- Wipe Down Counters
Start by decluttering your bathroom countertops by returning all cosmetics, toiletries, and hair tools to their designated spaces. It is important to clear your vanity of any items to give your countertops a proper cleaning.
The type of cleaning solution may vary depending on the material used on your countertop. Tile can be soaked and scrubbed with a solution of baking soda and water, while marble and granite can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Use a dry cloth to wipe off any remaining water.
- Sanitize the Sink
Use a homemade vinegar-water solution or your favorite surface cleaner to spray your sink, and faucet handles. Allow some minutes for the product to work its way through the grime before cleaning it with a paper towel or a twisted cleaning wipe. It is important to clean the faucet including the knobs, as they are a prime target for sink splatters and errant toothpaste.
- Disinfect the Toilet
It is important to clean the toilet regularly as it is one of the most used fixtures in the bathroom. Start by dusting off the tank and the lid to prevent pushing around grime when disinfecting later. Use a bleach-base foam or spray to sanitize the toilet from the outside before working your way inside the bowl rim. Pop in a few antacids and scrub them with a toilet wand after they dissolve. Alternatively, you can use disposable bowl scrubbers to clean inside the toilet bowl.
- Clean the Drains
Since you run water every morning, it is important to pay close attention to your shower and sink drains. Water that goes down slower than usual means that there is dirt buildup that needs to be flushed out. After removing the stopper, use the end of a wire hanger to unclog the drains. Alternatively, you can use a commercial gel clog remover if the improvisation does not work.
- Scrub the Shower and Tub
Clear the space of any shampoo bottles or soap before cleaning your bathtub or shower. You can create a homemade solution of equal parts of vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle or use an ammonia-based commercial cleaner. Spray the solution from top to bottom starting with your walls, hardware, and bathtub floor. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. You can wash it all off using a bucket of warm water, or wipe each surface dry using a microfiber cloth or a squeegee.
- Polish Mirrors
Polish your mirror using an ammonia-based glass cleaner. Depending on the mirror, you can either wipe from top to bottom using a squeegee or a dry lint-free cloth. This not only makes your mirror streak-free but also gives back its original shine. It is not advisable to use paper towels or clean your mirror in a circular motion as it leaves annoying residue behind.
- Wash Your Shower Curtains
Your shower liners and curtain create a conducive environment for mold growth because of the excess moisture in a bathroom. You can choose to clean them at least once or twice a month and leave them to dry. Make sure to wipe down the curtain rod and rings before taking them back. It is also important to wash your rugs and shower mat as they are magnets for dust, hair or anything left behind on your shoe tracks during last-minute mirror checks.
- Vacuum and Mop the Floor
After every surface is thoroughly clean and your cabinets are well organized, it is time to vacuum and clean your bathroom floor. It is important to save this for the final task since hair, dust, and chemicals from cleaning products often drop on the floor during cleaning. Pick up loose debris with a vacuum before mopping your floors with soapy water.
Keep in mind that not all these tasks can be accomplished at once, as it may be overwhelming. However, you can break them down into daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists to help you know the best time to clean each area of your bathroom space. Keeping up with little cleaning projects makes it easier to work on larger seasonal cleaning projects.