How to deep clean your bathroom: a step-by-step guide

How to clean a bathroom step-by-step

If you had to pick one of the hardest working spaces in your home, your bathroom will probably be up there - and it’s one of the quickest to show it! Between daily showering, moisture, and product build-up (we’re looking at you, shampoo!), it doesn’t take long for surfaces to start looking dull, streaky, and less than fresh.

Giving your bathroom a deep clean doesn’t need to be time-consuming. With the right approach and a simple top-to-bottom method, you can tackle everything efficiently - and get better results with much less effort!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to clean a bathroom step by step, including what to use, the best order to clean in, and a few small changes to your routine that can make a big difference.

And when you’re ready to get going, don’t forget to download or screenshot our handy step-by-step bathroom cleaning checklist here.

What You’ll Need to Clean Your Bathroom

Before you start, having the right kit is key to making the job an easy one.

Bathroom cleaning essentials

Microfibre cloths or reusable cleaning cloths
A scrubbing sponge or brush
Toilet brush
Mop or floor cloth
Multi-surface bathroom cleaner
Floor cleaner
Toilet cleaner
Limescale remover
Glass & mirror spray

When choosing your cleaning products, it’s worth looking for formulas that are both effective and gentle. Plant-based cleaners can cut through soap scum, grime and grease just as well as chemical-based options, without leaving behind harsh residues on the surfaces you and your family touch every day.

Bathroom cleaning checklist

For the most effective clean, our top tip is to always work from top to bottom. This stops dust and dirt from falling onto areas you’ve already cleaned, and means you’re not doubling back on yourself.

1. Declutter and ventilate

Start by clearing the space so you can clean properly.

Remove toiletries, toothbrushes, and bottles from surfaces
Take out bath mats and towels
Open a window or turn on the extractor fan

Top tip: With bathrooms being enclosed spaces, it’s more important than ever to choose cleaning products without harsh chemicals. Good ventilation helps reduce moisture and keeps the space comfortable while you clean, whilst non-toxic products will prevent you breathing in nasties like synthetic fragrances and hormone disruptors.

2. Dust and dry clean first

Before introducing any water or sprays, remove loose dust and debris.

Wipe down shelves, ledges, and skirting boards
Dust light fixtures and vents
Shake out or vacuum any visible debris from mats

This first step makes a noticeable difference. It stops you from spreading dirt around once you start wiping surfaces.

Top tip: Before you start your clean, pop your bath mats into the washing machine with our non-toxic laundry liquid and fabric conditioner. It’s powerful enough to kill germs, and will leave them feeling soft and fluffy.

3. Clean the shower and bath

Your shower or bath often needs the most attention, so it’s best to tackle it early.

Apply your bathroom cleaner to tiles, grout, glass, and fixtures
Leave it to sit for a few minutes to help break down soap scum and grime
Scrub where needed, especially grout lines and corners
Rinse thoroughly with warm water

A good cleaner will do a lot of the work for you here. Plant-based formulas can be particularly effective on everyday build-up while still being gentle on surfaces like glass and chrome.

4. Tackle the sink and taps

Next, move on to the sink area - one of the most frequently used spots.

Spray the basin and surrounding surfaces
Wipe thoroughly, paying attention to edges and plugholes
Clean taps carefully, focusing on any limescale build-up
Buff dry with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish

If you’re dealing with stubborn limescale, letting a limescale remover sit for a little longer before wiping can make all the difference.

5. Clean the toilet

It’s best to clean the toilet in stages to keep things hygienic.

Apply toilet cleaner inside the bowl and leave it to sit
Wipe down the exterior - handle, lid, seat, and base with your bathroom spray
Use a separate cloth for this area
Scrub the bowl last with a toilet brush, then flush

You don’t need harsh chemicals to get a hygienic result. Consistent cleaning with a powerful plant-based product is what really matters here.

6. Wipe mirrors and glass

For a clear, streak-free finish:

Use a light glass & mirror spray
Wipe evenly across the surface
Buff dry with a clean cloth

Thankfully, our glass & mirror spray is streak-free, so you don’t need to use too much elbow grease for spotless results!

7. Clean surfaces and touchpoints

These are easy to miss, but once cleaning, they can make a big difference to how clean your bathroom feels.

Light switches
Door handles
Shelving and storage units
Radiators or towel rails

A quick wipe-down here with your eco bathroom spray helps remove fingerprints, dust, and bacteria from high-contact areas.

8. Finish with the floor

Always clean the floor last, once everything else is done.

Sweep or vacuum to remove dust and hair
Mop using a diluted floor cleaner
Pay attention to corners and around the toilet base

If you’re using a concentrated floor cleaner, you’ll often only need a small amount, making it both effective and longer-lasting.

Why your bathroom cleaning products matter

When it comes to bathroom cleaning, the products you use are just as important as the method.

Bathrooms are enclosed, high-use spaces, which means cleaning products don’t just disappear after you’ve used them, but they can linger on surfaces and in the air. That’s why many people are starting to rethink what they use at home.

Non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products offer a more balanced approach:

Gentler on skin, especially for daily-use areas
Safer around children and pets
No harsh chemical residues left behind
Effective on everyday dirt, grime, and grease

Here at Kit & Kin, we even offer a bathroom eco cleaning bundle, with everything you need for your deep clean covered!

Final thoughts

A clean bathroom doesn’t have to mean a complicated routine or an overload of products. With a clear step-by-step approach and a few reliable non-toxic essentials, you can keep everything fresh, hygienic, and easy to manage.

Ready to deep clean your bathroom? Get your FREE downloadable checklist here.

FAQs

What’s the correct order to clean a bathroom?

The best way to clean a bathroom is from top to bottom. Start by decluttering and dusting, then move on to the shower or bath, sink, and toilet. Finish with mirrors, surfaces, and finally the floor.

This method prevents dust and dirt from falling onto areas you’ve already cleaned, making the whole process quicker and more effective.

How often should you clean your bathroom?

Most bathrooms benefit from a light clean once a week, with deeper cleaning every 1–2 weeks depending on use.

High-touch areas like sinks, taps, and toilets may need more frequent attention, while showers and floors can often be cleaned less often if maintained regularly.

What is the fastest way to clean a bathroom?

If you’re short on time, focus on the essentials:

Toilet (inside and out)
Sink and taps
Quick wipe of surfaces
Spot-clean mirrors
Fast floor clean

Using a spray-and-wipe bathroom cleaner and letting it sit briefly before wiping can speed things up significantly.

How do you deep clean a bathroom properly?

A deep clean involves tackling build-up and hidden areas:

Scrubbing grout and tiles
Removing limescale from taps and showerheads
Cleaning behind and around the toilet
Washing bath mats and shower curtains
Wiping down less obvious areas like skirting boards and fixtures

Working step-by-step, and allowing products time to break down grime, makes the process much easier.

Are non-toxic bathroom cleaners effective?

Yes - when well formulated, non-toxic and plant-based bathroom cleaners can be just as effective as traditional products.

They’re designed to break down everyday dirt, grease, and soap scum without relying on harsh chemicals, making them a good option for homes with children, pets, or sensitive skin.

What’s the best thing to use to clean a bathroom naturally?

For everyday cleaning, a plant-based multi-surface bathroom cleaner is usually enough to handle most areas, including sinks, tiles, and baths.

For tougher jobs like limescale, you may need a targeted solution - but our incredibly effective non-toxic limescale remover is designed to handle this without harsh ingredients.