How to Deep Clean Your Bathroom Without Crying (Too Much)
Decided to deep clean your bathroom? Bold move. Heroic, even. Maybe it’s because you dropped your phone behind the toilet and saw a horror show, or maybe it’s just been a while and the funk is getting judgmental. Either way—it’s go time 😉
This guide will walk you through every major area of your bathroom, what to clean, how to clean it, and how to avoid sobbing into your mop bucket.
Bonus: dog owners, we see you. There’s something in here for you, too. 🐾
1. Clear the Battlefield First
Before we get into scrubbing mode, you need to clear out everything. Towels, shampoos, razors, rubber duckies, questionable skincare products you forgot you owned—all of it.
Why? Because trying to clean around clutter is like vacuuming around socks. Pointless.
Bonus Tip for Dog Owners: If your dog likes to hang out while you clean (mine supervises like he’s on payroll), close the toilet lid. Or risk a tongue-in-bowl situation. 🤢
2. Attack the Toilet (Like You Mean It)
Ah, the toilet. The throne. The germ magnet.
Here’s the game plan:
- Dump toilet bowl cleaner in and let it sit.
- While it soaks, scrub the outside—yes, even the base and behind it. Sorry.
- Use disinfectant spray or wipes on the seat, lid, and flush handle.
- Finish with a thorough bowl scrub. Use a pumice stone if you’ve got hard water rings.
Pro Move: Keep a dedicated toilet cleaning brush and never let it touch anything else. It’s basically radioactive.
Dog Owner Alert: If your dog drinks toilet water and you use bleach—congrats, you now own a chemical hazard. Keep the lid down, always. Or get a baby-proof lock if they’re extra determined.
3. Show That Shower Who’s Boss
Your shower is where you go to get clean. So, it’s awkward when it’s the dirtiest place in the house, right?
Step-by-step attack:
- Spray the walls and tub with a mix of white vinegar and dish soap (heat the vinegar for max effect).
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes while you go scream into a pillow.
- Scrub like your security deposit depends on it.
- Rinse with hot water.
For glass doors: Use a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water. Wipe down with a microfiber cloth. Boom—streak-free shine.
If there’s a ton of soap scum, you might need a Magic Eraser. It’s like a scrubby sponge, but on steroids.
4. Don’t Forget the Grout (Because It Didn’t Forget You)
Look, grout is a dirt magnet. And when it starts looking brown or pink (ew), it’s begging for a deep clean.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water.
- Apply it to grout lines.
- Spray vinegar over it and let it fizz like it’s New Year’s Eve.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse.
Optional but satisfying: Seal your grout afterward. It helps repel stains and water like a superhero cape for your tiles.
5. Sink & Faucet: Small but Mighty Gross
The bathroom sink sees it all—makeup, toothpaste globs, beard trimmings, soap scum. It’s a war zone.
- Clear the drain. (Spoiler: it’s disgusting. Just accept it.)
- Scrub the basin with baking soda and a sponge.
- Spray vinegar to activate a little fizz, then rinse.
- Polish the faucet with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Pro Tip: Use dental floss (yep) around faucet bases to get rid of built-up gunk. Sounds weird, works like a charm.
6. Mirror, Mirror (Covered in Toothpaste)
Your mirror wants to shine like your future, not look like a Jackson Pollock painting.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray, wipe with a microfiber cloth in an “S” motion.
- Done. Admire yourself like the fabulous cleaning beast you are.
7. Floors: Where All the Gross Ends Up
Let’s mop like we mean it.
- Sweep or vacuum first (hairballs, looking at you).
- Mop with warm water + a splash of vinegar or mild floor cleaner.
- For tile: hit the corners and under the vanity. That’s where the real monsters live.
Dog Owner Tip: Got a muddy-pawed mutt? Use a pet-safe enzymatic floor cleaner to cut through the mess and the smell. Also—rubber-backed washable rugs are your new best friends.
8. The Exhaust Fan: Probably Full of Dust Bunnies
Almost nobody remembers to clean this, and that’s why yours is probably muffled by two years of dust.
- Turn off power (important unless you want a new hairdo).
- Remove the cover, vacuum the dust, then wipe with a damp cloth.
- Let it dry before putting it back.
Your lungs will thank you. So will your lightbulb that can finally shine again.
9. Light Switches, Doorknobs & Handles
These are germ central. They get touched 47 times a day but never cleaned.
Quick fix:
- Spray with disinfectant or wipe down with alcohol.
- Let it air dry.
It’s fast, easy, and makes a weirdly big difference.
10. The Trash Can (Yes, Even That Needs Love)
Pull out the bag and clean the can itself. Seriously. It’s probably harboring a whole crime scene under the liner.
- Rinse with hot water + dish soap.
- Spray with vinegar.
- Let it dry before popping a new liner in.
Throw a dryer sheet in the bottom to help with odors. Your nose will high-five you.
11. Dog-Washing Damage Control
Let’s talk about the aftermath of a dog bath, shall we?
If your bathroom turns into a splash zone every time your pup gets washed:
- Use an absorbent mat or even a towel over the floor.
- Keep a rubber drain cover in place to catch fur before it goes full “Chewbacca in the drainpipe.”
- Spray down tub walls with vinegar right after. It breaks up residue before it sets in.
And yeah, you will find hair on the ceiling. How? No one knows. 🤷♀️
12. Air It Out and Smell the Victory
Once you’ve scrubbed and sanitized your bathroom to a sparkling state, light a candle or spray some essential oils, open a window, and take a deep, victorious breath (unless you just used bleach—then maybe wait a bit).
You did it. You deep-cleaned your bathroom and lived to tell the tale.
Bonus move: keep a small basket of cleaning essentials tucked under the sink. Makes it easier to stay on top of things and avoid another full-scale operation next time.
Final Words (and Warnings)
Deep cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to feel like punishment for your past sins. With the right hacks, some elbow grease, and a playlist that makes you feel like a boss, you can turn your grime cave into a fresh, functional spa zone.
TL;DR:
- Use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. They actually work.
- Get into the forgotten nooks—behind the toilet, fan cover, grout.
- If you’ve got a dog, take some extra steps for hair, muddy paws, and chemical safety.
- Reward yourself after. You earned it. Ice cream is scientifically proven to make cleaning less traumatic. (Probably.)
Now go forth, scrub stuff, and flex that sparkling bathroom like the domestic warrior you are. 💪🛁
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
