Introduction
Keeping a clean, germ-free bathroom may seem like a daunting task, but having a simple routine makes it easy to stay on top of. As someone who wants to keep my home healthy, I’ve put together a straightforward bathroom cleaning plan that fits into my schedule and helps me maintain a sanitary environment. Read on to discover my tips for a sparkling clean bathroom.
Supplies to Have on Hand
Before I get into the step-by-step cleaning routine, here are the supplies I always keep stocked in my bathroom:
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All-purpose bathroom cleaner: An antibacterial all-purpose cleaner is perfect for tackling soap scum, mildew, and germs. I use it on most bathroom surfaces.
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Toilet bowl cleaner: To disinfect the toilet bowl and tackle hard water stains, a specialized toilet bowl cleaner is a must. Look for one with bleach.
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Disinfecting wipes: I keep canisters of disinfecting wipes to make quick cleaning of surfaces like the countertops and mirrors easy.
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Microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are gentle, reusable, and perfect for cleaning. I have designated microfiber cloths just for bathroom use.
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Toilet brush: You’ll need a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl and really disinfect it. Make sure to replace it every 3-6 months.
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Vacuum: A handheld vacuum or vacuum attachment makes quick work of cleaning around baseboards and in corners.
My Weekly Bathroom Cleaning Routine
I tackle bathroom cleaning twice a week—a quick clean midweek and a deep clean on the weekends. Here are the step-by-step processes I follow.
Midweek Quick Clean
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Wipe down the counters and sink with disinfecting wipes.
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Use all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the mirror and wipe down any glass surfaces in the shower.
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Spray the toilet bowl with toilet bowl cleaner. Let it sit while I clean other areas.
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Scrub the inside of the toilet bowl with a toilet brush and flush to rinse.
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Use all-purpose cleaner on the toilet seat and lid. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
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Sweep the floor to remove any loose hairs or dust.
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Spot mop any particularly dirty areas of the floor.
This quick clean takes me about 10-15 minutes but keeps everything sanitary.
Deep Cleaning Session
My weekend deep cleaning is more thorough:
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Clean the mirror using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth until it shines.
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Scrub the sink with a soft scrub brush and all-purpose cleaner until it looks new. Rinse and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
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Disinfect countertops and surfaces throughout the bathroom with antibacterial wipes.
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Scrub the tub and tiles with a soft scrub brush and bathroom cleaner until all soap scum is removed. Rinse surfaces thoroughly.
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Spray shower walls with bathroom cleaner and let sit 5 minutes before rinsing away soap scum and mildew.
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Scrub and disinfect the toilet bowl as described above.
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Wipe down the outside of the toilet with disinfectant. Clean the handle and base.
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Sweep and mop floors, getting into corners and along baseboards.
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Empty trash cans and replace liners.
This thorough clean takes 30-45 minutes but leaves everything sparkling.
Tips for Keeping Your Bathroom Germ-Free
Here are a few extra tips I follow to keep my bathroom as clean as possible between deep cleans:
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Open the window or turn on the vent fan while showering to let moisture escape. This inhibits mold growth.
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Quickly wipe down the toilet seat after use with a disinfecting wipe.
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Hang towels and bath mats to dry completely between uses to prevent mildew.
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Declutter surfaces and keep things put away so there are fewer places for germs to hide.
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Take out the trash frequently—don’t let it overflow.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean, healthy bathroom doesn’t need to be difficult. By following this simple routine of regular quick cleans and weekly deep cleans, I’m able to easily keep my bathroom sparkling and germ-free. The key is sticking to a schedule, having the right supplies on hand, and getting into all the corners and crevices. With just a little time invested, anyone can have a sanitary bathroom space.