Category: Bathroom cleaning

Bathroom cleaning Bathroom fixtures

By Trina Kosumi September 20, 2023

How to Clean Your Showerhead: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to clean a showerhead

Looking to improve your shower’s water pressure and get rid of nasty mineral buildup? You’ve landed in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to clean a showerhead using simple household items. Read on to learn the step-by-step process that will have your showerhead working like new again in no time. You should incorporate the shower head cleaning into your regular bathroom cleaning chore.

A rejuvenating shower after a long day—a cascade of warm water that washes away your cares. But what if that revitalizing flow gets hindered by mineral buildup and grime? A clean showerhead isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s the key to an invigorating and luxurious shower experience.

Why Clean Your Showerhead Regularly

It’s time to lift the veil on the silent enemy lurking within your shower head—mineral buildup and grime. Understanding the “why” behind regular shower head cleaning is essential to grasp the importance of this simple yet transformative task

Battle Against Mineral Buildup: Your showerhead is a magnet for minerals found in your water supply. Over time, these minerals accumulate, forming unsightly deposits that clog the tiny holes responsible for water distribution. As these deposits amass, water flow becomes restricted, turning your once-revitalizing shower into a lackluster drizzle.

Water Pressure Woes: Ever felt the frustration of weak water pressure during your showers? Blame it on the buildup. When minerals cling to the inner workings of your showerhead, they constrict the pathways that water travels through. The result? Reduced water pressure that’s anything but invigorating.

Quality Matters: Beyond water pressure, the quality of the water itself can be compromised by a dirty shower head. Mineral-laden water may carry an unpleasant taste or odor, affecting not only your shower but potentially the water you use for other purposes.

Bacteria Breeding Ground: Neglected showerheads can harbor more than just mineral buildup. Warm, damp environments provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteri The last thing you want is to inadvertently introduce potentially harmful microorganisms into your daily cleansing ritual.

Elevating Your Shower Experience: Imagine stepping into a shower where the water flows freely, massaging your skin with the perfect balance of pressure. A clean showerhead paves the way for an elevated shower routine that indulges your senses and leaves you feeling rejuvenated.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Before embarking on your journey to a cleaner showerhead, it’s crucial to gather the essential tools and supplies that will make the process seamless and effective. Here’s your checklist of must-have items:

White Vinegar: A natural wonder, white vinegar is the unsung hero of this cleaning endeavor. Its mild acidity helps dissolve mineral deposits and grime, restoring your showerhead’s brilliance.

Plastic Bag (Sandwich or Grocery Bag): This humble bag plays a vital role in the soaking process, allowing the vinegar to work its magic on your showerhead. It’s a simple yet effective solution for a sparkling finish.

Brush (Old Toothbrush or Soft-Bristled Brush): Your trusty brush is your weapon against stubborn buildup. Its bristles will reach every nook and cranny, ensuring a thorough cleaning.

Towel: A reliable towel is your cleanup companion. It’s ready to catch any drips and keep your workspace tidy throughout the process.

Adjustable Wrench or Pliers: If your shower head needs to be removed for cleaning, an adjustable wrench or pliers will come to the rescue. They’ll help you loosen the showerhead for a thorough cleanse.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Showerhead

Preparation and Removal

Turning off Water Supply and Relieving Pressure: Begin by turning off the water supply to your shower. This step is crucial to ensure a safe and mess-free cleaning process. With the water supply off, turn on the shower to release any remaining pressure in the system.

Using Wrench or Pliers to Unscrew Shower Head Counterclockwise: If your shower head is removable, it’s time to loosen it. Grab an adjustable wrench or pliers and carefully turn the showerhead counterclockwise to detach it from the shower arm. Take your time to avoid any damage or undue force.

Placing Showerhead in Plastic Bag for Soaking: Once the shower head is removed, place it inside a plastic bag. Make sure the bag is securely fastened, ensuring that the showerhead is fully submerged in the upcoming vinegar soak. This step sets the stage for a thorough cleaning that tackles mineral buildup and grime.

