How to Clean a Bathroom Like a Pro: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning Essentials

Before rolling up your sleeves and getting down to business, ensure you have all the essential cleaning supplies ready. Trust me, the right tools can make all the difference:

• Bathroom cleaner – for a sparkling finish on all surfaces.
• Antibacterial spray – to kill those pesky germs.
• Toilet cleaner (no bleach, please!)
• Floor cleaner – keep those tiles looking fresh.
• Limescale remover (Viakal is a favorite!)
• Window/glass cleaner – no streaks, just shine.
• Microfibre cloths – these will become your best friend.
• Vacuum cleaner – for the nooks and crannies.
• Mop and bucket – to finish things off right.
• Rubber gloves – protect your hands while you work.
• Toilet brush – for those hard-to-reach places.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Method

1. Start with a Tidy-Up

   Begin by putting away any items that don’t belong on your bathroom surfaces. This might mean returning toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other personal items to their rightful spots. A clutter-free space is much easier to clean!

2. Dust High to Low

   Like any room, you should start dusting from the top and work your way down. Use a microfibre cloth for accessible areas, and a feather duster for those hard-to-reach spots. This way, any dust that falls will land on surfaces you haven’t cleaned yet.

3. Wipe Down Surfaces

   Next, it’s time to wipe down surfaces, again working from high to low. Start with mirrors and high shelves, then move down to sinks and counters. Don’t forget the exteriors of cupboards, cabinet knobs, and even the toothbrush holder. Every detail counts!

4. Clean the Sinks

   Check your sink area for any limescale around the taps and plug. A limescale remover will do wonders here—just spray, wait a few minutes, and rinse off. Buff dry for that sparkling finish. Remember to read the instructions on any cleaning products you use, and avoid using limescale remover near sensitive materials like marble or natural stone.

5. Tackle the Bath and Shower

   Time to focus on the bath and shower. Start by lightly spraying limescale remover on shower screens and bathtubs, then rinse thoroughly. Be careful not to let the limescale remover come into contact with any sensitive surfaces nearby.

   Next, use a glass cleaner on the shower screen and buff for a streak-free shine. The bathtub should be cleaned with a cloth and bathroom cleaner, ensuring all cleaning product residue is thoroughly washed away. If your shower is over the bath, use the detachable shower head to rinse off.

   Don’t forget to lift any bottles or products resting on the surface of the bath and give them a wipe down too before placing them back.

6. Remove Limescale from Taps and Showerhead

   If there’s any limescale buildup on the taps or showerhead, apply some limescale remover, wait a few minutes, then rinse and buff with a dry microfibre cloth.

7. Clean the Toilet

   The toilet – a necessary evil in the world of cleaning. Apply toilet cleaner under the rim as directed and let it sit for a few minutes. Grab your toilet brush and give the bowl a good scrub, making sure to get under the waterline. Flush to rinse away the cleaner, and use the running water to clean the toilet brush as well.

   If the toilet is particularly grimy, apply the cleaner as soon as you start your bathroom clean to let it soak longer.

8. Wipe Down the Toilet Exterior

   Use antibacterial spray and a dedicated cloth to wipe down the seat (both top and bottom), the hinges, the cistern, and the flush handle. This cloth should be used for the toilet only—no cross-contamination! Consider color-coding your cloths to avoid any mix-ups.

9. Empty the Bathroom Bin

   We’re nearing the finish line! Empty the bathroom bin and replace the liner. A clean bathroom isn’t complete with a bin full of trash.

10. Final Touches Before the Floor

    Before tackling the floor, ensure everything is neat and tidy. Remove any cleaning supplies from surfaces and straighten up bottles and other items. This avoids walking over your freshly cleaned floor later on.

11. Vacuum or Sweep the Floor

    Start by vacuuming or sweeping the bathroom floor, lifting any bins or items to clean underneath them. Work systematically from left to right and back to front to ensure no area is missed, especially those corners where dust likes to hide.

12. Mop the Floor

    Fill a bucket with warm water and the appropriate floor cleaner. Mop in rows from the back of the room to the front, using a small figure-eight motion to ensure thorough coverage. Rinse and wring the mop frequently to keep it clean and effective.

    Remember to start at the far end of the room and back out as you mop to avoid stepping on the clean floor. Smart, right?

13. Dispose of Dirty Water Properly

    Once the mopping is done, pour the dirty water down a sink or toilet that hasn't been cleaned yet. If the entire house has already been cleaned, allow the bathroom floor to dry before walking on it again to dispose of the water. Flush the toilet again to make sure it’s still spotless.