I have procrastinated writing this post about quick tips for bathroom cleaning a bit like I procrastinate actually cleaning my bathroom. It’s just icky and I don’t share my space with little ones (those buggers can demolish a clean bathroom lickety split!), so I can squeeze a few more days between cleanings. But I seriously love a fresh-smelling, sparkly-clean bathroom, so I never let more than a few days go between quick-cleanings and definitely have the bathroom deep cleaned weekly. If your house is on the market, it is crucial that your bathrooms remain hospital-grade clean. I know it can be tough, especially when you’re hustling to get out the door before a last minute showing, but if you follow my ten-minute tidy, you’ll whip through these important rules in no time and come home to bright and shiny bathrooms. It’s a win/win.
Before I get down to the nitty-gritty, let me offer one bit of general advice. If your home is on the market, it’s a really good idea to consolidate the number of bathrooms your family uses. I know it’s a pain to share this space, but during this important time of open houses and showings, it’ll help you save time (and a bit of sanity) if you limit familial bathrooms to one or two. Okay, let’s get to it. The most important thing you need to do before attacking bathrooms with an Energizer Bunny-like enthusiasm is to arm yourself with the proper tools. Keep a bucket of supplies under the vanity so it is close at hand. The bucket needs to be filled with glass cleaner, paper towels, antiseptic wipes, toilet cleaner brush and (depending on the type of flooring) a Swiffer wet-jet mop.
Ready, Set, Clean!
15 Seconds: Squirt toilet cleaner in the commode (particularly under the rim) and let it do its job for a few minutes as you continue to:
60 Seconds: Spray mirrors (and glass shower doors, inside vinyl tubs, etc.) with glass cleaner. I like to do a quick round-robin of spraying and then retrace my steps with wiping everything clean with paper towels or micro fiber cloths.
60 – 90 Seconds: Use an antibacterial wipe (love these Lysol two-sided wipes) to clean countertops and any containers you keep on the vanity. Really scrub out the sink and around the faucet and toss the wipe.
90 Seconds: Using a clean wipe, start at the top of your commode and work your way down... Make sure you lift the seat and scrub around the brackets that attach your toilet seat to the toilet. Clean all the way to the floor and around the base of the toilet and toss the wipe.
15 Seconds: Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl. Flush.
60 Seconds: Pull shower curtains, shine doors and fluff and refold towels on racks or hooks.
30 Seconds: Use glass cleaner and paper towel to spritz and wipe metal faucets, fixtures, light plates, door knobs and toilet flush.
90 Seconds: Work your way out of the bathroom with a Swiffer wet-jet or similar mop. If you’re working in a powder room or small bathroom, you can achieve the same quick mopping effect with a Lysol wipe on your hands and knees!
And, we're out – with a nice, clean bathroom that looks and smells fantastic!
