The Quickest and Easiest Way to Clean a Bathroom
I first learned how to clean a bathroom like a pro from an OGT reader named Denise, who wrote in to share her secrets to cleaning bathrooms efficiently, quickly, and with very little waste. (Denise had cleaned 15-20 bathrooms a week for 20 years before she retired, and if that doesn’t make her an expert on the subject, I don’t know what would!)
I was extremely impressed by the streamlined nature of her method, and when I asked if I could share it here on my blog, she kindly agreed! Once I started using Denise’s method at home, I was able to clean my bathroom thoroughly in a fraction of the time it used to take.
In this post, you’ll learn how to clean a bathroom like a pro using Denise’s tried-and-true method. Not only is it the easiest way to clean a bathroom, but it’s quick enough to include in your daily chores as frequently as you’d like to!
How to Clean a Bathroom in Under 15 Minutes
You’ll need:
- Toilet brush
- Cleaning spray
- Microfiber cloth
- 3-4 paper towels
- An old bath towel (optional)
Directions:
Step 1 – Apply Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Start by applying a toilet bowl cleaner or all-purpose cleaner to your toilet bowl.
I like to use my homemade toilet bowl cleaner here, because the baking soda and borax do an excellent job at breaking down hard water stains while essential oils leave it smelling fresh and clean. (But that’s just my preference — feel free to use whatever you’ve got on hand!)
Related: Unclog a Clogged Toilet with These Simple Hacks
Step 2 – Scrub the Toilet
Scrub the toilet bowl with your toilet brush, making sure to get under the rim to eliminate any grime that may have built up under there. After scrubbing, flush the toilet to rinse, then prop the brush under the toilet seat to let it dry.
(In the market for a new toilet brush? I really like this silicone toilet brush because it’s easy to clean and the upper edge gets all the way under the rim. If you’re going to splurge on a bathroom cleaning tool, this is a great one to choose!)
Step 3 – Spray Surfaces
Spray the toilet, sink, faucet, and countertop with your preferred cleaner or disinfectant and let it sit for a minute or two. Use your favorite bathroom cleaner, or consider one of these homemade options:
- Lemon-scented vinegar cleaner is easy to make, super inexpensive, and makes a great natural bathroom cleaner.
- My go-to homemade shower cleaner works great on tough bathroom messes like hard water stains and soap scum.
Step 4 – Wipe with a Damp Cloth
While the bathroom cleaner is working its magic, dampen a clean microfiber cloth and use it to wipe down your bathroom mirror (no need for glass cleaner!) Next, use the damp cloth to wipe off the countertop, sink, and faucet.
Related: How to Clean a Microfiber Cloth
Step 5 – Dry with a Dry Cloth (or Paper Towel)
Use a few paper towels or a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry off the mirror, countertop, faucet, sink, and toilet, in that order. (This order goes from cleanest to dirtiest, which saves you money on paper towels).
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Use a final clean towel to buff a shine on your mirror and faucet. Throw away the paper towels (or put the dirty rag in your hamper) and put the toilet brush away.
Finishing Touches
Rinse the microfiber cloth thoroughly and wring it out one more time. Use the cleaning rag to spot-clean the floor as necessary or wipe up any hair, dust, or dirt hanging around. Don’t worry about deep-scrubbing the grout with a specialized tile cleaner. This is just a quick clean that keeps your bathroom looking fresh and presentable.
Toss the dirty rags into your hamper or washer, and you’re done!
I’m telling you — Denise has got this whole thing down to a science! I’m grateful to her for sharing her wisdom and experience with all of us! :-)
What About The Tub And Shower?
- This quick and easy bathroom cleaning method doesn’t solve cleaning the bathtub or shower, so here are some quick tips to help you keep those clean too!
- Keep an old towel in your bathroom and use it to dry your shower walls after each use. It only takes a minute, and it will help keep water spots and soap scum at bay.
- Alternatively, you can spray this homemade daily shower cleaner on your glass shower doors after each use (no need to wipe it down!)
How long does it typically take you to clean your bathroom?
I do something similar, except I spray all the surfaces then just leave it to sit 15 minutes, then wipe down.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My shower doors are all white and foggy. I’ve tried everything I can think of to get them transparent again, with no success. I’ve used Mean Green, cleaning vinegar and let them sit, etc. I’ve used microfiber cloths and plastic scrubbers. How can I get them clean again?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hard water stains can etch the glass over time, in which case the white haze will be permanent. You can try lightly scrubbing the glass with dawn/vinegar mixture and #0000 steel wool. (Make sure it’s 0000.) If after that the glass feels smooth or pitted it is probably etched.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have hard water at my old place and for the shower taps I use my stainless steel wool to remove the hard water build up.
