This Is How I Actually Keep My Bathroom Clean Without Trying That Hard
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I used to procrastinate cleaning my bathroom because I didn’t want to deal with a whole exhausting cleaning routine, but once I figured out a way to do it in about 20 to 30 minutes using the same handful of products every time instead of buying a different cleaner for every surface, it stopped being this thing I avoided. I do this about once a week, then spend maybe two minutes every few days wiping the sink and counter so nothing gets out of hand.
Cleaning the Bathroom Doesn’t Have to suck
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Here’s a little checklist of essentials to keep handy:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner (Nontoxic) – I recommend going for vinegar-based options or brands like Branch Basics and Aunt Fannie’s.
2. Baking Soda
3. Microfiber Cloths – I keep a few dedicated to the bathroom so I'm not spreading kitchen grease or dust around.
4. Scrub Brush or Sponge - I use a scrub brush for grout and textured areas because it gets into corners a sponge misses.
5. Toilet Cleaner
6. Glass Cleaner – I’m a big fan of Attitude’s, but you can also whip up a DIY version with vinegar and water.
7. Essential Oils – Tea tree, lavender and/or lemon.
8. Disinfecting Wipes
Step 1: Declutter the Space
I start by tossing out any expired products, empty bottles, etc. If you haven’t touched it in months, it’s not part of your life. Throw it out. The fewer bottles sitting around, the faster everything is to wipe down later.
Take everything off the countertop, shelves, and even the toilet tank.
I like to give a quick wipe-down to any counter accessories that tend to gather dust, too.
Step 2: the Toilet (Someone’s Gotta Do It)
Toilet Bowl Cleaner – I recommend using a vinegar-based cleaner. I usually spray the bowl first and let it sit while I clean the sink or countertop. By the time I come back, most of the work is already done. The acidity in the vinegar will work wonders on mineral buildup and grime.
Scrub the Bowl – Grab your toilet brush and scrub away! Focus on the rim and any areas with stains or buildup.
Clean the Seat and Lid – Using your all-purpose nontoxic cleaner, spray and wipe the seat and lid. Make sure you get all the little nooks and crannies, including the hinges. If you notice any stains or marks, sprinkle some baking soda directly on the surface, then wipe clean.
Disinfect the Handle – Don’t forget the handle! It's one of the most touched places in the bathroom and one of the easiest spots to forget.
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Step 3: Clean the Sink and Faucet
After the toilet (thankfully) is taken care of, it’s time to tackle the sink. Mine usually gets toothpaste splatters around the faucet and hard water spots if I ignore it for more than a few days.
Clear Out the Sink Area – If there are any leftover toiletries or toothpaste splatters, wipe them up first. A clean surface makes it easier to clean the sink itself.
Spray the Sink – Use a nontoxic all-purpose cleaner to spray the sink. Make sure to get around the drain and faucet too!
Tackle the Faucet – For faucet buildup (water stains, soap scum), use a little bit of vinegar on a cloth to wipe it down. You can also use a mixture of baking soda and water to make a paste to scrub away any grime.
Rinse and Dry – Once everything’s wiped clean, give the sink a good rinse with warm water. Dry everything with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
Step 4: Scrub the Shower or Bathtub
The shower and bathtub are notorious for soap scum and mildew buildup, but here’s the good news: you can deep clean your tub or shower using just a few simple non-toxic ingredients. Here’s what I do:
Spray the Entire Surface – I usually spray everything first, then clean something else for five or ten minutes before I start scrubbing.
Scrub the Walls – Use a scrub brush or a sponge to go over the entire surface, scrubbing in circular motions. If there’s heavy soap scum, add a little baking soda to your brush for extra scrubbing power.
Clean the Shower Head – To remove mineral deposits, fill a bag with vinegar and tie it over the showerhead. Let it soak for an hour or two, then wipe away the residue. I only do this every couple of months, not every week.
Rinse Everything – After scrubbing, rinse everything down with warm water. For an extra clean finish, wipe down the surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Clean the Mirrors and Windows
A clean mirror makes such a difference in the overall look of your bathroom. To make them sparkle without streaks:
Spray Your Cleaner – Use a nontoxic glass cleaner, or DIY your own by mixing vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Wipe Away the Grime – Wipe in an “S” motion to avoid streaks. Make sure you get into all the corners and around the edges of the mirror.
Clean the Windows – If you’ve got a window in your bathroom, give it a quick clean too! A microfiber cloth works wonders, and you’ll avoid the dust buildup that tends to gather around window sills.
Step 6: Finish Up With the Floors
A fresh floor can completely change the vibe of a bathroom, so here’s how to do it quickly and effectively:
Sweep First – Start by sweeping or vacuuming up any dust or debris. If your floor is tiled, make sure to sweep between the tiles too.
Mop with Nontoxic Cleaner – Use a nontoxic floor cleaner or a mix of water and a few drops of essential oil (lemon or eucalyptus is my go-to). Mop the floors thoroughly, making sure to focus on areas with stains.
Dry the Floors – If I'm in a hurry, I skip this part. But drying the floor really does make the whole bathroom look cleaner because it prevents water spots.
FAQ’s
1. What are the best natural ingredients to deep clean bathroom grout without harsh chemicals?
Baking soda mixed into a thick paste with a little water is usually enough for light grout cleaning. I save stronger products for stains that won't budge.
2. How can I keep my bathroom smelling fresh naturally between deep cleans?
Forget those chemical air fresheners. A few drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender in a small dish, or using a DIY spray with water and essential oils, can keep the bathroom smelling spa-worthy without exposing you or your family to harmful fragrances, and keeping towels dry, running the exhaust fan, and taking out the trash regularly usually does more for bathroom odors than any air freshener.
3. What’s a quick and safe way to remove hard water stains from bathroom fixtures?
Vinegar is your secret weapon here. Soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around your faucet or showerhead for 30 minutes to an hour. The acidity dissolves mineral deposits gently but effectively, making your fixtures gleam again.
4. How do I clean bathroom mirrors without streaks using non-toxic products?
Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then wipe your mirror with a microfiber cloth using an “S” motion. The trick? Avoid paper towels, they leave lint and streaks, and microfiber cloths are the MVPs for a crystal-clear reflection.
5. Can I deep clean my toilet without using bleach or harsh chemical cleaners?
Absolutely. A vinegar and baking soda combo inside the toilet bowl does wonders. Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes, add baking soda, scrub with your toilet brush, and flush. It kills odors and buildup without the chemical nastiness.
6. How do I save time cleaning the bathroom while still getting a thorough deep clean?
Decluttering first is your step: clearing countertops and shelves means no missed spots and faster cleaning. Also, keep all your nontoxic cleaning supplies in a caddy ready to go so you don’t waste time hunting for tools mid-clean.
Let’s Keep Your Whole Home Feeling Fresh ✨
I swear once one room feels clean, I suddenly want the rest of my house to match. If you're in that mood too, start here:
Turn Your Bedroom Into a Bougie Hotel Suite in 10 Easy Steps
How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom Fast (With a Checklist)
Amazon Bedding To Actually Make the Bedroom Insta-Worthy
I send stuff like this out in real time before it turns into a full post. You can get it here if you want first dibs.
