Follow these 7 simple steps for a visibly cleaner bathroom in 30 minutes or less

While cleaning a bathroom isn't the most glamorous of household tasks, it doesn't have to be a time-consuming chore either. With the right approach and a little bit of strategy, I've found that I can conquer cleaning this room in 30 minutes or less, leaving me with a visibly cleaner and fresher-smelling space.  

Now let's be clear, this seven-step process isn't necessarily going to help you deep clean a bathroom – unless you have a particularly small space – but it is useful for sprucing things up before guests arrive or getting your bathroom ready for the weekend. 

So, if you want to learn how to clean a bathroom in 30 minutes or less, grab your cleaning supplies and set your cleaning timer. Below I share the 7 steps and cleaning tips I swear by to get your bathroom looking its best in no time.

How to clean a bathroom in 30 minutes or less

Even the best bathroom ideas would benefit from a thorough cleaning session every few days. So, why not roll up your sleeves and see if you can make cleaning fun by challenging yourself to stay under the 30-minute mark?   

Gather your supplies

Before I start my 7-step bathroom clean, I like to gather all the supplies I will need for the job, so I'm not eating into my 30-minute window searching through my cupboards looking for the right sprays and solutions. 

For me, this task usually requires the following tools and supplies:

• A multipurpose bathroom cleaning spray
• Microfibre cloths
• A variety of scrubbing brushes 
• Method Daily Shower Spray Cleaner (my favorite is this eucalyptus mint-scented version, available at Walmart)
• Toilet bowl cleaner 
• Distilled vinegar

1. Declutter

I like to start by decluttering the space. Clear countertops, shelves, and other surfaces in your bathroom, removing any items that don't belong there. 

I recommend having a trashcan, a laundry bin, and/or a storage basket on hand for this part. Start by tossing anything you definitely don't need into the trashcan, such as discarded makeup wipes from your bathroom vanity. Then put used towels and washcloths into the laundry bin, and place anything else that is in the wrong place into the storage basket.  

These steps will make the cleaning process much easier, as you will be able to reach past the clutter and access all the areas that need attention. Don't worry about putting toiletries and other items back in their place yet, for now, this basket can be placed outside the room. 

2. Spray and soak

Once your bathroom surfaces are clear, it's time to put your chosen cleaning supplies to work.

I start by freshening my toilet bowl with Ecover Toilet Cleaner, from Amazon, and letting this sit while I move on to other tasks. I then spray an all-purpose bathroom cleaner onto surfaces like the sink, countertops, and bathtub. Finally, I apply a specifically formulated shower spray to my shower screen (though, sometimes I just use a DIY vinegar spray to clean glass shower doors).

I suggest letting all of these cleaning solutions sit and soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to clean later. Although many of my supplies are eco-friendly, I don't recommend breathing them in. While you wait for them to work, turn your bathroom extractor fan on and step outside the room. 

3. Scrub tough areas

When the products have had 2-3 minutes to soak in, it's time to tackle tougher areas. I use separate scrubbing brushes to clean the inside of the toilet bowl, bathtub, and shower, not forgetting to clean grout lines and corners where dirt and mildew can accumulate. 

If an area is particularly hard to reach, I've been known to use a biodegradable toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies. Never underestimate how much elbow grease you can put into using one of these small tools! 

10-piece Colored Bamboo Toothbrushes
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For scrubbing hard-to-reach areas in my bathroom I like to use a packet of biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes. This brand is my favorite because they come in different colors, perfect for use in different problem spots.

3. Rinse and wipe

Once you've scrubbed everything thoroughly, take a damp microfiber cloth and begin wiping down surfaces.

I like to focus on the countertops and cleaning the bathroom sink first. Then, I swap the cloth for wiping down the outside of the toilet. Finally, I rinse the shower and use a squeegee to remove any leftover water.

 SetSail Shower Squeegee | $8.99 at Amazon
This shower squeegee is particularly convenient because it comes with a holder to keep in your shower for easy cleaning after every wash. 

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6. Shine bathroom mirrors and fixtures

Now that the surfaces are clean, it's time to make everything shine. 

To clean a mirror without leaving steaks, I spray a simple solution of 50:50 vinegar and water onto it and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth. Then, I use a clean cloth to wipe down any fixtures like faucets, handles, and towel racks to make them shine.

6. Focus on the floor

Around this point, you probably have 5-10 minutes left on the clock. I suggest you spend most of this time focussing on cleaning the bathroom floor. 

Sweep or vacuum floors to remove any dust, hair, or debris that has accumulated. Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to gather and use a smaller vacuum nozzle for these hard-to-reach spots. 

Once the floor is clear, I mop it with a mixture of water and floor cleaner, focusing on any particularly dirty areas.

7. Straighten things up

Finally, with mere minutes left on your timer, your bathroom should be looking shiny and clean. Grab your storage basket from earlier and find a home for your loose toiletries and items. 

This seven-step method is not intended to provide your bathroom with a deep clean, however, I guarantee you will notice visible results in 30 minutes or less. Not convinced this method is fast enough? Challenge yourself to complete a 15-minute bathroom cleaning and organizing routine instead.