How to Clean a Bathroom: Easy, Step-by-Step Guide for Working Parents

Don't you just love coming home to a clean bathroom?

It's such a relief after a long day of work. Plus, it makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. But who has time to clean the bathroom when you're already juggling work and family responsibilities? 

Fear not, working parents! 

We have the perfect solution for you. With this easy, step-by-step guide, you can have a clean bathroom in no time. 

Put down that broom and get ready to start scrubbing!

The Unpleasant Truth About Bathrooms

Cleaning the bathroom is a dirty, thankless job. But somebody has to do it. And that somebody is probably you, if you're responsible for cleaning the house. 

But why is it so vital to keep the bathroom clean?

Well, for starters, bathrooms are a breeding ground for bacteria. The average bathroom is home to more than 2 million bacteria per square inch, according to Manchester University. 

Yuck!

Plus, bathrooms are one of the most commonly used rooms. Every time you flush the toilet, turn on the sink or take a shower, you're adding to the mess.

It's no wonder that bathrooms can get pretty dirty, pretty quickly.

Some other unpleasant reasons to keep your bathroom clean:

  • Your bathroom reflects your personal habits. If it's cluttered and dirty, people will assume you're a messy person.
  • A dirty bathroom can lead to embarrassing moments. You don't want your guests to see your dirty toilet or cluttered sink.
  • A clean bathroom just feels better. Taking a shower in a sparkling clean bathroom is just amazing.

How to Clean a Bathroom: Best Practices

Now that we've established why it's essential to keep your bathroom clean, let's move on to the best practices to actually do it. 

Start With the Big Stuff

You know the old adage: "The bigger the mess, the more satisfying it is to clean." So start with the big stuff first. That means taking out the trash, sweeping the floor, and wiping down the counters.

By taking care of the big stuff first, you'll make the rest of the cleaning process much more manageable. And you'll feel a sense of accomplishment too.

Work From Top to Bottom

Working from top to bottom is a tried-and-true cleaning method for a reason. It just makes sense to start at the top of the room and work your way down. 

That way, you won't have to clean anything twice.

Dust the ceiling and light fixtures. Then move on to cleaning the mirror, sink, and toilet. And don't forget to wipe down the walls and doors.

Also, be sure to clean the inside and outside of the shower door. Fingerprints tend to accumulate there.

Bathrooms are full of nooks and crannies, so be sure to take your time and clean everything thoroughly.

Don't Forget the Little Things

Little things can make a big difference.

Be sure to clean the toilet brush, wash the shower curtain, and scrub the tub. Also, don't forget to clean the drains and toilets. 

Pro tip: Use a toilet brush to clean the inside of the toilet bowl. It's more effective than a damp sponge and will help you avoid getting grossed out. 

By the way, be sure to clean the toilet brush after you're done!

Put Everything Back in Its Place

When you finish cleaning, put everything back in its place. Keeping your cleaning supplies organized will help you save time next time. Plus, a tidy bathroom just looks better.

Take a few minutes to put away your cleaning supplies, hang up your towel, and straighten up the counters. 

Your bathroom will thank you for it.

How to Clean a Bathroom When You Don't Have Much Time

Let's face it: sometimes you just don't have much time to clean.

After all, you've got a job, a family, and a social life. Who has time to clean the bathroom?

Fortunately, these steps will help you clean your bathroom quickly and efficiently.

Make a Cleaning Schedule

Your cleaning schedule doesn't have to be complicated. Just decide which days of the week you'll clean, and then stick to it.

Weekly cleaning checklist example

You can also break the cleaning tasks down into manageable chunks of time.

For instance, you might decide to clean the toilet and sink once a week and the shower and tub once a month. Or, you might choose to focus on one task each day.

The key is to find a schedule that works for you.

Keep a Cleaning Caddy

Keeping your supplies in one place will make cleaning your bathroom easier. 

Invest in a cleaning caddy and stock it with all the supplies you need. You won't have to go hunting for a sponge or toilet brush when it's time to clean. 

What should you store in your cleaning caddy? Some essential items include:

  • All-purpose cleaner: This will be your go-to cleaner for most tasks.
  • Glass cleaner: This is great for mirrors and shower doors.
  • Toilet brush: You'll need this for cleaning the toilet.
  • Sponge: A sponge is always handy for wiping down surfaces.
  • Rag: A rag can be used for dusting or cleaning up spills.
  • Trash bag: This is for, you guessed it, trash.
  • Disposable gloves: These are optional, but they can be helpful if you're sensitive to cleaning products.
  • Vinegar: White vinegar can be used as a natural all-purpose cleaner.
  • Baking soda: Baking soda is a natural cleaner that can be used on many surfaces.

Invest in Quality Products

The right cleaning products can make a big difference in the quality of your cleaning.   