When the plumber changed my tub years back before he put the taps back I brought them in the kitchen used my stainless steel wool and brought it back to him to reinstall and he said “how did u get it to shine like that so quick” with my stainless steel wool that I use on my stainless steel pots! He was pretty impressed, and that comes from a plumber’s mouth. I use that method directly in the tub since. Did not have to buy new taps.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If you have ever used the streak free microfiber cloth you are missing out. It leaves mirrors and windows complete streak free. Give it a try.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Streak Free microfiber cloth. It’s amazing
As much as I hate to clean my toilets, I even hate letting then get nasty. So I welcome this diy hack, for getting my bathrooms clean from top to bottom within 15 minutes. Thanks!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use this method somewhat a few times a week or to refresh when company may be coming. One thing I do differently is I spray the outside of the toilet with cleaning spray, also toilet cleaner in the bowl & wipe down the outside before doing the bowl & putting the brush under the rim to drip dry before putting away. I do the bowl last because then I don’t have to go back to it. Also, the cleaner can sit in the bowl longer. Then I do the mirror and sink, and I’m done.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have granite counter tops. so cannot use a vinegar product nor commercial cleaners like 409 etc. I use Jillee’s suggestion of alcohol and a bit of Dawn. The sealer needs to be re-applied when a towel no longer glides across drag free .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Gotta check out that brush on Amazon!
Our shower is solid surface like in our RV. We squeege walls and glass and towel dry after each use
Up to you Rita but I don’t recommend that brush at all. I intentionally bought the version in the short, open holder because I was fairly sure the one used here (with the ‘lid’ attached) would be less easily used in the bowl. Even my one without that lid isn’t great, the shaft clacks against the bowl however hard I try to avoid that. I squirted Fairy (Dawn) washing liquid round the bowl and this brush was hopeless at creating any lather or even making contact with most of the liquid so no idea how it’s supposed to clean the bowl. I get that the silicone style is hygienic and easy to dry and the brush is certainly aesthetically pleasing but in my opinion it’s difficult to get the ‘bristles’ to go everywhere you’d want them to and it’s not fit for purpose. Mine went in the bin and I reverted to my very ‘bushy’ traditional toilet brush. I plan to research the silicone versions of it because I think it’s the fact this brush is flat that’s the issue. How can you clean a curved bowl with a flat brush, the design just doesn’t enable maximum contact with the bowl!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use Norwex Microfiber cloths with BacLock for cleaning. No more chemicals in this house. It cuts cleaning time in half. You may want to check out Norwex products. They are on the spendy side but well worth it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When your shower is done and you’re standing in the tub,dry the walls with a”‘sponge cloth” they sell these on Amazon.This will keep your tile from staying wet and getting moldy. Also when cleaning,spray down tile and tub and let sit while you do the other things.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love your micro fiber clothes for my face! But I would love if you would make a different color for cleaning. I do not want to use the same clothes for my face and the bathroom. The current colors are great for my face, could we have some other colors for the cleaning? I have other brands of clothes that I use, but I have none that are the great size of yours. I love your site and use it every day.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What about cleaning the toilet, floor, bathtub/shower stall, shelves, etc.? I would say that this method is fine but not for a deep clean which is what I like to do once a week. It takes a lot longer to clean everything:)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.as a housekeeper for a large hotel chain in london ,we had to be efficent and time concious.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.so i always told my staff when you enter a room/bathhroom work clockwise. that way you was sure nothing was missed.
yes I learned that from my former boss who years later left me her cleaning business.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have been using a clear bladed squeegee on my shower walls. It takes just an added couple minutes to squeegee the shower curtain and walls and floor and I get a few deep knee bends in while I’m at it. Keeps it free of mildew and water spots longer. But I suppose it wouldn’t be too effective on tiled surfaces with grout lines.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you for sharing such an informative and nice blog about bathroom cleaning. I am learning a lot from you and hicare.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I am always looking for a shortcut while cleaning! I tried your method. After reading through your post and the comments I am curious as to how often you do this 15 minute speed cleaning of your bathrooms.The best way to keep the bathroom picked up is to make it a habit of putting things away when you are done using it. Love your website! Thanks for all the streamlined tips and directions.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I take my old towels aand cut them up to us as cleaning clothes. They work great and a food way to use them once they aren’t fit to hang anymore. I hang them to dry and then wash them with bleach when I have a load. I can cut into any size I want! Great for all sorts of cleaning. My hubby grabs the really stained or worn ones for his shop!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love your idea about using lemon-scented vinegar as a disinfectant when cleaning your sink. I’m going to go home and make some with vodka and essential oil. I think these will work well together to clean my bathroom. I’m so glad that I read this blog, it really has helped me out so much!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Microfiber poses a problem as in washing, plus when it ends up in our water sources. Just a thought. Fish can not digest the fibers … long term it could be a real problem.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Good to know. ✌
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Simple and easy to do. Thanks for this tips. Love to include this to my post.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips, thank you!