Soaking the Showerhead

Filling Plastic Bag with White Vinegar: Now it’s time to introduce our cleaning superhero: white vinegar. Fill the plastic bag about one-third full with plain white vinegar. The mild acidity of vinegar is a natural and effective solution for breaking down mineral deposits.

Submerging Shower Head in Vinegar for 30 Minutes to Overnight: Gently lower the plastic bag with the showerhead into the vinegar, ensuring the entire shower head is immersed. Seal the bag securely, allowing the magic to unfold. Let the showerhead soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for a more thorough cleanse, leave it overnight.

Scrubbing the Shower Head

Removing Showerhead from Vinegar Soak: Carefully remove the showerhead from the vinegar soak, taking care not to spill any remaining liquid.

Dipping Brush in Vinegar and Scrubbing Entire Surface, Holes, and Crevices: Dip your chosen brush (an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush) into the remaining vinegar. With diligence, scrub the entire surface of the showerhead, paying special attention to the holes and crevices where buildup tends to hide. The vinegar-soaked brush will help dislodge even the most stubborn residue.

Rinsing Well with Warm Water to Remove Vinegar Residue: Thoroughly rinse the showerhead with warm water. Ensure that all traces of vinegar are washed away, leaving behind a clean and residue-free surface.

Reinstallation

Hand-Tightening Showerhead Clockwise onto Shower Arm: With your showerhead now gleaming, it’s time to reattach it. Hold the showerhead against the shower arm and turn it clockwise to hand-tighten. Avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.

Turning Water Supply Back On and Testing Water Flow: The moment of truth has arrived. Turn the water supply back on and test the water flow. Revel in the sensation of a rejuvenated showerhead delivering a revitalizing cascade of water.

How to maintain a clean shower head

Scheduling Regular Cleaning Intervals: Keep your showerhead in pristine condition by establishing a regular cleaning routine. Set a schedule that works for you, ensuring that mineral buildup and grime are kept at bay.

Preventing Mineral Buildup Through Preventive Measures: Consider using a water softener or installing a showerhead filter to reduce mineral buildup. These preventive measures can prolong the time between cleaning sessions.

Tips for Different Types of Showerheads

While the basic cleaning steps remain consistent, different types of showerheads may require a slightly adjusted approach to ensure optimal results. Here, we provide tailored cleaning tips for various types of showerheads, ensuring that you can adapt the process based on the specific design.

Rainfall Showerheads

Adjusting Soaking Time: Rainfall showerheads often have a larger surface area, which means more space for mineral buildup. Extend the soaking time to ensure the vinegar penetrates every corner and crevice effectively.

Using a Soft Cloth: After soaking and rinsing, gently wipe the showerhead with a soft cloth to enhance its shine and remove any remaining residue.

Handheld Showerheads

Disassembling for Thorough Cleaning: If your handheld showerhead has removable parts, consider disassembling it before cleaning. This allows you to clean each component individually and achieve a more thorough result.

Cleaning the Hose: Don’t forget about the hose! Fill a basin with vinegar and submerge the hose to dissolve any mineral buildup. Rinse thoroughly before reassembling.

Fixed Showerheads

Elevating for Soaking: For fixed showerheads, it might be challenging to fully submerge them in a bag of vinegar. Instead, pour vinegar into a plastic bag and secure it over the showerhead using a rubber band or string. This ensures effective soaking.

Careful Brushing: Fixed showerheads may have intricate designs or delicate finishes. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle strokes to avoid damaging the surface.

Massaging Showerheads

Addressing Nozzles: Massaging showerheads often have adjustable nozzles for different water pressure options. Pay special attention to these nozzles, as mineral buildup can affect their performance. Use a small brush to clean each nozzle individually.

Massaging Mechanism: If your showerhead has a massaging function, ensure that the mechanism is also cleaned. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for disassembly and cleaning.

Low-Flow Showerheads

Preserving Water-Saving Features: Low-flow showerheads are designed to conserve water, making their cleaning crucial for maintaining efficiency. Ensure that no mineral deposits block the water-saving mechanisms.

Gentle Cleaning: Opt for a gentle touch when cleaning low-flow showerheads. Avoid using abrasive materials that could potentially damage the internal components.

DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions

When it comes to achieving a sparkling clean showerhead, nature has provided us with some incredible allies in the form of common household items. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients, you can effectively remove mineral buildup and grime while avoiding harsh chemicals. Here, we share alternative cleaning solutions using items like baking soda and lemon juice, along with a step-by-step guide for creating and using these natural cleaning agents.

Baking Soda Paste

Creating the Paste: In a small bowl, mix equal parts of baking soda and water to create a thick paste. Baking soda’s gentle abrasiveness helps break down stubborn deposits.

Applying the Paste: Gently apply the baking soda paste onto the surface of the showerhead. Use a soft cloth or brush to rub the paste into the metal, paying attention to the areas with visible buildup.

Letting it Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the showerhead for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the baking soda ample time to loosen mineral deposits.

Scrubbing and Rinsing: Use a brush or cloth to scrub the showerhead, focusing on the nooks and crannies. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove the baking soda residue.

Lemon Juice Soak

Squeezing Fresh Lemon Juice: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl. Lemon juice’s natural acidity helps dissolve mineral buildup.

Submerging the Showerhead: Pour the lemon juice into a plastic bag and carefully place the showerhead inside. Seal the bag securely, ensuring the showerhead is fully submerged.

Allowing Soaking Time: Let the showerhead soak in the lemon juice for about 30 minutes. The acidity of the lemon will work its magic, breaking down the deposits.

Rinsing and Wiping: Remove the showerhead from the bag and give it a gentle scrub with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove lemon juice residue.

Troubleshooting Common Showerhead Issues

A relaxing and invigorating shower experience can sometimes be hindered by common showerhead issues that arise over time. Fear not! We’re here to help you identify, address, and overcome these challenges, ensuring that your showerhead continues to deliver its best performance. Let’s delve into troubleshooting some of the most common showerhead issues and provide you with practical solutions and maintenance tips to maintain optimal functionality.

Low Water Pressure

Check for Mineral Buildup: Low water pressure is often caused by mineral deposits clogging the showerhead’s nozzles. Follow our earlier cleaning guide to remove any buildup and restore water flow.

Examine the Flow Regulator: Some showerheads have a flow regulator that restricts water flow to conserve water. Check if your showerhead has a flow regulator and adjust or remove it if needed.

Inspect Water Supply: Ensure that your home’s water supply is not the root cause of low water pressure. Contact a professional if you suspect issues with your plumbing.

Clogged Nozzles

Deep Cleaning: If you notice uneven water flow or sporadic spray patterns, it might indicate clogged nozzles. Use a pin or a paperclip to gently unclog the nozzles.

Regular Maintenance: Prevent clogs by incorporating regular cleaning into your showerhead maintenance routine. This helps maintain a consistent water flow.

Leaks

Tighten Connections: A leaking showerhead can be caused by loose connections. Ensure that all fittings are tightly secured.

Inspect Washers and O-Rings: Damaged washers or O-rings can contribute to leaks. Replace any worn-out components to prevent further leakage.

Apply Thread Seal Tape: Wrapping thread seal tape around the shower arm’s threads can create a tighter seal and help prevent leaks.

Uneven Spray Patterns

Clean Nozzles: Uneven spray patterns can result from clogged or partially blocked nozzles. Regular cleaning helps maintain a consistent spray.

Adjustment Settings: If your showerhead has adjustable settings, make sure it is correctly set to achieve your desired spray pattern.

Rust or Discoloration

Clean and Polish: Remove rust or discoloration by gently scrubbing the affected areas with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution.

Consider a Replacement: If the rust is extensive and cleaning doesn’t improve the appearance, it might be time to consider replacing your showerhead.

Conclusion

Cleaning and maintaining your shower head doesn’t have to be a difficult or expensive process. With just a few cheap household items and a little bit of elbow grease, you can remove built-up gunk and restore full water pressure. We hope this guide gave you the knowledge needed to get your showerhead sparkling.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at TK Cleaning Services if you need a deeper clean – our experts can make your bathroom shine! Give us a call today to learn more about our premier cleaning services.

