How to Deep Clean a Bathroom in Under an Hour

How Often You Should Deep Clean Your Bathroom

While some household deep cleanings can be done seasonally, the bathroom requires more attention since it’s so frequently used and sees a lot of moisture and bacteria. Keep up with regular cleanings and you may only have to do a deep clean once or twice a month, according to the cleaning experts at Kathleen’s Cleaning Service.

How to Deep Clean a Bathroom

Deep cleaning a bathroom sounds like a daunting task. But when you break it down into digestible steps, it isn't all that bad.

While we suggest you give your bathroom a deep cleaning once or twice a month, some of the following tasks can also be done weekly or when you feel like it's necessary.

Here's how to deep clean a bathroom in under an hour.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Rubber cleaning gloves
• Microfiber cloths
• Antibacterial spray
• Soap scum cleaner
• Scrub brush
• Soft Scrub 
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Vacuum
• Mop
• Floor cleaning solution specific to your bathroom floor

Step 1: Remove Clutter

Removing clutter should be done regularly, but especially as part of a deep cleaning routine. Make sure to remove bath mats and used towels and washcloths. Throw these bathroom linens in the washing machine and have fresh ones on hand to put in the bathroom when you’re done cleaning.

Also, remove and put away countertop clutter like jewelry, hairbrushes, and medicine bottles.

Step 2: Dust 

Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust from light fixtures, countertops, shelves, mirrors, the toilet bowl, and baseboards.

Step 3: Wipe Down Frequently Used Items

As part of a deep clean, check the shower, countertops, medicine cabinet, and shelves for items and products you use regularly. They’re likely covered in oils, dust, and grime from being touched almost daily. Look at the following: 

• Hair and body washes
• Toothbrush and its holder
• Perfume bottles
• Lotions
• Contact cases

Open windows and turn on the bathroom fan to allow air circulation, then spray down these items with an antibacterial spray and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Make sure the bottles are tightly sealed to avoid contamination.

Photo via Shutterstock

Step 4: Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces

Surfaces that get used often should also be cleaned with an antibacterial spray and a microfiber cloth. ​​Wipe down: 

• Faucet handles
• Sink basin
• Window pull and/or blind wands
• Showerhead
• Vanity countertop
• Doorknobs
• Light switches and fixtures

Wipe down mirrors and windows with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. 

Step 5: Clean the Shower and Tub

The shower and tub get you clean, so it’s time to return the favor! Did you know the shower curtain and shower floor have 60 times more bacteria than your toilet seat? If that isn’t grounds for a good deep cleaning, we don’t know what is.

Begin by removing the shower curtain and liners and wash both in the washing machine. Then, scrub tile and grout, as well as the floor, using a scrub brush and some Soft Scrub. Clean glass shower doors and the showerhead using a soap scum cleaner. 

Step 6: Clean the Toilet

Perhaps the most important but everyone’s least favorite thing to clean, the toilet requires attention to detail. Lift the toilet’s lid and seat and spray a toilet bowl cleaner into the bowl. Use a scrub brush to work the cleaner around the bowl. Allow the cleaner to sit for 15 minutes before flushing. 

Next, close the toilet lid and seat. Use an antibacterial spray to wipe down the handle and the entirety of the exterior toilet bowl and lid. Finish by opening back up the lid and using a new towel to wipe down the top of the seat, under the seat, under the bowl rim, and under the toilet lid hinges. See more toilet cleaning hacks here.

Learn how to fix a wobbly toilet next.

Step 7: Clean the Floor

After using a vacuum cleaner to pick up any loose dirt, wash the floor with a mop to remove any sticky residue or other dried liquid. Pay special attention to the toilet area — both in front and behind — and around the edge of the tub or shower. 

Step 8: Remove Trash, Restock Essentials

Once the bathroom has been cleaned from top to bottom, it’s time to remove any trash and restock essentials. Empty the trash can and clean inside and out with antibacterial spray and a clean cloth. Refill all of your soap dispensers and restock toilet paper. Replace any items you took out for the cleaning process, such as the washed and dried bath mats and shower curtain. Finish by hanging fresh towels.

Tips for Keeping Your Bathroom Clean

Daily pickup and wipe-downs will limit the time you need to spend on deep cleanings. Here are a few more tips to keep your bathroom cleaner for longer:

• Put everything away after you use it, like toothpaste, face wash, hairbrush, and makeup. Keeping these things stowed away will also prevent them from spilling onto countertops or the floor.
• For a quick wipe-down once everything is put away, clean countertops (which undoubtedly pick up hair and other particles daily) with an antibacterial wipe. Stash the wipes in your vanity for easy access.
• Keep a Magic Eraser in the shower and wipe down the glass shower door with it at the end of each rinse. You can use the eraser to tackle signs of mildew, smudges, and other scum.
• If you spot any signs of grime on or in the toilet, try to tackle them at first sight. A quick swipe with an antibacterial wipe on the exterior of the toilet or a brush inside the toilet will take seconds.

How often do you deep clean your bathroom? Share your bathroom-cleaning tips and tricks below!