Get a Clean and Beautifully Organised Bathroom in a Week
We understand it's not the most attractive of tasks. That's why we've broken it down into daily, manageable tasks. Too easy!
Laura Gaskill
15 September 2014
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Wet towels and dirty clothes dumped on the floor, the sink littered with products, soap scum caked on every surface … In the daily rush to get out the door, the bathroom often fares the worst (and that’s not even mentioning the really grubby stuff). But why spend a week focusing on this room, when it will simply get cluttered and dirty all over again? Because starting with a fresh, clean, uncluttered space is inspiring. Keeping something up that already looks good is much easier than struggling to bring order to a chaotic space – and you have to start somewhere! Check out the complete seven-day plan below.
Make a plan of attack
The bathroom presents some of the most dreaded cleaning tasks in the house – and is also prone to becoming overrun with clutter. To get your bath in line, plan to spend a chunk of time on Saturday banishing clutter and another hour or more on Sunday doing a deep cleaning. The rest of the week’s tasks shouldn’t take as much time, so plan to squeeze them in during the evenings or whenever is convenient for you.
The bathroom presents some of the most dreaded cleaning tasks in the house – and is also prone to becoming overrun with clutter. To get your bath in line, plan to spend a chunk of time on Saturday banishing clutter and another hour or more on Sunday doing a deep cleaning. The rest of the week’s tasks shouldn’t take as much time, so plan to squeeze them in during the evenings or whenever is convenient for you.
DAY 1: STREAMLINE AND PURGE
Decluttering tasks: Today is the day to give yourself a fresh start by clearing away all of the clutter in the bathroom. When you’re finished, your bathroom will feel much more spacious.
Starting with the medicine cabinet; work your way shelf by shelf and examine each product. Toss out anything expired as well as products you no longer use or that you’ve tried and don’t like. Just because you paid money for something doesn’t mean you have to pay again by giving up precious space for it. Don’t get caught up in organising just yet; focus on purging.
When you’re done with the medicine cabinets, drawers and sink bench, move on to under the sink and any other storage in the room. The only things left should be products you use regularly, extra supplies like toilet paper, first-aid supplies and current medications.
Cleaning tasks: Clean off each shelf and inside each drawer. Wipe down the sink and clean the mirrors.
Decluttering tasks: Today is the day to give yourself a fresh start by clearing away all of the clutter in the bathroom. When you’re finished, your bathroom will feel much more spacious.
Starting with the medicine cabinet; work your way shelf by shelf and examine each product. Toss out anything expired as well as products you no longer use or that you’ve tried and don’t like. Just because you paid money for something doesn’t mean you have to pay again by giving up precious space for it. Don’t get caught up in organising just yet; focus on purging.
When you’re done with the medicine cabinets, drawers and sink bench, move on to under the sink and any other storage in the room. The only things left should be products you use regularly, extra supplies like toilet paper, first-aid supplies and current medications.
Cleaning tasks: Clean off each shelf and inside each drawer. Wipe down the sink and clean the mirrors.
DAY 2: DEAP CLEAN
Cleaning tasks: After today your bathroom will be sparkling like never before. If you are really dreading cleaning it, set a timer and push yourself to get the job done quickly.
Decluttering tasks: While you are cleaning the shower and bath, look closely at all of the products stored there. Dispose of empties, combine nearly-empty containers of the same product and remove any products you no longer use.
Cleaning tasks: After today your bathroom will be sparkling like never before. If you are really dreading cleaning it, set a timer and push yourself to get the job done quickly.
- Before you begin cleaning, open up the windows and turn on the fan.
- Spray the tub, tub wall and shower doors with a shower and tub cleaner; squirt toilet cleaner in the toilet bowl. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
- When the timer dings, go back and scrub the shower and tub with a scrub brush from top to bottom. Rinse with warm water, and squeegee the shower doors and wall. Scrub the toilet bowl with a toilet brush.
- Spritz the ceiling and walls with all-purpose cleaner, then wipe clean with a microfibre cloth.
- Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush dipped in bleach (or a paste of baking soda if you don’t want to use bleach) to clean discoloured grout.
- Clean crevices (such as around taps) using an old toothbrush and dental floss.
- Soak the shower head in a bucket or plastic bag filled with white vinegar overnight.
- Mop the floor.