Bathroom cleaning Cleaning tips Room cleaning

By Trina Kosumi November 8, 2022

Bathroom cleaning tips

Bathroom cleaning tips: Introduction

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, so it’s no surprise that it can get pretty dirty, pretty quickly. And while bathroom deep cleaning may not be the most fun task on your to-do list, it’s absolutely essential for your good health and peaceful state of mind.

Follow these tips and you won’t have to add bathroom cleaning to your standard house cleaning chores.

Bathroom cleaning tips

Pre-spray dirty surface

Does your bathroom have built-up grime? Spray it with your bathroom cleaner 15-30 minutes before you intend to deep clean it. This extra time will allow your cleaner to get to work loosening up all that dirt and grime, making your job a whole lot easier. Toilet, showers, bathtub or any place are perfect candidates for this tip.

Dust every day

Dust every day and vacuum every other day. You won’t have to deep clean so often.

Clean bathroom fan

Bathroom fans and vents are out of sight and many people forget it gets dirty too. Dust it often and remove the lid and clean it separately if possible.

Shower head cleaning

Make a half water half distilled vinegar cleaner. Pour it into a plastic bag and fasten it over your shower head with an elastic band. Make sure the holes are immersed in the liquid. Run the hot shower after an hour and use a needle to de-clog any spray holes that are still blocked.

Revive your radiators right away

Dust and vacuum your radiators before you start cleaning them with water. Dust and water combination will create a hard to clean consistency.

Organize bottles, shampoos, other small items and cleaning supplies

If you have a large collection of tubes, tubs and bottles stored in your bathroom, take some time to organize them. This will prevent the clutter and make your bathroom cleaning easy.

Clean the ceiling

Fill a mop bucket with equal parts water and white vinegar. Put on some protective eyewear and mop the ceiling.

You don’t get anything clean without getting something else dirty.
Cecil Baxter

Clean small things right away with water and a microfiber cloth

Keep a microfibre cloth handy in the bathroom to wipe up small spills and splashes as they happen. This will prevent them from turning into larger, hard to remove stains down the line.

Spread your shower curtains to dry out

Always leave your shower curtain spread out after the shower to allow the condensed water to dry. This will help get rid of mold and stop mildew from taking hold.

Have handheld vacuum ready for bathroom cleaning

Keep handheld vacuum in the bathroom. Always clean up any mess right away. Keep your space tidy, to avoid deep bathroom cleaning.

Ventilate humidity

Open a window or turn on the extractor fan during and after showering to avoid condensation and mold.

Use bleach with cold water

Don’t combine bleach with warm water as the heat will make it less effective. Instead, use cold water when cleaning with bleach.

Clean drains naturally

Make your own solution from 3/4 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Pour it in the drain and plug it right away. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow for a chemical reaction that breaks down the build up. Follow by pouring a boiling pot of water to rinse the debris. This will help with an odour too.

Keep limescale at bay

Remove limescale on taps by soaking a paper towel cloth in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Wrap and leave the damp cloth on the taps for a few hours. Rinse well with warm water and dry to avoid splash marks.

Where not to use vinegar

Keep vinegar well away from gold taps and marble surrounds!

Dryer sheet and soap scum

Add a few drops of water to a dryer sheet and gently rub the soap scum area. Rinse the residue off. Use the dryer sheet to restore their shine too.

Lemon and water spots

Rub the lemon over your stained chrome fixtures to clean water stains instantly. Citrus will also mask any bad smells.

Mirror and black tea

Restore your mirror’s shine with black tea. Combine a cup of boiling water with a few bags of black tea, let it cool, and clean your cloudy mirror with this solution. The tannic acid in the tea will dissolve any dirt, leaving you with a spotless bathroom surfaces.

Bathtub and hot water

Let hot water to help you clean your bathtub. Fill your bathtub with hot water and let it sit for 15 – 30 minutes to loosen any dirt or grime. Drain the tub and scrub with your usual cleaner.

Squeegee your bathroom window and glass shower doors and shower walls

Use squeegee after each shower or when your bathroom gets humid to get rid of excess water from the shower doors.

Use the dishwasher for your small items

Don’t overcomplicate things. Use your dishwasher for everything that can fit in like a toothbrush or soap holder.

