Your bathroom should feel like a livable oasis — not a germ zone. That’s why you should make a habit of cleaning your bathroom once a week. Scrubbing your bathroom will prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew from growing in the space. Here’s how to deep clean and sort the supplies in your bathroom.
Sweep the Surfaces
Before you start cleaning, clear all the surfaces in your bathroom. Remove any empty containers and trash from your counter. Pick up any dirty towels or laundry on the floor. Check the shower and drawers for any products you don’t use, and then toss them in the trash.
Sanitize the Shower
The first step in cleaning your shower is to remove everything inside. Rinse the tub and walls with hot water. Scrub off any mold or mildew with a store-bought or homemade cleaner. To make your own cleaner, combine 12 ounces of white vinegar and 10 ounces of dish soap. Put on rubber gloves before scrubbing the shower. Use a rough sponge or old wash cloth to remove the mold and mildew. Try using an old toothbrush to clean between the tiles.
Get rid of hard water spots by combining white vinegar and hot water in a bucket. Scrub the water spots with a sponge. You can also use a store-bought cleaner specifically made for getting rid of hard water spots. Clean your shower door or curtain with white vinegar. Clear the shower drain by pouring ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain, being careful not to splash your skin. After at least 20 minutes pour hot water down the drain.
The best way to keep your shower clean all week is to use a daily shower spray. Make your own spray by ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, 1 tablespoon of dishwasher rinse aid, and 3 cups of water. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and mist in the shower every day.
Freshen the Floors
Use a store-bought or homemade tile cleaner to clean the floor. To make your own cleaner, combine ¼ cup of white vinegar, one tablespoon of dish soap, and two gallons of water. After scrubbing the floor, dry it with an old towel.
Clean the Counters, Sink & Mirror
Fill your sink with warm water, bleach, and dish soap. Use a sponge to sanitize the counters and sink. (If you have granite counters, use a store-bought cleaner.) Clean the space between the counter and mirror with an old toothbrush and the soapy bleach water. Use Windex or white vinegar and water to clean the mirror.
Scrub the Commode
To prevent spreading germs, clean the toilet last and make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves. Fill the bowl with baking soda or bleach, and then flush after a few minutes. Use a clean toilet brush to scrub any stains that remain, and then flush the toilet. If you have any spots around the rim of the toilet, use a cleaner specifically made for the toilet bowl. Clean the rest of the toilet with the soapy bleach water or an all-purpose bathroom cleaner.
Organize It All
Now that your bathroom is deep cleaned, it’s time to organize. Throw away any products you don’t use, as well as any expired products. Group all your common toiletries, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss, in one area. If you’re sharing a bathroom with your spouse, keep your toiletries and products separate.
Put the makeup you use everyday in one space. You may want to keep it on a tray on your counter or in your top drawer. If you store your makeup in a drawer, use a drawer organizer to separate your products. Keep your makeup brushes upright to keep them clean and accessible.
Put all your moisturizers, medicines, deodorant, shaving supplies, and any other products you use every day in the top drawer. Store the products you don’t use every day in a container under the sink or in the bottom drawer. Keep your bathroom cleaning supplies under the sink — this will make it easy to clean each week.
Untangle your hair straightener, curling iron, blow dryer, and other tools. Remove any hair left in your brushes or combs. Put all of your hair tools and brushes in a drawer or tote. Keeping your tools and brushes off your counter will make it easier to get ready in the morning.