Decluttering tasks: While you are cleaning the shower and bath, look closely at all of the products stored there. Dispose of empties, combine nearly-empty containers of the same product and remove any products you no longer use.
DAY 3: TACKLE THE FAN AND HUMIDITY ISSUES
Cleaning tasks: Humidity in the bathroom can wreak havoc on walls – it can cause peeling and discoloured paint and even mildew and mould. Your first line of defence against bathroom humidity is ventilation, and that means the fan. If you do not have a bathroom fan that vents to the outdoors, look into having one installed. Another (cheaper) option is to add a door vent and open the bathroom window for at least 30 minutes after each shower. If you do have a fan, now is the time to degunk it so that it can work more efficiently. This job may sound difficult, but it really shouldn’t take long.
Cleaning tasks: Humidity in the bathroom can wreak havoc on walls – it can cause peeling and discoloured paint and even mildew and mould. Your first line of defence against bathroom humidity is ventilation, and that means the fan. If you do not have a bathroom fan that vents to the outdoors, look into having one installed. Another (cheaper) option is to add a door vent and open the bathroom window for at least 30 minutes after each shower. If you do have a fan, now is the time to degunk it so that it can work more efficiently. This job may sound difficult, but it really shouldn’t take long.
- Find your circuit breaker and turn it off – it’s not safe to clean the fan with the electricity on.
- Remove the cover from your ceiling fan and clean the cover with warm, soapy water.
- Grab your vacuum and use an attachment to clean inside the fan as best you can.
- Completely dry the cover and put it back on.
- Turn the circuit breaker back on and give yourself a big pat on the back.
DAY 4: ORGANISE
Decluttering tasks: With the contents of your bathroom cupboards significantly whittled down (see Day 1), organising will be much easier. Pay close attention as you go through your morning routine today, and put all of the products you use daily together in an easily-accessed spot. If you choose to put your everyday products on the bathroom bench, use a tray or basket to keep everything together.
Items you use less frequently can go in the medicine cabinet or under the sink in clear, lidded plastic containers in various sizes – this is an easy way to keep different categories of products together. No time to shop for containers? Tupperware works, too. Try putting together little “kits” of items that go together, so you can quickly find what you need. For instance:
Decluttering tasks: With the contents of your bathroom cupboards significantly whittled down (see Day 1), organising will be much easier. Pay close attention as you go through your morning routine today, and put all of the products you use daily together in an easily-accessed spot. If you choose to put your everyday products on the bathroom bench, use a tray or basket to keep everything together.
Items you use less frequently can go in the medicine cabinet or under the sink in clear, lidded plastic containers in various sizes – this is an easy way to keep different categories of products together. No time to shop for containers? Tupperware works, too. Try putting together little “kits” of items that go together, so you can quickly find what you need. For instance:
- Kids’ bath toys and products
- A first-aid kit
- Hair styling supplies
- Nail care supplies
DAY 5: LAUNDER AND DUST
Cleaning tasks: Use a vacuum attachment to clean the vanity lights and window treatments. If your vanity has exposed bulbs, use a soft cloth to wipe them clean. Take down your shower curtain and wash it with a few towels (the towels will help agitate the curtain to get it cleaner).
Cleaning tasks: Use a vacuum attachment to clean the vanity lights and window treatments. If your vanity has exposed bulbs, use a soft cloth to wipe them clean. Take down your shower curtain and wash it with a few towels (the towels will help agitate the curtain to get it cleaner).
DAY 6: FRESHEN UP
Cleaning tasks: By this point your bathroom will be looking much improved – clutter free and clean. Now it’s time to consider what might need to be refreshed or replaced to make the space look its best.
Toss any worn or stained hand and bath towels (or keep them elsewhere to use as rags), the shower curtain liner if its mildewed and the bath mat if it’s grungy. Refresh the soap dispenser or set out a new bar of soap in the dish. Set a bud vase with fresh flowers on the sink.
Are you missing anything else? Need a small laundry hamper or a new bathroom bin? Make a list.
Cleaning tasks: By this point your bathroom will be looking much improved – clutter free and clean. Now it’s time to consider what might need to be refreshed or replaced to make the space look its best.
Toss any worn or stained hand and bath towels (or keep them elsewhere to use as rags), the shower curtain liner if its mildewed and the bath mat if it’s grungy. Refresh the soap dispenser or set out a new bar of soap in the dish. Set a bud vase with fresh flowers on the sink.