Clean grout with baking soda and bleach

To clean the grout in between the tiles, combine 3/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of bleach to create a paste. Apply it to the grout, let sit for 30 minutes and scrub away with a brush or cloth. Rinse with water afterwards and let dry.

Use cotton balls to clean stained corners

Dip cotton balls into your cleaner, put them directly on the stain and let it work overnight.

Soap scum and grapefruit

Clean soap scum with grapefruit. Cut your grapefruit in half and pour a layer of salt on the cut part. Rub the grapefruit on the soapy area. The citric acid will work on the soap and slowly remove it.

Baking soda and mold

Combine a tablespoon of baking soda and some water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mold. Scrub the surface with a non abrasive sponge. Rinse with water and spray the solution again on the clean surface to prevent future mold.

I make no secret of the fact that I would rather lie on a sofa than sweep beneath it.
Shirley Conran

Remove mold with bleach

Baking soda didn’t do the trick? Combine 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 cup water. Dip an old toothbrush into the solution and scrub away the mold.

Baking soda and lemon juice for brass

Clean brass like this. Make a paste of soda and lemon juice. Use it to clean any brass fixtures by scrubbing it lightly. Leave for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.

Reduce odors with rice

Keep a jar of rice and essential oils in the bathroom to reduce odors. Rice is an all-natural odor absorber. Mix it with 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil to create a deodorizer. Shake the mixture up inside a mason jar, then cover it in a breathable fabric to soak up smells in your bathroom.

Close the lid when flushing the toilet

Always close the lid before flushing the toilet. Water flowing down can easily splash outside of the bowl even onto your counters and toothbrush. Always flush your toilet with the lid closed.

Sit while peeing

If you pee while sitting, none of the urine and toilet water will splash outside of the bowl as opposed to standing.

Remove the toilet seat when cleaning the toilet bowl

Unscrew and remove the toilet seat next time you’re giving your toilet a deep clean. You’ll be able to get those hard-to-get spots full of bacteria and grime.

Clean toilet brush

After each use, rinse the toilet brush in the toilet bowl with disinfectant. Finally, put some bleach or white vinegar into the brush holder to keep the toilet brush fresh for next time.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our blog post on bathroom cleaning tips. We hope that you have found this information helpful and will be able to put it into practice in your own home.

If you have any questions or need help with the house cleaning process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Bathroom cleaning Room cleaning

By Trina Kosumi November 8, 2022

How to deep clean a bathroom: A complete guide

How to deep clean your bathroom

What is your least favourite place to clean in your home? Bathroom, right? Showers, bathtubs, toilets and all other surfaces are exposed to humidity daily. Combined with sweat and dirt brought from outside, this environment is an excellent breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria, fungi, odours and diseases.

The room that cleans you is rarely the cleanest room in the house. Don’t worry. Keep reading our blog to find out how to deep clean your bathroom. I’ll tell you everything about how often to deep clean your bathroom, what tools and cleaners to use and what is a perfect deep cleaning process to make this chore effective and efficient.

Turn on that positive attitude and transform your bathroom in no time.

Are you looking for general house cleaning information? Read our main house cleaning services page.

Why is it important to deep clean your bathroom?

De-germ

You’re not cleaning your bathroom just to look good. You’re cleaning it to protect yourself and your family from infections and diseases.

The average bathroom floor has 764 bacteria per square inch. The bathroom counter is not much better, housing nearly 452 bacteria per square inch. Even the light switch has around 217 per square inch.

The range of bacteria includes some that can be harmful to humans, including antibiotic-resistant gram-negative rods as well as gram-positive cocci, which can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and septicemia.

De-stress

In addition to keeping germs away, a clean bathroom can also help you to destress. Your bathroom should be a place where you can relax and unwind. But if your bathroom is cluttered and dirty, it can be a source of stress instead of relaxation.

What are the dirtiest places in most bathrooms?

Sometimes the dirtiest places are those that we neglect to clean during our routines or high-traffic areas. These spots need more attention than others! Let’s give them special attention.

