At Revive Cleaners, we know that deep cleaning bathrooms can be a daunting task. Many homeowners struggle with where to start and how to tackle tough stains effectively.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of deep cleaning your bathroom like a professional. From essential supplies to step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to transform your bathroom into a sparkling oasis.
What Supplies Do You Need for Deep Cleaning?
Cleaning Products: Your Arsenal Against Grime
To deep clean your bathroom effectively, you need the right cleaning products. Discover the best multipurpose cleaners that deliver powerful, safe, and effective cleaning for every surface. For toilets, a specialized cleaner is essential. These products kill bacteria and remove stubborn stains. Don’t forget a streak-free glass cleaner for mirrors and shower doors (ammonia-free options work best).
Tools of the Trade
Your cleaning toolkit should include various scrub brushes for different areas. Microfiber cloths excel at trapping dirt without leaving lint behind. For tougher jobs, sponges with a scrubbing side prove invaluable. A microfiber mop is ideal for floors, as it picks up dirt and bacteria more effectively than traditional mops.
Safety First: Protective Gear
Protect yourself while cleaning. Rubber gloves shield your hands from harsh chemicals and bacteria. When using strong cleaning products or tackling mold, wear a face mask. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests wearing protective equipment such as gloves or goggles to protect your skin and eyes from potential splashes.
Quality Matters
Invest in high-quality supplies to make your cleaning more efficient and effective. Good tools can reduce cleaning time while improving results. Stock up on these essentials to give your bathroom the thorough clean it needs.
Time-Saving Tips
Organize your supplies in a caddy or bucket for easy transport. This simple step can save you time and frustration during the cleaning process. (You’ll thank yourself later!) Consider using multi-purpose products to minimize the number of items you need to juggle.
Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of deep cleaning your bathroom like a pro.
How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom Step by Step
Prepare Your Bathroom for Deep Cleaning
Remove everything from your bathroom. Take out trash, laundry, and items on countertops. This step allows you to clean every surface thoroughly. Remove bath mats and towels – they need washing too.
Tackle the Shower and Bathtub First
Start with the shower and bathtub as they often require the most time and effort. Spray the entire area with an all-purpose cleaner and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This time allows the cleaner to break down soap scum and grime effectively. Use a scrub brush to clean the walls, paying extra attention to corners and crevices where mold tends to grow. For shower doors, mix equal parts white vinegar and water to combat hard water stains.
Give Your Toilet a Thorough Cleaning
Focus on the toilet next. Pour toilet cleaner into the bowl and under the rim. Let it sit while you clean the exterior. Start from the top, wipe the tank, then move to the seat, base, and finally the floor around the toilet. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly, including under the rim. Flush to rinse.
Clean Sinks and Countertops
Move to the sink and countertops. Remove any remaining items and spray surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth, paying special attention to faucets and handles. For stubborn stains around the drain, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
Shine Mirrors and Glass Surfaces
For a streak-free finish on mirrors and glass surfaces, use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaner directly onto the cloth to avoid overspray on other surfaces. Wipe in a Z-pattern from top to bottom to ensure you cover the entire surface and don’t miss any spots.
Finish with Floor Cleaning
Tackle the floors last. Sweep or vacuum to remove loose debris. Then, use a microfiber mop with a cleaning solution appropriate for your floor type. Work from the farthest corner towards the door, ensuring you don’t miss any spots. For tile floors, pay extra attention to grout lines, using a small brush if necessary.
Regular deep cleaning sessions, combined with daily touch-ups, will keep your bathroom sparkling and hygienic. (Pro tip: Keep a small caddy with essential cleaning supplies in your bathroom for quick touch-ups between deep cleans.) Now that you’ve mastered the basics of deep cleaning your bathroom, let’s move on to tackling those tough stains and problem areas that often prove challenging.
How to Conquer Stubborn Bathroom Stains
Banish Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains
Soap scum and hard water stains can make your bathroom look dingy. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply this solution to affected areas and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. For tougher stains, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.
For glass shower doors with hard water stains, try this trick: Cut a lemon in half and dip the cut side in salt. Rub the lemon directly on the stains, then rinse with warm water. The citric acid in the lemon combined with the abrasive quality of salt breaks down mineral deposits effectively.
Eliminate Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, making bathrooms a prime target. Mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Apply this solution to affected areas using a sponge or brush, and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. For a more natural approach, use undiluted white vinegar. Spray it on mold and mildew, let it sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse.
To prevent mold and mildew, use a squeegee on walls and doors after each shower to remove excess moisture. Keep your bathroom well-ventilated by running the exhaust fan during and for 30 minutes after showers or baths. Reducing the humidity level in your bathroom is the first and most important step to controlling mold.
Restore Grout and Tile
Dirty grout can make even the cleanest tiles look grimy. For light stains, scrub grout lines with a mixture of baking soda and water using an old toothbrush. For tougher stains, create a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply this paste to the grout, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
To maintain clean grout, apply a grout sealer regularly. This creates a protective barrier against moisture and stains, making future cleaning easier. Sealing grout is one of the most effective ways to protect it from damage.
For tile, use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the surface. Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone tiles as they can etch the surface.
Unclog Drains and Eliminate Odors
Slow drains and unpleasant odors can turn a clean bathroom into an unpleasant space. To address minor clogs, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture fizz for 15 minutes. Then, flush with hot water.
For persistent odors, clean the overflow hole in sinks (the small hole near the top of the basin). Use a small brush dipped in disinfectant to scrub inside this often-overlooked spot.
Regular maintenance prevents major clogs and odors. Once a week, pour boiling water down drains to dissolve soap residue and prevent buildup.
Final Thoughts
Deep cleaning bathrooms transforms your space from grimy to gleaming. You now know how to tackle every surface, from shower walls to toilet bowls. Start with decluttering, work from top to bottom, and pay attention to often-overlooked areas like grout lines and drain overflows.
Maintain a clean bathroom between deep cleans to keep it fresh and hygienic. Implement daily habits like wiping down surfaces after use and running the exhaust fan to prevent moisture buildup. Weekly touch-ups, such as scrubbing the toilet and cleaning mirrors, will make your next deep clean easier.
Regular deep cleaning offers benefits beyond aesthetics. It eliminates harmful bacteria, prevents mold growth, and extends the life of your bathroom fixtures. For those who find deep cleaning bathrooms challenging, Revive Cleaners offers expert cleaning services (including thorough bathroom deep cleans).