How to properly deep clean a bathroom (including cleaning recipes)

Deep cleaning a bathroom is one of the crucial yet often neglected tasks in maintaining a sanitary home environment. This highly frequented area can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew if not cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Unlike a quick surface wipe, deep cleaning involves getting rid of grime from the less obvious corners and crevices, providing a healthier atmosphere for everyone in the household.

You may be wondering whether the effort needed for a deep clean is worth it. A sparkling clean bathroom not only looks and smells good but is essential for reducing the spread of infections and illnesses. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, covering each main item in your bathroom and providing you with specific cleaning recipes and amounts.

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Baking soda
Castile soap
White vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide
Dish soap
Lemon juice
Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Microfiber cloths
Scrub brushes
Toothbrush (for hard-to-reach areas)
Spray bottles
Rubber gloves

Remove Items: Clear the sink and countertop of any personal items.

Apply Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the sink basin.

Scrub: Add a few drops of castile soap to a damp scrub brush or sponge, and scrub the sink. Pay special attention to the faucet and drain areas.

Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Wipe Down: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Spray and Wipe: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the countertop and wipe down with a microfiber cloth.

Baking Soda and Vinegar: Sprinkle baking soda around the inside of the toilet bowl. Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into the bowl.

Scrub: Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, making sure to get under the rim.

Let Sit: Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes.

Flush: Flush the toilet to rinse.

Spray and Wipe: Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the exterior of the toilet and wipe down with a microfiber cloth.

Detail Clean: Use a toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution to clean around hinges and other hard-to-reach areas.

Baking Soda and Castile Soap: Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the tub or shower. Add a few drops of castile soap to a damp scrub brush or sponge.

Scrub: Scrub the surfaces thoroughly, paying special attention to grout lines and corners.

Rinse: Rinse with warm water.

Vinegar Soak: Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band.

Soak: Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.

Rinse: Remove the bag and run the shower to rinse.

Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.

Spray and Wipe: Spray the solution onto the mirror and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Vinegar and Dish Soap: Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.

Spray and Scrub: Spray the solution onto the glass doors and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge.

Rinse and Dry: Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Vacuum or Sweep: Remove any loose dirt and debris from the floor.

Mop Solution: Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.

Mop: Use a mop or microfiber cloth to clean the floors, making sure to wring out excess water to avoid leaving puddles.

Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with baking soda and water.

Apply and Scrub: Apply the paste to the grout lines and scrub with a toothbrush.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Spray hydrogen peroxide over the paste and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.

Rinse: Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Essential Oils: Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender to your cleaning solutions for a pleasant fragrance and additional antibacterial properties.

Ventilation: Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated during cleaning to help dry surfaces and prevent mold growth.

Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean high-touch areas such as light switches, door handles, and towel racks to maintain a clean environment.