Cleaning the bathroom is a chore many people tend to avoid, and understandably so. It is often simultaneously the dirtiest place in the house and the most difficult to clean due to the smaller space and variety of surfaces. Hiring a professional maintenance company to treat your surfaces against grime and buildup is an easy way to avoid this chore. However, in the event that hiring a cleaning company is not possible, here are some tips for cleaning the bathroom on your own.
First Steps
The first step to cleaning a bathroom is to remove any items that do not belong as well as anything sitting out that might impede cleaning. Remove any rugs since you will need to clean the floors beneath them. Next, turn the fan on to help dissipate any fumes from chemicals that you will be using.
It is always best to start any major cleaning from the top down. Use a duster to rid counters and other surfaces of any dusty residue. Do not worry about where the dust lands as you will be cleaning the rest of the room later. Make sure to wear gloves for the next steps to protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
Cleaning the Toilet and Tub Areas
Start the cleaning by pouring a disinfectant, such as bleach, into the toilet bowl. This serves two purposes. One, it is cleaning the toilet bowl, and two, it is disinfecting the brush. Bleach is generally the best choice as it whitens and cleans unsightly water deposits as well as anything else. Use the brush to clean around the rim and seat, and then rinse it in the bowl and flush as many times as necessary to clear the water. Shut the toilet lid and use a sponge or other cleaning cloth to wipe the back of the toilet. Save the base area of the toilet for when you mop.
Use a scrubbing powder or foam for the sink and the tub or shower. Apply it to the dirtiest areas with a small amount of moisture and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to penetrate. While you wait, use a glass cleaner and paper towels to wash the mirror or windows. Keep the glass cleaner handy as you can use it to make the faucets shine after scrubbing them. Use a sponge to clean off the residue after 10 to 15 minutes have passed.
Easily clean the shower head by adding a decent amount of white vinegar to a plastic bag and tying it to the shower head overnight, effectively soaking it. Remove the bag in the morning and run water through the head to get rid of the rest of the residue. If you use a cloth shower curtain, wash it in hot water with bleach to remove any mildew, and then dry it in a dryer. For shower doors, apply a paste of baking soda and a few drops of vinegar. Let it sit for an hour before rubbing with a microfiber cloth. Maintain shower and tub areas by wiping down condensation and running the fan or opening a window to dissipate humidity.
Bathroom Floor Cleaning
Tackle grout next, if necessary. Grout is a porous material that is very conducive to bacteria growth. Use a grout brush and dip it in bleach before cleaning any stained areas. Make sure to seal grout every six months to keep moisture infiltration to a minimum.
If you have tile in your bathroom, cleaning the floors, walls, and ceilings is a snap. Spray an all-purpose cleaner all over the surfaces, and then turn the shower on as hot as possible. Let the steam build and combine with the cleaner for about 20 minutes. Shut the shower off and wipe everything down with a clean cloth. Save the floor for last and use a microfiber mop to reach the high places. If your bathroom surfaces are all painted walls and a non-tile hard flooring, you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the floor, and then clean it with a mop. Wipe down the walls with a warm, wet cloth. You only need to add cleaner if the walls are visibly dirty.
Maintenance
Maintaining a clean bathroom is the final step to the deep cleaning process. There are a few best practices that can help you avoid a strenuous cleaning job in the future. Run the fan frequently and especially after showering to discourage mold growth. Wipe down the shower doors and walls afterwards for the same reason. Use a cloth or keep paper towels handy to wipe faucet and sink areas after use. Hire a professional to replace any permanently stained items such as faucets or shower heads, and make sure drains are clear and functioning correctly.
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