Here’s one I learned while working as a hotel maid that helps keep things clean: pledge spray!
When things are dry, spray pledge onto a microfiber cloth and wipe onto things that get “sticky”, such as the sink. You can do this in the toilet, too. Turn the water off using the butterfly valve, do your magic, and the two flushes you need to rinse will empty the tank. Just remember to turn the water back on. I learned that lesson early on when a guest called the front desk and maintainance had to come “fix” it.
One MAJOR CAVEAT … do NOT do this where people stand, such as the tub. Some folks think the shower walls and doors are ok IF the floor has really good non-stick coverage, but I personally side with caution because a bathroom slip and fall can be very damaging.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I quit using paper towels and only use cotton flour sack towels for everything. They are an easy wash and I add bleach to disinfect.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love the homemade cleaner. I apologize for the unsolicited advice, but I swear my 220 sand paper. Cut small pieces as needed and once it is wet, scrub the icky line that sometimes appears on toilet, the faucet and the gunk surrounding it and the sink drain. Also works on soap scum and doesn’t scratch any material!!! I also use it to get those stains of pots and pans and on anything that has rusted. It works wonders. It has never failed me. Make sure it is wet though.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Two stain and Oder secrets now that I have shared my secret. Hydrogen peroxide is the only that can remove a blood stain completely and if you ever iron a man’s shirt and smell some BO, apply straight vodka to area and iron over again. That smell and many other will disappear forevermore.
I love your idea about 220 sandpaper. We have a lot of minerals in our water, and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with the toilet stains. Even Clorox only partially works. I’m going to the store today to try the sandpaper. I’m excited!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I do the same thing but I use ‘wall sand’ – it’s a type of woven ‘sandpaper’ for plaster and sheetrock. A little less gritty than actual sandpaper. First I do an overnight soak with diluted vinegar to soften up the deposits. Then use a piece of wall sand to remove the gunk. Super high mineral area here too and it works well. Just do it frequently enough that the mineral deposits soften easily.
I should add I also have two other tricks that work well by preventing hard cleaning and scrubbing in the first place – who isn’t up for that?
I hang a jet dry basket inside the toilet tank (it’s a solid in a little white basket). It’s meant for dishwashers and hot water, but in cold water the solid releases only very tiny amounts per flush and easily lasts a year in the tank, and it’s inexpensive. (I never keep bleach or anything else in the tank, only the jet dry basket. No need for other chemicals.) The jet dry keeps minerals from sticking inside the rim and on the bowl so no hard water stains or buildup to clean. I end up with the tip above (wall sand) when we run out or people forget to spray right away!
The other trick is I have is a shower spray that I mix up (I shared it with Jillee awhile back and she made a post on it) – I spray not just my shower and tub enclosures but also the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen sinks and faucets after every use (or when they aren’t expected to be used again right away). 1/2 cup peroxide, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon liquid jet dry, 1 teaspoon dish liquid (preferably NON-grease cutting dye-free like Ivory Clear – this is one application Dawn is not an advantage). Add to 24 oz distilled water to make approximately 32 oz. This is not only a great after-shower spray but it works wonders on all the sinks and faucets too. Keeps minerals and soap scum from sticking and that means less scrubbing.
Been doing these for 40+ years and have never had need of a water softener for the house.
Is it wet and dry sandpaper? Can you use it on clear shower doors that have gotten “foggy?”
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I put an old sock on a swiffer broom and leave it in the corner behind the door. Do a quick sweep every day to eliminate adn hair and dust on the floor.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use old dryer sheets on a swiffer. It catches everything.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Use one last clean paper towel to buff a shine onto the mirror and faucet. Yes. i agree with your idea.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Recycle a little more and use an old t shirt to wipe things down instead of paper towels. Then you can throw it in the wash and use it again.
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