Hello Spring Cleaners!  Today is Day 7 of the Spring Cleaning Challenge and we are moving into everybody’s favorite room to clean – yes, it’s time to spring clean the bathroom!  With two little boys, you know this is a fun one for me! 🙂

So before we get started on the actual cleaning, you will need to gather up a few basic cleaning supplies.  You can read more about my basic green cleaning supplies HERE but I have also provided a basic list below.  Feel free to substitute your own favorite cleaners!

Cleaning Supplies

• Microfiber cloths – For regular bathroom cleaning, I like to use two cloths – one for the actually cleaning and one to wipe things down afterwards.  Since we are really getting down and dirty today, you might want an extra cloth or two!
• All purpose cleaning solution –  I use a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar for most areas but do like to use straight vinegar in any extra dingy areas {like around the toilet}.  You can also add essential oils or fresh lemon juice for some extra cleaning power and a nice fresh scent! Just remember that vinegar and lemon juice should NOT be used on granite or marble countertops due to their acidic properties.  If you are looking for other eco-friendly commercial cleaners to try, head on over to Stain Removal 101 for some great natural bathroom cleaner reviews or try some DIY cleaners from The Organically Clean Home.
• Norwex window/polishing cloth – These are by far the best things that I have found for cleaning smooth surfaces such as windows, mirrors, metal fixtures, etc.  All that’s needed for cleaning is a spray bottle of water and you are left with a sparkling, streak-free clean.  Scotch Brite also makes a version of this {I purchased one at Target but I am sure they are everywhere} but I am still sold on the Norwex version.  If you do not have a polishing cloth, you will need some form of glass cleaner.
• Toothbrush –  These are great for cleaning into all of those little crevices.
• Baking soda – I keep mine in a little salt shaker.
• Toilet bowl cleaner 
  

Cleaning Checklist

• Open the windows.  I know not everyone has windows in their bathrooms, but if you do, open them up {even if it is just a bit!} and let some of that spring air in!  There is nothing better than some fresh air {and hopefully some nice sunshine!} to invigorate you while you are cleaning!  If you do not have windows, just put the fan on and keep the door open.
• Launder.  Remove any curtains, shower curtains, area rugs, and/or dirty towels and start a load of laundry up.  If your washing machine happens to be full already, just save this part for later – we don’t want to let ourselves get distracted before we even start!
• Clear.  Remove all items from the countertop, shelves, shower stall, etc. and place them just outside of the bathroom.  This does take a little extra time, but it makes it so much easier to do a thorough cleaning of your space.
• Dust.  As with all rooms, it is best to clean from top to bottom and from one side of the room to the other.  This way, you are not creating a mess in an area that you just cleaned!  I always start on the inside of the room and work my way towards the door so that any loose dust or debris works its way OUT of the bathroom rather than into the corners.  I have a microfiber dusting mitt that I like to use for dusting but a regular microfiber cloth or other duster will also work. Starting at the ceiling, remove any cobwebs that may be lurking in the corners.  Dust the top of the windowsills, blinds, top of the shower stall, mirrors, vents, light fixtures, etc. and work your way down to the baseboards.
• Wipe.  Spray your cleaner onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down all surfaces, walls, baseboards, etc.  Alternatively, you can fill up your sink with water and a cleaning solution to dip your cloth into.  As with the dusting, work from top to bottom and towards the door.   Don’t forget to wipe light switches, around the toilet paper holder, along the bottom of the bathtub, etc.  You should have an idea of what needs a good wiping from when you were dusting.
• Clean.  Now is the time to get into all of those little places that you don’t generally hit with your regular bathroom cleaning.

1. Windows – In addition to just cleaning the glass, open up the window and clean along the tracks.  Use a toothbrush to get into the corners or, if you want to be real quick, use a steam cleaner!
2. Toilets – Give the base of the toilet a good cleaning using a toothbrush and a baking soda paste {just start with some baking soda and slowly add water until it is a toothpaste-like consistency}.  Make sure to get into all of the little crevices, rinse with water, and then spray with vinegar and wipe.  I also clean out the spouts in the toilet {where the water comes out into the bowl} using a microfiber cloth as there is usually some grunge build-up here where the toilet brush scrubber misses.
3. Bathtubs/Showers – If your faucets are starting to get any mineral buildup effecting water flow, use a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar in a plastic bag and secure it around the facet {or shower head} with an elastic band.  Leave for an hour to overnight depending on the amount of build-up.  
   
   Wipe down the tiles and give the grout an extra cleaning if needed {I like to use the same baking soda/water paste with a toothbrush like I do for the toilet base – just use a different toothbrush or thoroughly disinfect the other one first!} If you are have a glass shower door, Ask Anna has a great post on getting rid of soap scum and i Dream of Clean shows you how to clean that plastic strip on the bottom of the shower door that can often get gunky.

• Finishing touches.  Dust or wipe down objects as you bring them back into the room to place back on the countertops and shelves.  If you have time, go through and organize your cupboards. Toss any personal care items that are expired or you no longer use.  If you have any unopened items, various shelters would welcome your donations!  Complete any laundry and place items back in the bathroom!

Download the Spring Cleaning the Bathroom Checklist HERE.

If you are looking for more ideas on deep cleaning the bathroom, you can check out one of my previous posts HERE.  For some great weekly bathroom cleaning tips, Clean Mama also has a great plan for cleaning your bathrooms in less than 15 minutes.

Today’s Spring Cleaning Summary

• Spring clean your bathroom.  If you don’t have time to do it all, just tackle one or two of your problem areas.  I promise you that it will feel good!
  
  
• Don’t forget to take pictures of your work and share them with your challenge co-hosts on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Instagram.  Just remember to use #SpringClean2014 so we can comment, share, and celebrate with you!  Here’s how to find us:

Ask Anna:  Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / G+ / Twitter
Clean + Scentsible: Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / G+ / Twitter
Clean Mama: Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / G+ / Twitter
i Dream of Clean: Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / G+ / Twitter 
Stain Removal 101: Pinterest / Facebook / Instagram / G+ / Twitter
A Real-Life Housewife: Pinterest / Facebook / G+

• Enter our giveaway below for a chance to win one of these amazing tools to help keep you organized!
   – An EasyClosets organizing solution worth up to $1,000!!  
   – The Organically Clean Home x 2
   –  i-know-where-it-goes drawer stickers x5

If you are just joining us for the Spring Cleaning Challenge or just need to catch up on a day or two, here are the other posts from this challenge…

• Day 1 – Make a Plan and Get Prepared
• Day 2 – Bedrooms {you can also find my printable checklist from last year HERE}
• Day 3 – Closets
• Day 4 – Dining Room
• Day 5 – Kitchen
• Day 6 – Catch Up Day!

Happy Spring Cleaning!

 

I shared this post at Tatertots and Jello, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Savvy Southern Style, and Tip Junkie.