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Cleaning guide

How to Clean a Bathroom Fast: A 20-Minute Routine

Cleaning in the right order saves the most time: let products soak while you do other jobs, and work from top to bottom.

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Step by step

1. Spray first, then wait

Spray the shower, tub, sink, and toilet first so the cleaner can loosen grime while you do the next steps.

2. Clear and dust

Take everything off the counters and wipe shelves and light fixtures from the top down.

3. Scrub, then rinse

Go back to the shower and sink, scrub with a brush, and rinse. Do the toilet last, using a separate brush.

4. Finish with mirror and floor

Polish the mirror with a microfiber cloth, then sweep or wipe the floor on your way out.

Helpful finds

Electric spin scrubber

Saves your arms on tile, grout, and tubs. Look for interchangeable heads and a long handle.

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Microfiber cleaning cloths

Streak-free on mirrors and fixtures, and washable. Color-code them for different rooms.

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Grout brush

Stiff, narrow bristles for the lines between tiles.

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Shower squeegee

A 30-second wipe after each shower stops water spots and soap scum from building up.

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Common questions

How often should you clean a bathroom?

A quick wipe of the sink and toilet a few times a week, and a full clean like this one once a week, keeps most bathrooms fresh.

What's the right order to clean a bathroom?

Spray cleaner first, dust from top to bottom, scrub the shower and sink, do the toilet last, then finish with the mirror and floor.

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