Bathrooms require significant care to maintain cleanliness. As spaces where we wash ourselves and store dirty clothes in a warm, humid atmosphere, they create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi if not properly and routinely cleaned. Follow this checklist to ensure your bathroom remains consistently spotless and pleasantly fragrant.
Essential Requirements
Supplies
- Toilet bowl cleaning solution
- Window cleaner
- Versatile bathroom cleaning solution
- Refined clear vinegar
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Sanitizing cloths
- Garbage bags
Tools
- Restroom cleaning brush
- Mist sprayer
- Squeegee
- Sponge materials, microfiber rags, or disposable paper napkins.
- Cleaning brush
- Sweeper and dustpan or vacuum cleaner
- Mop
- Bucket
- Towels
- Ladder with steps (optional)
Everyday Tidying Up
Clean the Fixtures
After each use, take a disinfectant wipe or sponge to clean the countertops, faucets, and sinks, ensuring to eliminate any splashes or spills. For any drips on toilet seats or the floor, always use a separate, clean wipe.
Moisture-Free Shower Walls and Doors
After every shower, utilize a squeegee or a towel to clean the walls of the shower enclosure, the doors, or the bathtub to minimize the accumulation of soap scum and water stains. Additionally, pull the shower curtain closed to facilitate faster drying.
Hang Wet Towels and Bath Mats
Hang wet towels and bathmats in a way that allows for maximum airflow to ensure they dry swiftly and avoid the development of mildew.
Tip
Replace hand towels every day, as they are commonly used and can get soiled rapidly. This is particularly crucial if a member of the household is suffering from a cold or a virus.
Weekly Tidying Up
To optimize your cleaning process, begin at the highest point in the room and gradually move downwards. Leave the bathroom floor for the final step to collect any spills or debris that may occur during your cleaning.
Tip
Always check the instructions on bathroom cleaning supplies. Allowing the products some time to take effect will yield improved results. After applying them, let them sit for a minimum of five minutes to help dissolve the grime, making it simpler to wipe away. Exercising a bit of patience will reduce the need for vigorous scrubbing.
Clean Towels and Bath Mats
Collect and clean all towels, washcloths, hand towels, and bath mats. For any small throw rugs, take them outdoors to remove hair and dust. Review the care instructions, as most can be washed. Let the rugs dry naturally to avoid harming the rubber backing.
Sanitize and Sterilize the Toilet
Pour a commercial toilet bowl cleaner into the bowl and give it a brief swirl before closing the lid to let the cleaner take effect. Use a disinfectant wipe or a sponge with a multi-surface bathroom cleaner to wipe the outside of the fixtures. Address hard water stains on a weekly basis for the simplest removal. Conclude by scrubbing the inside of the bowl, ensuring to clean beneath the rim, and then flush.
Scrub the Shower or Bathtub
Regardless of whether your shower stall is made of ceramic tile, fiberglass, or stone, it is essential to clean it thoroughly on a weekly basis to eliminate soap scum and prevent mildew buildup on surfaces. The cleaning agents suitable for the shower can also be applied to a bathtub. Be sure to clear hair from the drains and tackle any clogs before they escalate. If your shower features a curtain, take a damp cloth to clean the shower rod and curtain rings, removing any dust and soap scum buildup.
Wipe down the sink and countertop.
Clear off all items from the sink and countertop. Apply a versatile bathroom cleaner or a blend of baking soda and a few drops of vinegar from a spray bottle to eliminate stubborn cosmetics, toothpaste, and dirt from all surfaces. Thoroughly rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water marks. To help dislodge any lingering clogs and buildup, pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar.
Tip
For convenient cleaning, position toothbrush and soap holders on the upper shelf of the dishwasher.
Clean the light switches, cabinet knobs, and door handles.
