How to Deep Clean a Bathroom in One Hour

A deep-cleaned bathroom feels amazing, but the job can seem endless if you jump around. The trick is to apply cleaners first and let them work while you do other tasks. Follow this order and you can finish a standard bathroom in about an hour.

What You'll Need

An all-purpose bathroom cleaner (or the vinegar and dish soap spray)
A toilet bowl cleaner and toilet brush
Baking soda
Glass cleaner
Microfiber cloths (use separate colors for the toilet and the rest)
A grout brush or old toothbrush
A non-scratch sponge
A vacuum or broom, and a mop
Rubber gloves

Minutes 0–5: Clear and Prep

Open a window and turn on the fan.
Remove everything from the counters, shower and tub edges.
Take out the trash, bath mats and towels. Put the mats and towels in the wash.

Minutes 5–10: Dust and Apply Cleaners

Dust the light fixtures, the top of the mirror, the exhaust fan cover and the top of the toilet tank.
Spray the shower walls, tub and shower door with cleaner.
Squeeze toilet bowl cleaner under the rim and let it sit.
Spray the sink and counter.

Letting cleaners sit for 5–10 minutes means much less scrubbing later.

Minutes 10–25: Shower and Tub

Scrub the walls from top to bottom with a non-scratch sponge.
Use a grout brush on the grout lines and caulk.
Scrub the tub with a baking soda paste if there's soap scum.
Clean faucets and the showerhead. If the showerhead is clogged with mineral deposits, tie a plastic bag filled with vinegar around it while you clean the rest of the bathroom.
Rinse everything with warm water.

Minutes 25–35: Toilet

Scrub inside the bowl with the toilet brush, including under the rim.
Spray and wipe the outside of the toilet from the top down: tank, handle, lid, seat (both sides), rim, base and the floor around it.
Use a separate cloth for the toilet only.

Minutes 35–45: Sink, Counter and Mirror

Scrub the sink and faucet. Use a toothbrush around the faucet base and drain.
Wipe the counter and cabinet fronts.
Clean the mirror with glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth, wiping in an "S" pattern.

Minutes 45–50: Remove the Showerhead Bag

Remove the vinegar bag, run the water for a minute, and wipe the showerhead clean.

Minutes 50–60: Floor

Vacuum or sweep, paying attention to corners and behind the toilet.
Mop the floor, working from the far corner toward the door.
Put back clean towels and bath mats once the floor is dry.

Safety Note

Never mix bleach-based cleaners with vinegar, ammonia or other products. If you use different cleaners, rinse surfaces between them, and keep the room ventilated.

Keep It Clean Between Deep Cleans

Squeegee the shower after every use.
Wipe the sink and counter daily.
Do a quick toilet clean twice a week.
Wash towels and bath mats weekly.

FAQ

How often should I deep clean my bathroom? Once a month for most homes, and every two weeks for a busy family bathroom.

What's the best natural bathroom cleaner? A mix of warm vinegar and dish soap works well for soap scum and hard water. For disinfecting, use an EPA-registered disinfectant.

How do I clean a very dirty showerhead? Soak it in vinegar for an hour or overnight, then scrub the nozzles with a toothbrush.