Eliminate Musty Odors with a Thorough Bathroom Deep Clean
Bathrooms can easily become a breeding ground for unpleasant odors, particularly that persistent moldy, musty pee smell. If you’re stuck in a cycle of weekly cleaning that just isn’t cutting it, it’s time to tackle the issue head-on with a comprehensive bathroom deep clean. This detailed checklist will guide you through the process of disinfecting every surface and effectively banishing those nasty smells.
No matter how diligently you clean around the toilet, the odor often lingers. A deep clean is essential, and it shouldn’t be reserved for just spring cleaning. Use this step-by-step process regularly to keep your bathroom fresh and inviting.
Understanding Deep Cleaning vs. Weekly Cleaning
Weekly cleaning focuses on visible surfaces and is primarily a maintenance routine. You might give the countertops a quick wipe and scrub the toilet, but that’s about it. In contrast, deep cleaning involves a thorough approach where you address every nook and cranny. This means cleaning behind fixtures, inside cabinets, and even under the sink. The deep clean bathroom checklist below will help you navigate this process with ease.
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How Long Does It Take to Deep Clean a Bathroom?
The time required for a deep clean varies based on several factors, including the bathroom’s size, how dirty it is, and how frequently it is used. For example, my relatively small bathroom, which is generally used by two people, takes about an hour for a deep clean after a quick 30-minute surface clean each week. Much of this time involves letting the cleaner do its job.
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Bathroom?
The frequency of deep cleaning your bathroom should depend on the usage and conditions mentioned above. If you start to notice a musty, moldy, or urine smell, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a deep clean.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Clean Your Bathroom
Before diving into deep cleaning, take a moment to declutter your bathroom. This ensures you’re not cleaning around items that don’t belong there.
1. Gather Your Supplies – 3 minutes
Having a cleaning kit ready makes the process smoother. Here’s a list of essential supplies you should gather:
- Microfiber Mop or Duster – Ideal for dusting.
- Vacuum Cleaner – Preferably one with a wand and upholstery attachment.
- Stiff Bristle Brush – A paintbrush or grout brush works well.
- Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Choose your favorite. I recommend The Works for tough grime.
- Toilet Brush – Disposable brushes are convenient for hassle-free cleaning.
- Bathroom Cleaner – Scrubbing Bubbles is highly effective for deep cleaning.
- Scrubber Sponge – Essential for tackling shower scum.
- Glass or Multi-Surface Cleaner – A good cleaner is vital for mirrors and fixtures.
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths – Several cloths in different colors help avoid cross-contamination.
- Canned Air – Helpful for blowing out debris from tight spaces.
Pro Tip: For a natural cleaning alternative, consider using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for extra scrubbing power.
2. Empty Storage Areas – 5 minutes
Take everything out of your medicine cabinet, shelves, and drawers. Placing items in a laundry basket in the middle of the bathroom allows for easier cleaning and ensures they get a good steam treatment.
3. Wash All Linens – 3 minutes
Remove towels, plastic shower curtains, rugs, bath mats, and window coverings, and throw them in the washing machine. This will give them a thorough sanitizing wash while clearing your space. Adding ½ cup of baking soda to the wash helps keep towels super soft. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can make towels repel water.
4. Remove Dust Buildup From All Surfaces – 5 minutes
Dust and lint from towels and toilet paper can accumulate quickly. Vacuuming the dust will make the rest of the cleaning process more efficient, preventing dust from mixing with moisture.
Exhaust Fan
The exhaust fan collects a lot of dust and moisture. Remove and vacuum the vent cover, then clean the fan motor with a brush and vacuum to get rid of buildup.
Lighting
Dust light fixtures and vacuum bulbs. If using a duster, be careful around hot bulbs to avoid damage.
Flat Surfaces
Use a duster or microfiber mop to clean the ceiling, walls, tops of cabinets, mirror frames, shower surround, shower head, and tub surround.
Windows
Close your blinds and vacuum them, then clean the window tracks and any debris present.
Shelving, Cabinets, Counters, and Drawers
Vacuum any dust and debris from all surfaces.
Floor
Finally, vacuum any remaining dust off the floor.
Time to Give Your Bathroom a Thorough Cleaning!
5. Apply Cleaners – 3 minutes
Most cleaning agents need time to work effectively. Start by applying all the necessary cleaners and turning on hot water to create steam.
Toilet Cleaner
Shut off the water supply to the toilet, flush to drain, and apply toilet cleaner around the rim and inside the bowl. Don’t forget to clean the tank’s insides.
Shower and Tub Cleaner
Apply cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to the sink, showerhead, walls, tub, and around the base of the toilet.
Multi-Surface Cleaner
Spray multi-surface cleaner on mirrors, window tracks, faucets, and the outside of the toilet. Also, apply it to shelving and inside any drawers and cabinets. Allow the cleaners to sit for about 15 minutes.
6. Steam Up the Bathroom – 10 minutes
Fill the sink with water and turn on the shower to hot. Close the doors to let the bathroom steam for about 10 minutes, which helps the cleaners penetrate caked-on grime.
7. Clean Fan, Outlets & Switches – 3 minutes
With a microfiber cloth and brush, clean the fan motor and surrounding areas. Clear gunk from electrical outlets and switches using canned air if necessary.
8. Clean the Shower and Tub – 7 minutes
Put on rubber gloves and scrub the tub, showerhead, faucets, and walls. For hard-water stains, soak the showerhead in vinegar overnight. For stubborn mold, spray with hydrogen peroxide, let sit, scrub, and rinse.
9. Clean Blinds, Window, and Tracks – 5 minutes
Wipe down the blinds and clean the window tracks with a stiff brush and canned air. Finish by wiping the window and frame.
10. Clean Fan Cover, Lighting Fixtures, and Sinks – 5 minutes
Wash, rinse, and replace the fan and lighting fixture covers. Scrub and dry the sinks and faucets.
11. Clean Flat Surfaces – 3 minutes
Wipe down the ceiling, walls, vanity, mirror, and countertops with a microfiber mop or cloth. Clean the insides of cabinets and drawers as well.
12. Scrub the Toilet and Surrounding Surfaces – 5 minutes
Scrub the toilet tank and bowl, then turn the water back on. For tough stains, use a pumice stick. Don’t forget to clean around the toilet base and behind the lid bolts using a toothbrush and canned air.
13. Clean the Bathroom Floor – 5 minutes
From the farthest corner to the door, clean the floor with your preferred method. A steam mop works wonders, especially for tile floors where grout lines can be scrubbed with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixture.
Bonus Tips for a Thorough Bathroom Cleaning
- Treat fixtures and shower walls with car wax or RainX to repel water stains.
- Use The Works toilet cleaner for dirty grout.
- Address moldy sealant by soaking with hydrogen peroxide on a cotton beauty coil.
- Utilize a black light to uncover hidden urine stains.
- Disinfect surfaces with hydrogen peroxide for extra cleanliness.
- To repel water spots, treat fixtures with car wax or wax paper.
- Canned air or a steam cleaner makes cleaning tight spaces around the toilet easier.
Congratulations on Completing Your Bathroom Deep Clean!
You’ve successfully tackled your deep cleaning checklist and now have a fresh and sparkling bathroom. Incorporate this process into your regular cleaning routine and say goodbye to unpleasant odors. For more deep cleaning tips and tricks, visit my cleaning page!
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