How to Deep Clean a Bathroom

There is no denying it; a dirty bathroom is downright gross, and even worse, it can be harmful to you and your family’s health.

Studies have shown that germs that thrive in the bathroom include gastrointestinal viruses (that can cause stomach ailments), enteric pathogens (that is carried in feces), respiratory organisms (such as staphylococcus aureus), and Dermatophitic fungi (athlete’s foot).

The good news is keeping your bathroom clean is the easiest and most effective way to protect against these germs. Occasionally you should give the bathroom a deep clean. Here are the steps to deep clean a bathroom.

Start at the Ground Level

The fastest way to deep clean a bathroom is to plan ahead, and working from the bottom up can help you make that plan.

The floor is one of the largest surface areas in the bathroom and is one of the dirtiest. This is no surprise when you think about how much actually touches the floor.

When we shed our skin cells and hair, they can accumulate on the floor. Damp towels and bathmats sometimes languish on the floor, and toilet spray can quickly cover the surface. But how do you deep clean a bathroom floor?

A good deep floor cleaning always begins with a sweep to remove any visible dust and debris. Mop the floor with a mixture of ¼ cup vinegar and 1 tablespoon dish soap diluted in a bucket of water.

If you have a tile floor, mix up two parts baking soda with one part water and use a toothbrush to scrub the grout.

Towel dry the floor to ensure no water is left stagnant on the surface.

Deep Cleaning the Toilet

Surprisingly, the toilet is often not the dirtiest surface in the bathroom, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be deep cleaned.

You can deep clean your toilet quickly and naturally by pouring a cup of baking soda into the bowl, letting it sit for a few minutes, scrubbing the inside of the bowl with a brush, and then flush.

Don’t forget about the outside of the toilet. Be sure to wipe down the entire surface with a cleaner. Pay special attention to the bottom of the toilet where it is connected to the floor. Gunk can build up along those edges.

A Sparkly Clean Sink

The bathroom sink and countertop are probably the most-touched surfaces in your bathroom. This is where face washing, hair styling, and teeth brushing happen, so you want it sparkling clean.

Start by flushing the drain with a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda, followed by hot water. For the surface of the faucet, clean with disposable wipes or paper towels and a cleaner specifically designed to kill bacteria.

For the extra-deep clean, use dental floss to pull out any built-up grime from the base of the faucet, where it attaches to the sink.

Cleaning the Bathtub and Shower

The best way to deep clean the bathtub depends on its surface.

For porcelain or fiberglass tubs, a simple mixture of water and vinegar in a spray bottle can clean and disinfect.

If cleaning a fiberglass tub, mix a ratio of two parts water to one part vinegar. For porcelain, the ratio should be one to one. For either surface, a teaspoon of lemon juice can be added for a fresh scent and a cleaning boost.

Spray the tub with the solution, let sit for 20 minutes, and then scrub the surface with a damp sponge or cloth.

For an acrylic tub, coat with a one-to-one mixture of dish soap and baking soda, let sit for 30 minutes and then scrub with a wet sponge.

If necessary, tubs can be sanitized with bleach, but always make sure to take precautions when using bleach. Bleach should not be used on some acrylic tubs but is safe for white porcelain and fiberglass.

To use, mix a half-cup bleach into a gallon of water, and sponge onto the surface of the tub. Wait five minutes and then scrub with the sponge and rinse off with cold water.

Clean Walls and Ceilings to Deep Clean a Bathroom

Mold and mildew can grow on bathroom ceilings and walls because of the damp atmosphere created by showers and steamy baths.

If you see mold growing on the walls or ceiling, buy a store-bought cleaner designed to kill mold and follow the instructions for that cleaner.

Otherwise, lightly wash down the surfaces with a damp cloth using water and dish soap. If you have one, run your bathroom vent whenever the room may get steamy to help cut down on moisture buildup.

Cleaning the Exhaust Fan

A dirty exhaust fan can spread dust and works less efficiently.

To clean the fan, remove the cover by gently pulling it down and squeezing the mounting wires on the sides of the unit to fully remove it from the housing.

Soak the cover in water with a little dish soap and use a vacuum to get rid of the dust on the fan (make sure there is no power to the fan before touching it).

Let Us Help You with Your Deep Cleaning Needs

Deep cleaning a bathroom is just one of the ways to keep your home healthy, safe, and comfortable.

If a deep clean, or even regular cleanings, are difficult to fit into your busy schedule, consider Val’s Cleaning Maids for help. Click here to read all about our trusted company and the services we provide. We use safe, non-toxic products and provide a flexible schedule to work around your busy days.