How to Clean a Dirty Bathroom

For many apartment dwellers and homeowners, cleaning the bathroom is the most dreaded chore of all. Unfortunately, it's also the one room that houses the most germs, so it needs to be cleaned regularly. Still, sometimes we put off cleaning the bathroom for much longer than we should. But there are ways to get that bathroom sparkling without spending the whole day cleaning.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mop Floor cleaning solution All-purpose cleaner Toilet bowl cleaner Toilet brush Scouring powder Sponges Broom Dustpan Window cleaner Paper towels Trash bag Air freshener

1. Start with the mirror above your sink. It's best to work from the top down, and starting with an easy task like cleaning the mirror will help you ease into the task of cleaning the bathroom.
   Spray some window cleaner on the mirror. Using a paper towel or newspaper, wipe away the cleaner until no streaks remain.

2. Move on to the sink. Remove all clutter from the sink; put away anything that doesn't belong there. Spray the sink liberally with all-purpose cleaner and scrub with a sponge. Rinse the sponge often. Make sure all cleaner is rinsed from the sink when you're done. Dry with a paper towel or allow the area to air-dry. Dust the toothbrush holder, water cups and other knick-knacks and place them back on the sink.

3. Clean the toilet. Remove anything sitting on top of the toilet tank or lid. Spray the toilet liberally with all-purpose cleaner. Don't forget the areas below the toilet bowl and under the seat. Using a new sponge, scrub the surface areas of the toilet. Rinse well.
   Lift up the toilet seat and saturate the inside of the bowl with toilet bowl cleanser. Be sure to get some under the rim of the bowl. Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl. Flush the toilet and rinse the brush in the fresh water.

4. Clean the tub and shower. Remove all shampoo bottles, soap, washcloths, caddies and anything else from the shower. Use all-purpose cleaner or shower cleaner on the walls and scrub with a new sponge. To clean the tub itself, use an abrasive scouring powder and some elbow grease. Rinse well.

5. Clean the floor. Remove rugs and send them through the washer and dryer. Empty the bathroom trash can. Sweep the floor, using a dustpan and broom to scoop up any dust and hair on the floor.
   In a bucket, mix a solution of floor cleaner and very hot water. Dip the mop into the bucket and wring out excess water. Mop the floor; allow it to air dry. When the floor is dry, put the clean rugs back on the floor.

6. Spritz some air freshener into the room, and stand back and admire your clean, fresh bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're short on cash or environmentally conscious, you can make do without harsh cleaners. Vinegar can be substituted for all-purpose cleaner. Baking soda can be used as a scouring powder. If you don't have a floor cleaner, hot water can be mixed with borax, baking soda and vinegar. Bathrooms should be cleaned thoroughly once a week. To make the weekly cleaning easier, spritz down all surfaces and swish out the toilet with a brush every couple of days.

• Always wear gloves when cleaning the bathroom, especially the toilet. Some chemicals should not be mixed together, such as chlorine and ammonia or ammonia products. The combination is extremely toxic.