I’ve put in hours of reps and, in doing so, have learned how to clean any bathroom efficiently and effectively. I’m here to share some tips and tools the average homeowner or renter probably hasn’t considered.
Best of all, these simple and effective secrets for a spotless bathroom won’t require hours of scrubbing. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Here’s how it’s done.
First, assemble the right supplies
Many spray bottles and pump sprayers even have built-in dilution scales — remember to label your bottles so you know which mixture is which.
Although professional janitors often use advanced tools like steam cleaners, pressure washers and pricey equipment, the core equipment is the same stuff you’ll use at home, with a few tweaks for efficiency and control:
- Gloves Protection against chemicals and germs is essential. I use disposable nitrile gloves because there’s no guarantee that reusable gloves will stay clean after multiple sessions.
- Disposable shop towels: You can find these in the automotive department and at hardware stores. Their durability means you can clean your bathroom with fewer towels. Unlike microfiber cloths, you won’t need to wash and sanitize them fastidiously.
- No-scratch scouring pads These are best suited to clean metal faucets. Unlike green scouring pads, they won’t damage chrome finishes. Still, it’s always a good idea to test on a hidden area to see if it will damage a surface.
- Abrasive scouring pads: Green scouring pads are excellent for hard water stains on porcelain sinks and toilets.
- Toilet brush: Don’t forget to replace it occasionally for better cleaning and fewer germs.
- Broom and mop: Cleaning the floor isn’t glamorous, but it helps prevent germs from spreading around the house on your feet or shoes.
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9 tips for cleaning your bathroom like a pro
There are two main reasons to fold your cleaning rags: control and efficiency.
Folded rags are easier to control because they’re closer to the size of your palm — they won’t flop around or fling liquid into the air. You can maximize the time before needing a new rag by flipping and refolding it to use the remaining clean portions.
For example, I fold my towel twice so it’s half the original size. I flip it over once the first surface is too dirty to clean anymore. And we don’t stop there because you can invert the fold to access two more cleaning surfaces. Most of the dirt sticks only to the surface and won’t seep through the rag, so you can use the entire surface of the towel before needing a new one.
You can unfold the rag to use the other side — for a total of eight cleaning surfaces. While dirt is more likely to seep through the rag at this point, it’s excellent for dry dusting and other light-duty tasks.
2. Get your gear on and tidy up
Cleaning products often need time to work effectively.
Open the window or turn on the exhaust fan. If you have a small, portable air purifier, it’s not a bad idea to bring it along. Next, generously spray down the mirror, counter and sink with your cleaning solution, allowing it time to soak and disinfect. It may take a few tries to figure out the right amount for your bathroom but you want an even distribution that won’t dry out too quickly — or immediately soak your rag.
Allowing the cleaning solutions to sit, do the same for your toilet and shower. Remember not to mix chemicals, especially bleach-based cleaners, to avoid creating noxious fumes. At this stage, avoid scrubbing and instead flip up the toilet seat with your shoe to prevent contact with your bare hands, which can contaminate your gloves.
For regular cleaning, spray down the toilet seat and bowl with your cleaning spray and let it sit while you clean the rest of the bathroom. For deep cleaning, use a toilet brush or plunger to remove as much water from the bowl as possible before pouring on the bowl cleaner.
Cutting your scouring pads into smaller sizes makes them easier to use-and they last longer compared to using a single large pad.
Use the same rag from the mirror if it still has clean sections. Start with the counter and faucet to prevent cross-contamination — sink basins are deceptively dirty.
If you encounter grime that’s too heavy for your rag, then you’ll need a no-scratch scrubbing pad that’s not too abrasive (blue) — never use a green pad on polished metal or most countertops. After scrubbing, wipe excess liquid off every surface and polish the faucet with your rag.
6. Tub and shower: Don’t forget the shower head
Cleaning the toilet last will prevent cross-contamination with other surfaces.
Once again, follow a specific order when cleaning the toilet — begin with the surfaces people are most likely to touch, such as the handle, tank, lid and seat. You can use the toilet brush on the bottom of the seat, but a rag is better for cleaning the top of the toilet seat.
After the seat is clean, lift it before scrubbing the rim and bowl with the toilet brush. Although the toilet cleaning chemicals should have loosened the grime, you may need a green scrubbing pad or a pumice stick to address stains and hard water.
Don’t mop yourself into a corner.
Using your mop of choice, clean the floor behind and around the toilet. Rinse the mop and squeeze it out as needed. Work your way toward the door to avoid extra mopping.
Full disclosure, my bathroom desperately needed a deep clean — I spent roughly three hours on the process (mainly the shower). However, it usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how many bottles I’m moving off the countertop.
