The Ultimate Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
We've all waited to clean the bathroom until the day guests arrive, or put off scrubbing the toilet until an unwanted ring appears. But deep cleaning doesn't have to be daunting. Staying on top of the smaller projects means the larger seasonal cleaning projects will be that much easier. Our complete checklist is broken into daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists so you'll know how and when to clean for the best., and easiest, results.
Edmund Barr
Daily Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Complete these quick tasks every day to keep the space neat and tidy.
1. Declutter Countertops
With your morning beauty routine complete, it's time to start your day. But first, make sure to return your cosmetics, hair tools, and toiletries to their designated homes. If you don't have a lot of drawer space, look to bathroom storage hacks for help. This tiny decluttering habit will do wonders for both your mood and the appearance of your bathroom.
2. Hang Up Towels
It's easy to drop your wet towel on the floor after showering and promise yourself you'll get to it later. But hanging it up only takes a few seconds and will save you (and your floor) from unwanted mold and mildew—and an extra load of laundry!
Jason Donnelly
Weekly Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Set aside time each week to complete this checklist for spotless surfaces and fixtures.
1. Wipe Down Counters
Make sure your vanity is completely cleared so you can give bathroom countertops a proper cleaning. The best cleaning solutions will vary by surface material. Soak and scrub tile with baking soda and water, but stick to warm, soapy water to clean marble and granite. Wipe off any remaining water with a dry cloth.
2. Disinfect the Toilet
Cleaning the toilet is a weekly must. It's one of the most-used items in your bathroom. First things first: Dust off the lid and tank. Next, use a bleach-based spray or foam to sanitize the toilet. Start with the outside and work your way into the bowl rim. To clean inside the toilet bowl, look to disposable bowl scrubbers with built-in cleaner ($8, Target), or pop in a few antacids and let them dissolve before scrubbing with a toilet wand. You can even clean a toilet using vodka. Add a few caps of bleach to a gallon of warm water and soak your toilet brush for an hour to disinfect it after every use. Be sure to open any windows or turn on the exhaust fan when cleaning with bleach.
3. Sanitize the Sink
Spray your sink, faucet handles, and drain with your favorite surface cleaner or homemade vinegar-water solution, then let it sit a few moments to break down grime. Next, use a twisted cleaning wipe or paper towel to clean between and behind the faucet knobs. You'll be surprised at how much gunk hangs out there. Finish by wiping off the faucet, a prime target for errant toothpaste and sink splatters.
4. Clean the Drains
Pay attention to your sink and shower drains as you run water each morning. The slower the water goes down, the more likely there's hair and buildup that needs to be cleaned out. Remove the sink stopper and try to unclog the drains using the end of a wire hanger. If that doesn't work, consider using a commercial gel clog remover ($7, The Home Depot). However, these products can damage pipes if not used properly, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before you start.
5. Vacuum and Mop the Floor
Finally, clean the bathroom floor. You'll want to save this for the final task, as dust, hair, and chemicals from cleaning products have likely fallen onto the floor. Use a vacuum to pick up loose debris, then mop the floors with soapy water. If you have ceramic tile, vinyl, or linoleum floors, sanitize them with a mix of 1 gallon of warm water and 1/2 cup bleach. And remember to properly ventilate when cleaning with bleach.
Stephan Julliard
Monthly Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Plan to tackle a deep bathroom cleaning about once a month. Follow these steps to maintain your bathroom long term.
1. Polish the Mirrors
Spray an ammonia-base glass cleaner ($3, Walmart) directly on the mirror. Using a dry lint-free cloth, wipe from top to bottom in a circular motion until your mirror is streak-free and back to its original shine. Avoid using paper towels, which can leave residue behind.
2. Scrub the Shower and Tub
Before cleaning your shower or bathtub, clear the space of any soap or shampoo bottles. Use an ammonia-based commercial cleaner, or create your own solution by filling a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and dish soap. Working from top to bottom, spray the solution onto the walls, hardware, and floor of your tub or shower. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Use a bucket of warm water or your showerhead to wash it all off, squeegeeing it or using a microfiber cloth to wipe each surface dry.
3. Wash the Shower Curtain and Liner
The bathroom is a hotbed for mold and mildew, thanks to excess moisture, and your shower curtain and liner are prime breeding grounds. Throw them into the washing machine at least once a month, making sure to read the care tag for instructions. While they're tumbling clean, take the time to wipe down the rod and rings.
4. Wash Bathroom Rugs and Shower Mat
Bath mats and rugs are magnets for hair, dust, and anything you track in on your shoes during those last-minute mirror checks. Most rugs can be thrown into the washing machine, but always check the care tag beforehand. No tag? Use our complete tutorial for cleaning bathroom rugs to help you determine which method to use, based on the material.
David Tsay
Seasonal Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Some bathroom cleaning jobs only need to be completed a few times a year. Work these tasks into your spring and fall cleaning routines to keep the space organized and germ-free throughout the year.
1. Clean Trash Can
Unless you always use a liner, it's a good idea to wash your trash bin every couple of months. Once you've emptied a bin, add a few drops of liquid dish soap, and fill it with warm water. Let it soak as needed, then wipe it dry using an old rag or paper towels.
2. Reseal the Surfaces
Are your bathroom countertops or shower surfaces made of granite or marble? If so, you'll want to keep those natural beauties looking their best by resealing them with a commercial sealer ($22, The Home Depot) every few months. For an easy way to test whether granite needs to be sealed, sprinkle a few drops of water onto it. If the water bubbles up, you can skip sealing for now. If it soaks in, it's time to reseal.
3. Organize the Medicine Cabinet
Although typically behind closed doors, the medicine cabinet needs a little love too. Start by organizing the contents, safely disposing of any medicine or tossing toiletries with expired dates. Use cleaning wipes or soapy water and a microfiber cloth to sanitize the shelves before returning items.
4. Dust the Baseboards
Baseboards seem to catch every fleck of dust in bathrooms. Use a microfiber cloth, or, if your baseboards are wood, a commercial wood cleaner ($3, The Home Depot) will restore the shine.
5. Clean the Exhaust Fan
The exhaust fan may be above eye level, but keep it in mind. It's important to clean at least every six months, if not each season. Neglecting to do so can make the fan less effective, which leads to excess moisture(and mold) building up in your bathroom. To clean a bathroom exhaust fan, turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Unscrew the vent cover from the ceiling. You might want to have a trash bin and protective eyewear at the ready, as dust may fall as you remove the cover. Brush off any dust using a microfiber cloth, then dip the cover in warm, soapy water. Dry it completely before screwing back into the ceiling.
Keep all your bathroom cleaning chores straight with this handy to-do list. To be sure it's easily accessible, try printing it out and attaching it inside a bathroom cabinet door. That way, you (and other family members) will know exactly what needs to be cleaned.
