How to Clean a Bathroom With Step-by-Step Directions

Keep your bathroom sparkling by cleaning a litte bit each day.

Infrequent bathroom cleaning can lead to foul smells, hard-to-remove residue and an unchecked spread of germs. Face the chore head on to keep your bathroom looking and smelling fresh. Make it easy on yourself by spot cleaning the bathroom every day and giving it a thorough scrubbing once a week. If you don't live alone, ask able-bodied housemates to wipe down the sink after every tooth brushing and rinse the tub after each bath.

Things You'll Need

• Washing detergent
• Vinegar
• Bathroom cleanser
• Cotton cloth or sponge
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towel or newspaper
• Broom
• Floor cleaner
• Bucket
• Mop

Instructions

1. Remove dirty towels and washcloths from the bathroom, and toss them in the washing machine. Shake dust from your bathroom rug and throw it in the washing machine, as well. If your shower curtain has accumulated mildew or soap scum, wash it alone in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, with a cup of vinegar added to your detergent.

2. Remove the garbage can, scale and any other freestanding items on the bathroom floor that would prevent you from cleaning the entire perimeter. Empty the contents of the trash. Place these items in the hallway just outside the bathroom door for quick replacement once the job is done.

3. Spray or sprinkle your preferred cleanser in the bathtub and/or shower stall, inside the sink basin and inside the toilet bowl. Allow the cleanser to set for about five minutes to loosen any stubborn dirt, grime or residue.

4. Remove accessories such as soap or body wash from the perimeter of the tub. Use a clean, cotton cloth or sponge and hot water to scrub the inside of the bathtub and/or shower stall. Take care to remove residue from the corners of the tub, as well as around fixtures. Use a toothbrush to clean small nooks and crannies. Rinse the tub and the rag thoroughly with hot water.

5. Remove accessories such as soap, toothbrushes and cosmetics from the perimeter of the sink. Use a clean, cotton cloth or sponge and hot water to wash the inside of the sink basin, as well as the attached counter space. If necessary, use a toothbrush to clean the small, tight spaces around the fixtures. Rinse the rag and sink thoroughly with hot water, and wipe the sink down to remove any excess water or soap.

6. Clear items stored on the back of the toilet, as well as decorative toilet covers. Lift the toilet lid and seat. Use a scrub brush to clean the inside the toilet bowl. Flush the toilet to rinse the bowl. Use a clean, cotton cloth or sponge to wash the lid of the toilet bowl, the underside of the seat and behind the seat. Rinse the cloth in hot water. Put the toilet seat down and wash the top of the seat and the underside of the toilet lid. Put down the toilet lid and wash the top surface, as well as the back, sides and top of the toilet tank. Bend down and scrub the area where the toilet connect to the floor, scrubbing all corners and crooks carefully. Rinse the cloth or sponge again in hot water.

7. Spray glass cleaner on the mirror. Wipe the glass cleaner off with a piece of newspaper or a clean paper towel.

8. Sweep the bathroom floor, including the area behind the toilet and behind the door.

9. Pour a capful of floor cleaner into an empty, clean bucket. Fill the bucket with 2 quarts of hot water. Use the soapy water and a cloth, sponge or mop to wash the bathroom floor. Leave the bathroom and allow the floor to dry.

10. Replace all the contents of the bathroom, including the garbage can, scale, soap, accessories, towels, washcloths, rug and shower curtain.

References

• House Cleaning Central: How to Clean Your Bathroom
• "Chicago Tribune"; Life Skill: How to Clean a Bathroom; Judy Hevrdejs; July 2011