Door handles. Bathroom door handles are one of the grimiest spots in the entire room. It’s hardly surprising given that most people use the bathroom multiple times a day touching the door handles with hands that have been who knows where.
The floor. The main culprit is toilet flushing. Unless you close the toilet seat lid, droplets with germs fly out in every direction landing on the floor but also on your toothbrush or anything that is around and uncovered. Much of the dirt is brought from the outside too.
Bathmat. Does it get humid in your bathroom? You can count that bacteria are building gigantic societies there. leave your maths unwashed and it can easily develop mould or fungi.
Shower head. Out of sight, out of mind. People usually forget to clean the showerhead which can accumulate plenty of limescale and soap scum.
The toilet. You think it’s the inside. But that gets cleaned with every flush. It is actually the toilet handle and the outside of the bowl that get the shower from the toilet flushing.

How often should you deep clean your bathroom?

You should be deep cleaning your bathroom once a week to two weeks.

If you take effective preventive steps like wiping down your shower, sweeping the floor, disinfecting faucets, and closing the toilet seat lid, you would be able to stretch the deep cleaning schedule for a few more days.

Set immediate, daily and weekly cleaning tasks to prevent dirt, grime and bacteria buildup and you won’t have to deep clean as often and as hard.

The best way to clean a bathroom is by keeping it tidy between cleanings.

Keep a hand-held vacuum in the bathroom for daily pickup of hair and other debris on the floor.
Install a hair-catcher in your drain to avoid buildup. When water doesn’t drain as it should, it leaves behind an ugly ring around the shower or bathtub.
Squeegee shower walls after use to keep water marks at bay.
Keep smaller items in bins and baskets to avoid clutter creep.

What's the cleaning direction?

As with any house cleaning, clean your bathroom from top to bottom. Sounds logical right? Clean things at the top first. The dirty bottom can handle dirt and grime falling down. Don’t sabotage your own efforts by cleaning the bottom twice.

Bathroom deep cleaning process: Pre clean

Decluter, clean and organize your bathroom items

What items? Everything that you can move around. Clear cabinets and remove all the products from the bathtub, shower, countertops and other surfaces.

Wash them like you would wash dishes. To make it easy, put them in a dishwasher. If that s not an option or there is a build-up of grime, soak it in vinegar and sanitizer for a few minutes and then scrub clean.

Rinse well and dry everything with a clean, dry microfiber towel with anti-bacterial spray to remove all remaining particles, spots and debris. Organize your items in stoarge containers.

PRO TIP

Organizing is more for bedrooms and living spaces. But bathrooms can handle some good decluttering too. Remove things that you haven’t used in a while. Keep everything else in containers so it’s easy to move around. Don’t leave things on the counters. Use cabinets so you can do your daily cleaning chores faster and easier.

Laundry

Before you start to clean, throw all the towels, maths and rugs into your laundry. They will be clean and ready by the time you’re done.

Bathroom fan cleaning

Dust the fan to remove the dust buildup. If you can, remove the lid and vacuum the excess dust attached to the blades and fan engine. Clean the lid separately by soaking it in hot water and cleaning solution. Rinse it well and let it dry before putting it back on.

Wipe down the outside of the fan with a damp cloth and let it dry. Be careful not to wet any internal parts.

Trash can cleaning

Taking out the trash goes without saying. But what about the leaks at the bottom of the trash can? Failure to clean the inside of trash can lead to a build-up of germs and bacteria, which can cause sickness.

Spray the inside and outside of the can with disinfectant cleaner and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Scrub and clean the inside of the can well. Wipe down the outside with a nylon scrubber dipped in hot water and cleaner. Finally, dry the can thoroughly or allow it to air dry before putting it in a clean liner.

Dust first

Dry clean first, wet clean second. Run all the covers with a duster or a dry microfibre rag. Don’t forget about the toilet, baseboards, bathroom walls up top, light fixtures, bathtub edges, vents.

Vacuum second

The floor is now full of dirt, fallen dust, hair and other debris. Vacuuming before you start scrubbing is an important step in the cleaning process, as it provides you with a clean surface to work on. The hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner is the best tool for the job.

Start by vacuuming the entire floor, including corners, behind and around the toilet, and under your vanity. Vacuum your shower floor and your bathroom countertops as well. When you’re done, give the head of the vacuum attachment a quick wipe down, and set the vacuum aside.

