How to Clean your Bathroom

Declutter, Dust and Sweep

Begin by removing all items from the bathroom, including toiletries, rugs, towels, and decorative pieces. This not only creates a clean, open space to work in but also ensures that no surface is overlooked during the cleaning process.

Once the room is empty, dust all surfaces including shelves, light fixtures, vents, and baseboards using a duster or dry cloth. Follow up by sweeping, vacuuming or mopping the floor to collect any loose dirt, dust, and hair.

Cleaning your Toilet

The toilet is undeniably one of the grimiest spots in the home, but cleaning your toilet doesn’t have to be a dreaded task.

• Start with one of the most important toilet cleaning tips by squirting toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl and under the rim.
• Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to break down stains, grime, and build-up.
• While the cleaner works its magic, wipe down the exterior of the toilet using a disinfectant spray or wipes, including the handle, lid, tank, and base.
• Once the cleaner has had time to do its job, scrub the inside of the bowl thoroughly with a toilet brush, making sure to reach under the rim, then flush to rinse everything away.

Cleaning Your Shower

Keeping your shower clean is important for hygiene and a fresh bathroom. Soap scum, grime, and mineral deposits can build up on tiles, shower curtains, glass, and fixtures, dulling the space and affecting water flow.

Cleaning a Shower Head

The shower head, often overlooked, can also collect mineral deposits, dirt, and bacteria, leading to reduced water pressure and unsanitary conditions. A simple and natural way to clean and descale your shower head is with white vinegar. To do this, follow these steps:

• Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the shower head using a rubber band or twist tie, making sure the nozzles are fully submerged.
• Leave it to soak for a few hours or overnight to break down limescale and grime.
• After soaking, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to scrub the shower head, paying special attention to the nozzles where mineral deposits tend to gather. This extra step helps remove stubborn limescale and dirt, leaving your shower head looking sparkling clean and restoring strong water flow.

Cleaning a Shower Curtain or Screen

Whether you have a shower curtain or a shower screen, both can easily attract bacteria and dirt. Here’s how to keep them clean:

Shower Curtains:

• Wash regularly to keep your bathroom fresh and hygienic.
• Most fabric and plastic shower curtains can go in the washing machine. Just add your usual laundry detergent and include half a cup of baking soda for extra cleaning power.

Glass Shower Screens:

• Wipe the screen with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water (a commercial glass cleaner can also be used). This helps to dissolve soap scum and mineral build-up.
• Spray the solution onto the glass and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
• For tougher stains, gently scrub with baking soda on a damp sponge, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Cleaning Your Bath

Your bathtub can quickly collect soap scum, grime, body oils, and even mildew—especially with regular use. To keep it fresh, hygienic, and sparkling, follow these simple steps:

• Remove any bath products, toys, or accessories from in and around the tub to give yourself full access to all surfaces.
• Use warm water to rinse the bath and loosen surface dirt and soap residue. This makes cleaning more effective.
• Use a bathroom cleaner, a DIY mix of white vinegar and dish soap, or a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply generously, especially on stained or built-up areas.
• Allow the cleaner to sit for 5–10 minutes to break down grime and soap scum.
• Use a non-scratch sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub the entire surface. Focus on corners, textured areas, and around the drain.
• Rinse with warm water to remove all cleaner residue.
• Wipe the bath with a microfibre cloth or towel to prevent water spots and streaks.

Unblocking Bathroom Drains

There are a couple of effective ways to unblock bathroom drains. The classic method uses good old-fashioned boiling water. Simply pour boiling water down the drain and let it work its way through the pipes for a few minutes. If the blockage is minor, the hot water can help break it down and clear the drain. Afterward, test by running water to see if it flows freely.

Alternatively, you can try the natural baking soda and vinegar method:

• Start by pouring boiling water down the drain to remove any loose debris.
• Measure out half a cup of baking soda and pour it directly into the drain, allowing it to sit for a few minutes.
• Mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of hot water and pour this mixture down the drain, covering the baking soda.
• Quickly cover the drain with a plug or cloth to trap the fizzing reaction and create pressure, which helps dislodge the blockage.
• Leave it for 15 to 30 minutes, then remove the cover and flush the drain with boiling water to wash away the dissolved debris.

Cleaning Tile Grout

Bathroom tile grout is especially prone to stains, mould, and mildew because of the constant moisture and soap build-up. Over time, dirty grout can make even the cleanest bathroom look dull and unhygienic. Regular grout cleaning not only improves your bathroom’s appearance but also helps prevent mould and bacteria growth that can affect your health.

While there are many ways to tackle these stains, bleach is often the most effective. Make sure that you wear gloves and old clothes for protection.

Dip an old toothbrush into a small amount of bleach and gently scrub the grout stains. Since bleach can discolour grout if overused, apply it sparingly. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or a commercial grout stain remover if you prefer a gentler option.