Let’s be real: deep-cleaning the bathroom ranks just above dental surgery and just below stepping on Lego in terms of “fun activities.” But the truth is—nothing feels more adult than conquering soap scum and mold like a boss.
Whether you’re dealing with mystery smells, shower scum, or a dog who thinks the toilet is his personal hydration station 🐶—this is the ultimate, no-BS bathroom deep-clean guide.
It’s packed with pro hacks, pet-safe options, and printable checklists to make sure your bathroom goes from “ew” to “ahhh” without losing your sanity (or your weekend).
📦 Step 1: Declutter the Battlefield Before You Scrub
Cleaning around clutter is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. Step one: clear everything.
Remove:
- Towels, bath mats, loofahs
- Toothbrushes, skincare, razors
- Rubber duckies and rogue hair ties
- Dog shampoo bottles and fur tumbleweeds
🧺 Pro Tip: Toss all washable items (rugs, towels, shower curtains) into the laundry now. Use hot water + vinegar for a deep deodorizing cleanse.
🐶 Dog Owner Note: Close the toilet lid. Because we all know the “lap & lick” risk is very real. 🤢
🚽 Step 2: Toilet – Attack the Germ Throne
Supplies Needed:
- Toilet bowl cleaner or DIY mix (baking soda + vinegar)
- Disinfecting spray (pet-safe preferred)
- Pumice stone for hard water rings
- Toilet brush (never touch anything else with it)
Clean Like This:
- Pour cleaner inside bowl. Let sit.
- Spray and scrub the base, seat hinges, and flush handle.
- Scrub bowl with toilet brush. Rinse.
- Use pumice for stubborn stains.
🧪 Pet-Safe Tip: Avoid bleach if your pet drinks toilet water. Use an enzymatic cleaner instead and always close the lid!
🚿 Step 3: The Shower & Tub—Scum Be Gone
Your shower should feel like a spa, not a crime scene. Here’s how to deep-clean it naturally:
DIY Power Cleaner:
- 1 cup hot white vinegar
- 1 cup dish soap
- Spray bottle
How-To:
- Spray mix generously on tiles and tub.
- Let sit 15–30 minutes.
- Scrub with a stiff brush or sponge.
- Rinse with hot water.
💎 Glass Doors? Use 1:1 vinegar + water mix. Wipe with microfiber for a streak-free shine.
🧽 Bonus: Use a Magic Eraser or lemon halves dipped in salt for stuck-on gunk.
🧱 Step 4: Grout – The Forgotten Filth Zone
Grout traps everything—soap scum, body oil, mildew. Yikes.
DIY Grout Paste:
- ½ cup baking soda
- Water (just enough to make paste)
- Spray bottle of vinegar
Clean It Like This:
- Apply baking soda paste to grout lines.
- Spray vinegar over it—enjoy the fizz!
- Scrub with a stiff brush or old toothbrush.
- Rinse with warm water.
🧠 Pro Move: Once clean, seal grout with a water-resistant grout sealer. This keeps future stains from sticking.
🚰 Step 5: Sink & Faucet – Tiny Space, Big Gross
Your sink sees everything—makeup, beard hair, toothpaste globs.
To Clean:
- Sprinkle baking soda in sink basin.
- Scrub with a sponge or cloth.
- Pour vinegar over it to deodorize and break residue.
- Polish faucet with vinegar + a microfiber cloth.
- Use dental floss around faucet base to remove hidden grime.
💡 Life Hack: Toss in half a lemon and grind it in your drain for a fresh smell (if you have a garbage disposal).
🪞 Step 6: Mirror – From Fogged Up to Flawless
No more toothpaste flecks ruining your selfie light.
DIY Streak-Free Glass Cleaner:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (secret ingredient)
- Optional: lemon essential oil
Clean It:
- Shake bottle (cornstarch settles).
- Spray on mirror.
- Wipe in “S” pattern with microfiber cloth.
🧹 Step 7: Floor It—Because Gravity Wins
Dirt, hair, and pet paw prints all land here.
To Do:
- Sweep or vacuum thoroughly.
- Mop with warm water + vinegar or pet-safe cleaner.
- Get under vanities and around the toilet base.
🐾 Dog Owners: Use a pet-safe enzymatic floor cleaner to remove bacteria from muddy paw prints or post-bath chaos.
💨 Step 8: Don’t Ignore the Exhaust Fan
This is where dust goes to retire… forever.
Steps:
- Turn off power.
- Remove cover and vacuum dust.
- Wipe with damp cloth.
- Let dry completely before reattaching.
✅ Improves air quality + helps prevent mold.
⚡ Step 9: High-Touch Zones – The Invisible Danger
Doorknobs, light switches, and cabinet handles are bacteria hotspots.
Quick Clean:
- Spray with disinfectant.
- Let air dry or wipe with alcohol.
🧴 Use a Q-tip for cleaning inside switch edges.
🗑️ Step 10: The Trash Can (Yes, Really)
Remove liner, clean inside with soap + hot water, rinse and dry.
🧼 Pro Tip: Spray with vinegar + drop a dryer sheet at the bottom to neutralize odors.
🐕 Step 11: Dog-Washing Aftermath Cleanup
If your dog turns bath time into a tsunami, you’re not alone.
Post-Bath Checklist:
- Use a rubber drain cover to catch fur.
- Dry floors with microfiber towels ASAP.
- Spray walls with vinegar to cut soap residue.
- Toss a washable mat on the floor next time!
🐾 Surprise Hair Zones: Ceiling. We don’t know how either.
🌬️ Step 12: Air It Out & Smell the Victory
Done cleaning? Light a candle, open a window, or diffuse calming oils like lavender or eucalyptus.
Bonus Idea: Store a mini cleaning kit under the sink with:
- Microfiber cloths
- All-purpose spray
- Scrub sponge
- Small trash liners
Makes spot-cleaning a breeze and avoids another cleaning apocalypse.
🧠 Advanced Bonus: What Natural Cleaners Can & Can’t Do
| Problem | Natural Fix | If That Fails… |
|---|---|---|
| Mold | Vinegar + baking soda | Hydrogen peroxide (3%) |
| Soap Scum | Vinegar + dish soap | Magic Eraser |
| Hard Water Stains | Lemon + salt | CLR (use with caution, rinse well) |
| Disinfection (after illness) | Vinegar | 70% Isopropyl alcohol (keep pets away until dry) |
📥 Want to Make It Easier Next Time?
📝 Download your free Printable Bathroom Deep Clean Checklist:
👉 (Add link or form here)
📲 Follow us for weekly dog-safe cleaning hacks and home care tips on Instagram
📌 Save this post so you never have to search “how to clean grout” at midnight again!
🧽 Final Words
Cleaning your bathroom doesn’t need to be a trauma trigger. With the right tools, pet-safe formulas, and a little humor—you can go from “ew” to “ooooh” in under two hours.
✨ You’ve got this. Now go put on some music, light a candle, and bask in your sparkling bathroom kingdom. 👑
🔁 TL;DR (Too Long, Did Read Anyway)
- Use natural, pet-safe cleaners: vinegar, baking soda, dish soap.
- Scrub high-touch zones, grout, behind toilet.
- Don’t skip fan, trash can, or faucet base.
- Dog owners: guard against fur, chemical hazards, and splash zones.
- Celebrate your cleaning win with pizza. Or ice cream. Or both.