Ventilation

Turn on the bathroom fan or open a window. Many cleaning supplies have an unpleasant odour. Let it out and let the fresh air in.

I hate housework. You make the beds, you wash the dishes and six months later you have to start all over again.
Joan Rivers

Bathroom deep cleaning process: Shower and bathtub cleaning

Turn on the hot water

Turn on the hot water in the tub or shower and let it run. The built-up humidity and steam will loosen any dirt or soap scum that’s accumulated on surfaces.

Descale the shower head

Pour an ample amount of vinegar into a plastic grocery bag (enough to fully submerge the nozzle) and tie it over shower head for overnight soaking. In the morning, remove the bag and run the water to rinse. You may need to do this a few times to get rid of all the build-up, but eventually, your showerhead will be sparkling clean.

Read our “How to clean a shower head” blog post for more information.

Unclog the shower drain

Cleaning drains should be one of your priorities because it can affect your whole bathroom. If the water is not draining properly, it will leave behind soap scum, dirt and grime. Not to mention the bad smell it can cause. Research also shows that sink drains contain the most bacteria in the bathroom.

Remove any visible debris from the drain to prevent any blockage. Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then flush the drain with hot water. Repeat this process if necessary.

PRO TIP

The easiest way to deal with your shower curtains is to just wash them with the rest of your laundry.

Clean the shower

Apply the cleaner on the shower surface and soak it for about 10 – 15 minutes. Scrubb it off with a sponge and rinse well with hot water. Use a squeegee to remove excess water. Dry and wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth. Open your windows or turn on a fan let fumes out and fresh dry air in.

Clean the bathrub

Bath is easy. Fill it with hot water and let the hot steam loosen the dirt and grime. Drain the water after 20 minutes and start scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or brush and your choice of cleaner. If you scrub your tub weekly, you don’t need to deep clean it as often.

PRO TIP

Keep the humidity low in your bathroom to not allow the bacteria to grow. Keep your windows open, run your fan often and wipe water residue from the surface when taking a shower or using the water.

Clean the shower doors

Combine vinegar with baking soda to create a paste for cleaning shower doors. Apply it to the door and let it sit for an hour. Then, rub with a microfiber cloth to remove any residue. Finally, rinse the door with water and buff it dry with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. This simple cleaner will leave your shower doors looking streak-free and sparkling clean.

Bathroom deep cleaning process: The sink cleaning

Clean faucets and fixtures

Clean faucets and fixtures in a similar way to the shower and sink. Use appropriate cleaners not to damage it. Spray the water fixtures (including the sink taps) throughout your bathroom with a surface cleaner and wipe them down with a soft cloth.

Rinse with clean water. Shine your faucets with glass cleaner and a glass-cleaning rag.

Clean sink

Not only is your bathroom sink one of the first places to show gunk and grime but it also harbours tons of germs.

Start by wiping down the entire sink with a damp cloth. Apply your cleaner. Scrub all the soap scum and toothpaste off, rinsing your sponge thoroughly as you go along.

Spend extra time around the drain, handles and faucets and on places that are covered with stains or any other grime build-up. Use a toothbrush for hard-to-get places. Rinse with clean water and wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth.

Have you ever taken anything out of the clothes basket because it had become, relatively, the cleaner thing?
Kathrine Whitehorn

Bathroom deep cleaning process: Clean the toilet

Clean the toilet seat

First, remove the toilet seat by unscrewing the bolts at the back. Take it to the bathtub or shower and soak it in hot water and a mild cleaning solution for 15 minutes.

Scrub it well until it’s clean, rinse it with hot water and let dry

Clean the toilet bowl

Squirt some toilet cleaner into the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, take a disinfectant spray and give the outside of the toilet bowl, the base, and the back a good spritz. Allow the spray to sit for a minute or two to help break down any grime before you start scrubbing.

To scrub the inside of the toilet bowl, use a brush to get under the lip and really scrub away any dirt and debris. Flush and let’s start outside. Work your way from the least dirty to the dirtiest spots.