Thoroughly clean light switches, knobs, and handles using a disinfectant wipe or cleaner. Light switches and their surrounding walls often accumulate a significant amount of dirt and stains. Additionally, cabinet knobs and door handles can harbor a variety of germs and bacteria.
Polish Mirrors
To achieve spotless mirrors, utilize a commercial glass cleaner or apply distilled white vinegar. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks and leftover dust. Remember to clean smaller mirrors, such as hand and shaving mirrors, as well.
Clear the Recycle Bin.
Clear out the garbage bin. If you utilize trash bags, store a few spare ones inside the bin for convenient swapping.
Scrub the Bathroom Floor
After completing all other tasks, either sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor to eliminate hair, dirt, and dust. Follow the appropriate cleaning guidelines for ceramic, stone, vinyl tile, or laminate flooring.
Monthly Maintenance Cleaning
Based on the frequency of use in your bathroom, perform these tasks either on a monthly or seasonal basis. Dedicate some time to inspect these areas and engage in a thorough cleaning.
Clean the door frames, window sills, and baseboards.
Examine areas both high and low where dust tends to accumulate. Hair care products such as hairspray can leave surfaces tacky, leading to an increased attraction of dust compared to other spaces.
Clean the ventilation fan cover and the light fixtures.
To clean the vent cover, first, carefully use a sturdy step ladder and a screwdriver to detach it, if it can be removed. Next, fill a sink with hot water and a small amount of dish soap. Submerge the vent cover and let it soak for about 10 minutes. After soaking, use a soft cloth or a scrub brush to wipe away any dirt. Ensure it is thoroughly dried before reattaching. If the vent cover is not removable, utilize the upholstery brush attachment of your vacuum or a microfiber duster to eliminate any dust. Additionally, inspect light fixtures for dust, dead insects, and any burnt-out bulbs, and clean or replace them as necessary.
Organize and declutter drawers, bathroom cabinets, and medicine storage areas.
Review your beauty, cleaning, and first aid items, and discard any that have expired. Ensure that any unused medications are disposed of safely. Thoroughly clean your makeup brushes and beauty tools to eliminate bacteria. Additionally, take this opportunity to organize your towels and linens, and create a list of items that require replacement.
Unclog a Blocked Showerhead
If your showerhead is producing a sputtering sound and the water flow is low, it’s time for a cleaning. A simple solution of distilled white vinegar can effectively eliminate mineral buildup and soap residue.
Empty the Garbage Bin
If you skip using liners for your trash can, the bottom can become a breeding ground for germs. To clean it effectively, utilize hot water, a versatile cleaner, and a scrubbing brush.
Clean the shower curtain and refresh the window coverings.
If you have a shower curtain, make sure to wash it along with the plastic liner every month. Additionally, it’s important to clean curtains, shades, or blinds to eliminate dust and any marks.
Conduct a Brief Assessment
Make sure to inspect beneath the sink and around the fixtures to identify any minor leaks or drips. Addressing these issues now can prevent future expenses and stress. Examine each spot carefully (a flashlight can be helpful) for any signs of mold or mildew and eliminate them right away.
What is the recommended sequence for cleaning a bathroom?
Cleaning a bathroom follows a process akin to that of other spaces. Start by tidying up and disposing of any trash, then proceed to wipe down surfaces and areas, working from the highest points to the lowest.
What methods do housekeepers use to clean bathrooms?
A housekeeper usually begins the bathroom cleaning process by applying a preferred commercial cleaning solution to all surfaces and allowing it to sit for a few minutes to take effect. During this time, the toilet is scrubbed both inside and outside. Afterward, all surfaces are wiped clean and dried using microfiber cloths or paper towels, and the final step involves mopping the floor.
What is the recommended frequency for cleaning a bathroom?
Regular cleaning of a bathroom is essential. Daily tasks include wiping surfaces and scrubbing, while cleaning the floor should be done on a weekly basis. More thorough cleaning can be scheduled on a monthly or seasonal basis, depending on the frequency of use.
