Cleaning a bathroom can feel like a never-ending task; you scrub one area only to realise something else needs attention. The secret to getting it all done quickly and effectively? Following the right order. With a clear plan, you’ll avoid redoing work and finish with a truly sparkling space. Here’s our professional step-by-step guide on how to clean a bathroom, straight from our cleaning experts in London.
Clean and sparkling bathroom
A fresh, gleaming bathroom is achieved with the right cleaning sequence.

What Do You Need to Clean a Bathroom?

Before you start scrubbing, it’s important to have the right cleaning supplies ready. Using the right tools not only makes the job faster but also ensures every surface gets a proper deep clean. Here’s what you’ll need for an efficient bathroom cleaning session:

Essential Bathroom Cleaning Supplies:

  • All-purpose cleaner or bathroom spray – tackles soap scum, grime, and everyday dirt on most surfaces.

  • Disinfectant or antibacterial spray – keeps toilets, sinks, and high-touch areas hygienic.

  • Limescale remover – helps dissolve hard water stains and mineral buildup around taps and showerheads.

  • Glass cleaner or vinegar spray – for mirrors, shower screens, and glass doors.

  • Microfibre cloths – trap dust and dirt without scratching surfaces.

  • Scrubbing brushes and sponges – for grout lines, tiles, and tough stains.

  • Toilet brush and cleaner – for under the rim and around the bowl.

  • Bucket and mop – to finish off with a clean, disinfected floor.

  • Rubber gloves – protect your hands from strong cleaning agents.

 

Why Cleaning Order Matters 

Many people make the mistake of starting with the floor or tackling the mirror first. But doing things in the wrong order often means dust or dirty water drips down onto already-cleaned areas, doubling your work. The professional rule of thumb is simple: start high, work down, and finish with the floor.

How to Clean a Bathroom in 7 Simple Steps

Cleaning your bathroom is easier when you follow a clear process. These 7 simple steps will help you clean efficiently and leave your bathroom fresh and spotless.

Step 1: Declutter and Remove Items

Before you start cleaning, clear off all the counters, shelves, and areas around the bath or shower. Take away towels, toiletries, rugs, and even the trash bin. This will give you a clean slate to work with and make sure you can reach every surface easily.

Step 2: Dust and Sweep

Begin by dusting light fixtures, shelves, and the tops of mirrors or cabinets. Use a microfibre cloth or a duster that traps particles, rather than pushing them into the air. Then, sweep or vacuum the floor to pick up hair and dust before it gets wet. This prevents the dreaded “muddy” look later.

guide on cleaning bathroom

Step 3: Apply Cleaning Products First

For maximum efficiency, apply your chosen cleaners and let them work while you move on to other areas:

  • Toilet bowl: Squirt toilet cleaner under the rim and let it sit.
  • Shower or bath: Spray a limescale remover or all-purpose bathroom cleaner over tiles, screens, and tubs.
  • Sink and taps: Apply cleaner to the basin and leave it to break down soap scum.

Letting products sit for a few minutes means less scrubbing later, and the chemicals do the hard work for you.

bathroom cleaning

Step 4: Clean Mirrors and Glass

While your cleaners are soaking, go ahead and tackle the mirrors and glass surfaces. Use a glass cleaner or a simple mix of vinegar and water, wiping with a lint-free cloth for a streak-free shine. And remember to clean from top to bottom to avoid any drips.

tips on cleaning bathroom

Step 5: Scrub from Top to Bottom

Now it’s time to scrub those surfaces where you’ve applied cleaner:

  • Shower/tub: Start with walls and tiles, then move to the base.
  • Sinks: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the basin, taps, and surrounding counter.
  • Toilet: Finish with the toilet bowl, brushing under the rim and around the waterline.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.

Step 6: Wipe Down Surfaces

Once the main fixtures are clean, wipe down all other surfaces: shelves, cupboard fronts, and skirting boards. Don’t forget door handles and light switches, they’re some of the most touched (and most germ-covered) spots in the bathroom.

Step 7: Mop the Floor Last

Finally, tackle the floor. Start from the furthest corner and work your way towards the door, so you don’t step on freshly cleaned tiles. Use a disinfectant suitable for your flooring type.

how to clean bathroom

Extra Tips for a Professional Finish

  • Keep separate cloths or sponges for the toilet to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Work in a well-ventilated space when using strong cleaners.
  • Replace your shower curtain liner every few months to prevent mould build-up.

 

Why Not Let Us Do It For You?

Following this order will make your bathroom sparkle, but if you’d rather spend your time elsewhere, our professional bathroom cleaning service in London will handle it all for you. From scrubbing tiles to polishing taps, we’ll make sure every corner is spotless.

Book today and enjoy a bathroom that’s not only clean, but gleaming.

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom?

Your bathroom is one of the most frequently used spaces in the house and one of the fastest to collect germs, soap scum, and limescale. How often you clean it depends on how many people use it, but as a general rule:

  • Light cleaning: Wipe down sinks, taps, and counters 2–3 times a week to prevent buildup.

  • Full cleaning: Give your bathroom a thorough clean once a week, including scrubbing tiles, disinfecting the toilet, and mopping the floor.

  • Deep cleaning: Every month, focus on hard-to-reach spots, such as grout, extractor fans, and behind the toilet, to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

If you have a busy household or limited time, hiring professional cleaners in London, E14 can help you maintain a consistently fresh and hygienic space.

 

Conclusion

Cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to be overwhelming; the key is consistency and the right method. By following this order and using proper cleaning techniques, you’ll save time and keep your bathroom spotless longer. And if you ever want a professional touch, Better Maid Ltd is always ready to help.

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