Use a soft microfiber cleaning cloths to wipe down the toilet handle and then the outside of the toilet bowl. Sanitize the surfaces to avoid the growth of bacteria. Flush the toilet one more time and you’re done.

Clean the toilet brush

Soak your toilet brush in a bucket with hot water, cleaning solution and disinfectant for 5 minutes. Swish it around and then let it air dry before putting it away.

PRO TIP

Put a few drops of essential oil on the inside of the toilet roll to keep the bathroom smelling lovely long after you’re done cleaning.

Bathroom deep cleaning process: Clean other surfaces

Cleaning the counters

Wipe down the surfaces to clean away dust and grime.

Spray your cleaner on all the surfaces in your bathroom. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then scrub away any dirt, dust or grime with a microfiber cloth. Aim to work on towel racks, shelves, baseboards, doors, blinds and windowsills. Work in sections from the top of the room to the bottom. Rinse to get rid of any cleaner residue and dry.

Door knobs cleaning

As we mentioned above, door handles are high-traffic areas that are being passed from person to person many times during the day. Use the same process as for the surfaces and sanitize them too. You should add door handles to your daily cleaning routine.

Clean bathroom cabinets

By this time, you should have emptied, decluttered and organized items in your cabinets to make the cleaning a walk in the park.

Use the same deep cleaning process for your cabinets as for the other surfaces. One difference is the cleaner you use. Choose one that is safe for cabinet materials.

Mirrors

If you don’t clean it correctly, you could end up with a streaky, smudged mess. And you want to look good in your mirrors, don’t you?

Grab a cleaner of your choice or use a generic glass cleaner and spray it on your mirrors. Use a standard newspaper to wash and wipe the mirrors afterwards (this was my grandma’s recipe that has proven to work perfectly)

PRO TIP

Since mirrors are usually right above the sink, they can get a lot of splatters from face and hand washing. It is a good idea to add mirror cleaning to your daily tasks.

Bathroom deep cleaning process: Floor cleaning

Floor

Make sure to vacuum and clean any dust or dirt first. You don’t want it to mix with your clean water and smudge the area.

Turn on hot water to let the steam and humidity get under the built-up dirt on your floor. You’ll have an easier time moping.

Fill your bucket with warm water and cleaning solution. Mop the floor, starting from the farthest corner of the bathroom. Work your way towards the door.

Rinse the mop in the bucket often to avoid spreading the dirt around. Prepare a new batch of cleaning solution as soon as the previous one gets dirty.

Wipe down the baseboards and any other areas that need attention. Dry the floor with a clean microfiber cloth or let it air dry.

People tend to clean the floor but have a tendency to overlook grout. Sparkly and clean grout is as important for a healthy and beautiful floor as much as the flooring. Read our other blog post on how to clean grout.

Clean your bathroom cleaning tools

Give your cleaning supplies some love too. Disinfect toilet wands, caddy, spray bottle, old toothbrush, squeegee, microfiber cloths, and any other items you’re using.

Disinfect after cleaning

Only disinfect the areas that you already cleaned. You don’t want to spread the dirt and grime around.

Let the surfaces dry before applying any disinfectant.

Apply the disinfectant with a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Let the surfaces air dry or wipe them down with a clean microfibre.

Do the Finishing Touches

Re-fill your soap dispensers, bring new toilet paper rolls, and place fresh bath towels.

Bathroom maintenance

Best way to make your deep cleaning easy or do it less often is to maintain your bathroom in a clean state. How to to do it?

Wipe down the excess water in the shower with a squeegee or tissue from walls and doors.
Often ventilate and have your windows open
Keep your bathroom tidy and organize your items in it.
Use the toilet brush often to remove minerals that can stain the bowl
Wash toothpaste off surfaces right away.
Have immediate, daily and weekly cleaning tasks to make your once in a while deep cleaning easy.

Cleaning warnings

Always read the labels off bought cleaners
Don’t ever mix bleach and ammonia!

Conclusion

So, there you have it – our guide to deep cleaning your bathroom. We hope you find this information helpful and that it inspires you to tackle this task yourself!

If you have any questions or need help with the house cleaning process, please do not hesitate to contact us.