Cleaning a bathroom can feel overwhelming. There are so many cracks and corners that it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Should you tackle the toilet first? Or head right on over to your sink? And how are you supposed to get rid of those stubborn stains in the shower and tub?

 

Fortunately, a solid game plan can make cleaning your bathroom a lot less challenging. Follow these steps to make cleaning your bathroom as simple as possible.

What You Need to Clean a Bathroom

• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Disinfectant spray/wipes
• All-purpose cleaner
• Broom/dustpan
• Washcloths
• Scrubbing sponge
• Duster (preferably long-handled)
• Glass cleaner
• Mop

Steps for Cleaning a Bathroom

1. Clear the space for cleaning. 

For a truly deep clean, you’ll want to make sure not to skip this step. Take all of your products and bottles out of the shower or bathtub, and remove any bath mats and towels. Counter space should be cleared out as well, and don’t forget to move your wastebasket somewhere else. 

2. Remove dust. 

It’s time to start dusting. Make sure to get your cabinets, light fixtures, and any hard-to-reach places where loose dust can gather. When you’re done dusting, give the bathroom floor a sweep with your broom, or use a vacuum to gather up any remaining dust. 

3. Soak your shower and tub. 

Now that you’ve gotten rid of any dust and dirt, you’re ready to get started on your shower and tub. Give every surface a good spray with your all-purpose cleaner. If your shower or tub are really covered in grime, an acid-based cleaner can help cut right through it, and you can even fill the tub with water and soap and allow it to soak. Let the spray sit while you complete the next step. 

4. Clean the other surfaces. 

While the tub and shower are soaking, get started on your bathroom’s other surfaces. That means shelves, baseboards, towel hooks and racks, doors, and windows, if you have them. Use your sponge or cloth and the all-purpose cleaner to wipe everything down. 

5. Tackle the shower and tub. 

Now it’s time to circle back to the shower and tub. Start scrubbing with your sponge. That long soak should help all the grime come right off. If there’s a lot of buildup, a Magic Eraser can help cut through it. Make sure to get the walls, shower door, and floor. When you’re done, you can return all the products you removed in Step 1. 

6. Clean the vanity and sink. 

Your bathroom sink can get messy fast. To get rid of old toothpaste and other soapy buildups, spray your sink down with a disinfectant bathroom cleaner and wipe it up with a scrubbing sponge or cloth. While you’re at it, do the same with the faucet handles and any countertops. A wet cloth will easily lift dust off of your cabinets, and spritzing your mirror with glass cleaner will leave it sparkling. 

7. Clean the toilet. 

Apply toilet bowl cleaner to the inside of the toilet bowl, making sure to get it up under the rim. Let the cleaner sit for five to ten minutes, scrub thoroughly, and flush. Next, spray the toilet seat, handle, and tank with disinfectant spray, or wipe them down with disinfectant wipes. Don’t forget to spray your toilet brush with disinfectant spray as well and allow it to air dry outside of its caddy. 

8. Mop the floor. 

Finally, it’s time to tackle the floor. Sweep the floor first, and then spray it with tile cleaner or disinfectant spray and wipe the floor with a cloth, or you can use your mop. Just make sure you’re using a low-sudsing soap, which will help your floor maintain its shine. 

9. Replace all bathroom items. 

Once your floor is dry, it’s time to put back everything you took out, including any rugs and bathmats, and your trash can. 

How to Clean a Bathroom FAQs

What is the best way to clean a bathroom? 

The short answer is: in stages! Make sure you have a game plan going in. For any tough spots, like your shower and tub, it’s important to spray them ahead of time and allow your cleaner to soak in. While you’re waiting for those tough spots to soak, tackle your cabinets, sink, mirror, and any other attachments. In general, you’ll want to move from top to bottom, and save your final floor cleaning for last. 

How do professionals clean the bathroom? 

A professional clean is a thorough clean. In general, professionals leave ample time for cleaning solutions to soak in tough places and take advantage of that soaking time to clean cabinets, glass, sinks, and toilets. Finally, making sure you have all the right tools — from glass cleaner to sponges to disinfectant spray — is key to achieving a professional clean. 

How can I clean my bathroom in 30 minutes?

 

For a quick clean, consolidate our 9-step plan. Start by spraying your shower and tub with disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner and let it sit while you tackle the toilet. Once you’ve finished the toilet, go back and scrub down your shower and tub. Next, tackle any glass and mirrors in your bathroom with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner, then move on to your countertops, sinks, and vanities. Finally, wipe down your floor or give it a good mopping.