Are you missing anything else? Need a small laundry hamper or a new bathroom bin? Make a list.
DAY 7: NAIL A DAILY AND WEEKLY ROUTINE
Cleaning tasks: Nowhere else in the house is it more true than the bathroom: A little daily maintenance goes a long way in keeping things clean.
TELL US
What is the biggest cleaning or decluttering problem you face in the bathroom?
MORE CLEANING TIPS
Quick Housework Strategies for People on the Go
How to Clean the Glass in Your Home
The Procrastinator’s Ultimate Cleaning Rundown
Cleaning tasks: Nowhere else in the house is it more true than the bathroom: A little daily maintenance goes a long way in keeping things clean.
- Store a container of disposable cleaning wipes, a squeegee and a few clean microfibre cloths in a basket under the sink, and use them to wipe down surfaces (sink, mirror, shower doors and walls) after your daily shower.
- Squirt some toilet cleaner in the bowl every day or two and give it a quick scrub with a toilet brush.
- Once a week, clean the tub and shower, and mop the floor.
TELL US
What is the biggest cleaning or decluttering problem you face in the bathroom?
MORE CLEANING TIPS
Quick Housework Strategies for People on the Go
How to Clean the Glass in Your Home
The Procrastinator’s Ultimate Cleaning Rundown
Related Stories
Most Popular
Renovation Insight: How to Choose & Work With a Bathroom Designer
A good bathroom designer will help bring your vision to life, within your budget – here's how to find the right one
Full Story
Most Popular
All the Dimensions You Need to Know for Your Bathroom Makeover
Fit everything comfortably in a small or medium-size bathroom by knowing standard dimensions for fixtures and clearances
Full Story
Working with Professionals
Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Tiler
Perfect tiles? Tick. Next up is finding an experienced tiler to lay them – here's everything you need to know
Full Story
Most Popular
9 Small-Bathroom Challenges and How to Solve Them
Follow these handy tips to overcome problems when designing a tiny wash space
Full Story
Renovation Guides
Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
From the kitchen to the garden, and all areas in between, experts identify common mistakes and share priceless insights
Full Story
Most Popular
5 Reasons Your Bathroom Smells Funky (and How to Fix the Problem)
A plumber reveals five reasons your bathroom might smell like sewage or emanate a musty odour
Full Story
Most Popular
Budget Bathroom Renovation Ideas for Under $5000
Refresh your bathroom on a budget with these simple yet stunning ideas for an easy bathroom makeover
Full Story
Picture Perfect
17 Small Bathrooms That Manage to Squeeze in a Bath
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Bathroom Expert Advice
Bathroom Essentials: Right Heights for Vanities, Mirrors & More
By tidgboutique
Making some bathroom upgrades? Here’s how to place all your main features for the most comfortable, personalised fit
Full Story
Bathroom Renovations
10 Expert Tips for Designing the Right Shower For Your Home
By tidgboutique
Keep these style and layout ideas in mind as you plan your dream shower and bathroom
Full Story
Oh….I just did this today and THANK YOU! I considered replacing the tub and it just needed a deep clean!
The suggestions are great!
I have a tip from my MIL….
Have a soft cloth by each sink and a quick wipe of sink taps after each use of sink( I buy the 10 pack cotton terry at store.)
Every bathroom has one in strategic place.. a small hook on side of vanity or under sink.
Squeegee after every shower.
Very rarely miss doing this.
Teach family to do this. Literally seconds to do. But any areas that splash water or build crud .. no longer exists.
I tossed every hard bar of soap! No . 1 culprit in scum build up as it has oils in it and residues.
Liquid soaps only.
I wipe down toilet every week and if I don’t have time for full bowl wash.. I spray it anyway.
I wipe kitchen sinks after every meal or use too!
Counters get a quick wipe after each meal session whether it looks like they need it or not🌞
iRobot is my lifesaver! As well.
Other than some areas of basic living my house looks like I just cleaned it most days!
For everyone dealing with boys and lack of aim - just ask them to sit on the toilet. In my family I gave the boys the choice of standing to pee and wiping down the toilet and floor after every use or just sitting down. Everyone sits. I really don’t see why I should be cleaning after them if it’s clearly not worth it to them.