For example, a good all-purpose cleaner will make short work of cleaning up spills and messes. And a quality glass cleaner will help you get your mirrors and shower doors sparkling clean.

Look for products specifically designed for the bathroom, and read the labels carefully. 

Some products are more effective than others, and you'll want to make sure you're using the right product for the job.

Be Proactive

Don't wait for things to get dirty.

Instead, be proactive about cleaning. 

Wipe down surfaces after you use them, put away towels when you're done with them, and sweep the bathroom floor often. 

The more you can do to keep things clean, the less work you'll have to do in the long run.

Get Your Family Involved

Keeping your family involved in the cleaning process can be a big help. If everyone pitches in, the task will take less time, and everyone will be more likely to participate again next time.

Assign each person a task or two and ensure they understand how important it is to clean the bathroom. You might even want to offer a reward for good work. 

A little incentive can go a long way!

Hire a Professional

Sometimes, the best way to keep your bathroom clean is to hire a professional. 

Cleaning companies have the supplies and equipment necessary to get the job done fast. This is the way to go when you're short on time.

Besides, it's always nice to have someone else do the dirty work ;).

Cleaning companies offer multiple services, so be sure to find one that provides the specific services you're looking for.

At Custom Maids, for example, we offer:

  • Commercial cleaning: A dirty office can turn customers off and make your business look bad. Our professional cleaners can help you keep your office clean.
  • Residential cleaning: Keep your home clean and tidy with our residential cleaning services. We'll design a custom cleaning plan that fits your busy lifestyle.
  • Move-in/move-out cleaning: A great option if you're moving into a new home or office, or preparing it for a new tenant.

Get a free estimate and find out more about our services today. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have.

11 Simple Steps to Clean a Bathroom

Now that we've covered the basics, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your bathroom from top to bottom.

Bathroom cleaning checklist

1. Start with the ceiling

Clean your bathroom's ceiling with a damp cloth. You can also use a microfiber duster or vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

2. Clean the Walls

Start at the top and work your way down. Use a damp or microfiber cloth or damp sponge to clean the walls. A simple all-purpose cleaner should do the trick.

3. Clean the Windows

Remove any dust or cobwebs with a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner with an attachment. If there are any stains, use a mild cleanser and a sponge to remove them.

Rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.

4. Move On to the Toilet

Lift the toilet seat and lid and give them a good wipe down with a microfiber cloth. 

Flush the toilet to rinse any urine or feces clinging to the sides. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, getting rid of any stubborn stains.

Clean the toilet handle, both on the outside and inside the bowl.

Finally, flush the toilet again and replace the seat and lid.

5. Wipe Down the Bathroom Sink

Wipe down the entire bathroom sink, including the faucet, handles, and drain. If there is any buildup around the edges of the sink, use a small brush to get rid of it. 

Spray the sink with a disinfectant or wipe it down with a bleach solution.

Finish by rinsing the sink with clean water.

6. Scrub the Tub or Shower

Spray the tub or shower with a bathroom cleaning solution or all-purpose cleaner. Let it sit for a minute or two to loosen up any dirt and grime. Then use a sponge to scrub the entire surface. 

Pay special attention to any areas with soap scum or mold.

7. Clean the Mirror

Use a paper towel to wipe down the mirror, eliminating fingerprints or smudges. If there is any toothpaste or other residue on the mirror, use a glass cleaner to remove it.

8. Dust the Light Fixtures

Use a dusting cloth or feather duster to clean the light fixtures, including the ceiling fan. Get rid of any dead bugs or cobwebs on the fixtures.

9. Vacuum or Sweep the Bathroom Floor

Remove any dirt, dust, or hair you may have missed. Move all the furniture and appliances to reach nooks and crannies.

You might also need to shampoo or steam clean the floors for a deeper cleaning, especially if you have pets or children.

10. Mop the Floor

Use a mop and cleaning solution to clean the floor, being sure to get into all corners. If you have tile floors, let the solution sit for a few minutes to loosen up any tough dirt.

11. Put Everything Back in Its Place

Put all the towels, rugs, and other items back in their proper places. Ensure the trash can is empty and the toilet seat and lid are down.

Also, put away any bathroom cleaning supplies you used. This will prevent accidents and keep your bathroom clean and tidy.

Need Some Help?

Cleaning the bathroom may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the help of one of our cleaning technicians, your bathroom will be clean in no time. 

Request a free estimate today, and let us take care of the dirty work for you. We look forward to helping with all of your cleaning needs.

Call our team to get a free estimate.

A weekly house cleaning service is the perfect way to spend quality time with your loved ones without having to worry about getting everything done around the house.

You spend so much time providing — let us take care of the cleaning.We'll come in every week (or every other week) and refresh everything just the way you like it. After just the first couple of regular cleans, we'll learn things about you that you wouldn't even know to let us know about

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