How to Clean a Bathroom Quickly and Efficiently

Cleaning the bathroom will probably never top your list of exciting things to do, but it can become less of a dreaded chore when done right. This article gives tips on how to clean a half bathroom quickly and efficiently.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• disinfectant bathroom or multi-purpose cleaners
• toilet brush
• glass cleaner
• paper towels
• sponge or cloth
• rubber or latex gloves
• broom and dustpan
• mop and pail
• roll of toilet paper
• air-fresheners

1. 
    

   Gather your cleaning supplies. You will need a disinfectant bathroom or multipurpose cleaner. You can always use more than one type, but be sure to include one that pours (e.g. a pine cleanser). You will also need two cleaning sponges or cloths, a toilet brush, rubber or latex gloves, a mop and pail, a roll of toilet paper, and air fresheners.

2. 
    

   Open the toilet lid and pour a capful of disinfectant cleaner into the water. Let it sit as you clean the rest of the bathroom.

3. 
    

   Fill the sink about 2/3 of the way full with hot water. Pour another capful of cleaner into the water.

4. 
    

   You need two cleaning sponges or cloths (one to clean the toilet and one to clean everything else).

5. 
    

   Wet your cleaning sponge or cloth thoroughly and wring out excess water and soap.

6. 
    

   Use the sponge or cloth to thoroughly wipe the top, front, and sides of the back part of the toilet. Be sure to clean the toilet flush handle. Then close the lid of the toilet and wipe it down.

7. 
    

   Rinse the sponge or cloth and wring out excess water. Open the toilet lid and wipe under it and the top of the toilet seat. Lift the toilet seat and clean under it very well. Wipe all the way around the rim of the toilet bowl itself.

8. 
    

   Rinse the sponge or cloth and wring out the excess water. Clean the right up next to the toilet seat hinges. Close the toilet seat and lid and clean the back part next to the hinges. Take your time with this area because it tends to get quite soiled. Repeat this step if necessary.

9. 
    

   Rinse sponge or cloth and wring out excess water. Wipe all the way around the toilet bowl (all the way to the floor). Clean the base of the toilet thoroughly. Then lift the lid and toilet seat again. Use the toilet brush to scrub the inside of the toilet. Get in all the crevices. Flush and then repeat. Close the toilet seat and lid. Rinse and wring out cloth one more time and set to the side.

10. 
     

    Let the water drain completely out of the sink and then repeat steps 3 and 5 (using the second sponge or cloth). Clear the sink of any decorative items, soap dispensers, etc.

11. 
     

    Wipe the counter top down completely.

12. 
     

    Be sure to get all edges.

13. 
     

    Clean around the exterior of the sink.

14. 
     

    Clean the inside of the sink being sure to get all the sides.

15. 
     

    Wring out the excess water from your sponge or cloth again and clean the faucet until it sparkles. Be sure to get up under it and behind it as well.

16. 
     

    Let the water drain out of the sink and clean the bottom of the sink and the drain itself.

17. 
     

    After spraying glass cleaner on the mirror and the faucet use the sponge, cloth, or paper towel to wipe them until they are shiny and sparkly. (Leave no spots or smudges.)

18. 
     

    Do not forget to clean the toilet paper holder and put on a fresh roll of toilet paper. You can fold the edge of the toilet paper into a point for a decorative effect.

19. 
     

    Also remember to wipe down the towel rack (if you have one). This can get very dusty.

20. 
     

    Now it is time to replace the decorative items and soap dispenser to the counter top. Rinse and dry any items that need to be freshened up.

21. 
     

    Place an air freshener or two somewhere on the counter top or on the back of the toilet for a nice finishing touch.

22. 
     

    Fill the pail about 2/3 of the way with hot water and a capful of cleaner. Quickly sweep the floor and then mop it thoroughly.

23. 
     

    As the floor dries, gather your cleaning supplies and put them safely away. Empty water from the pail immediately. Place cleaning sponges or cloths in the appropriate place for laundering and throw away disposable gloves. Breathe a sigh of relief because you are officially done. Nice job!

Tips & Warnings

• It is helpful to keep a little bin of cleaning supplies so that they are always in one place and are easy to tote if you have more than one bathroom to clean.
• Do a thorough cleaning (like this article discusses) at least once a week. You can use cleaning wipes or a spray cleanser and paper towels to do light (touch-up) cleaning whenever needed.
• Always keep all cleaning supplies and products out of the reach of infants, toddlers, and young children.
• Follow all safety precautions listed on the back of cleaning products.
• NEVER leave a pail filled with even a small amount of water sitting in a house with babies or young children. It is a drowning hazard.

[edieness]

on 5/14/2009 And whew la you have a clean bathroom. Well written.

[woot]

on 5/9/2009 Thanks. Will you come and clean my bathroom next?

[Merriment]

on 5/4/2009 Very detailed and helpful instructions for cleaning a bath area.