later on. If it has been a while since your last toilet clean, refer to our guide: How to Clean a Very Dirty Toilet for detailed instructions.
Do your painted walls need some love? A diluted mix of white vinegar should do the trick. Always test it on a hidden spot first, especially if your walls have a flat finish.
Now, spray your cleaner of choice onto the sink and countertop. Like with the toilet, let it sit for a moment to tackle those toothpaste deposits effectively.
Next Up – Clean the Shower and Tub
- How to Clean Up After a Toilet Overflow
- How to Clean the Bathtub
- How to Clean a Very Dirty Bathtub
- How to Clean Tile
- How to Repair Stained Grout
- How to Clean Cultured Marble
- How to Clean a Jetted Tub
- How to Get Rid of Hairspray Residue
- How to Get Rid of Pink Shower Mold
- How to Clean Moldy Shower Tile
- Hard Water Spots in the Shower
- Why Do Hard Water Spots Come Back?
Don’t forget to return to the sink vanity and mirror. Again, keep that left to right, top to bottom mantra in mind. Spray and wipe the mirror, then use paper towels or rags to clean the sink and surrounding areas. If you have a cabinet, give it a thorough wipe-down as well. Q-Tips can be your best friend for getting into those tight corners. Remember to clean behind the faucet and in the overflow holes, as these areas often harbor grime.
If your sink isn’t draining properly, it might be time to clear out the trap—this is a straightforward task that shouldn’t take more than ten minutes.
Now, let’s tackle the toilet:
- How to Clean a Toilet
For the unsightly area behind the bolts that secure the toilet seat, grab one of your rags (preferably not the one used for the toilet). Spray it with your all-purpose cleaner or diluted vinegar and wipe down the baseboards and molding. Finally, take your mop and give the floor a good cleaning, paying extra attention to the area around the toilet—especially if you have boys in the house!
- How to Mop
- How to Choose and Clean a Mop
To keep your bathroom looking its best, remember to replace all towels and rugs only after the floor has dried completely. This will make your next cleaning session much more manageable!
I think I need a nap after all that!
If you have any domestic questions, feel free to send them to helpme@home-ec101.com.