Bathroom Deep Cleaning Guide: Soap Scum, Grout and Mildew

Bathrooms work hard: heat, moisture and soap residue create the perfect conditions for buildup. A weekly wipe keeps things tidy, but every so often a deep clean is needed to restore grout, glass and fixtures.

Safety first

• Ventilate with the fan and an open window.
• Wear gloves.
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners like vinegar; it can create dangerous fumes. Use one product at a time and rinse between them.

Step 1: Clear and dust

Remove everything from counters, shelves, the tub and the shower. Dust ceiling corners, vents and the exhaust fan cover, then spray the fan cover with cleaner and wipe.

Step 2: Let cleaner work on the toughest areas

• Spray the shower, tub and tile with a bathroom cleaner suited to soap scum, and let it sit.
• Apply toilet bowl cleaner under the rim and let it soak.

Step 3: Scrub top to bottom

1. Showerhead: soak in a bag of white vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup, then rinse.
2. Glass doors: use a non-scratch pad and a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution; squeegee dry.
3. Tile and walls: scrub with a soft brush, working downward.
4. Grout: make a paste of baking soda and water, scrub with a grout brush and rinse. For dark stains, use a grout cleaner as directed.
5. Tub and shower floor: scrub, then rinse thoroughly.

Step 4: Mildew

Pink or black spots are usually surface mildew in caulk and grout. Scrub with a mildew remover or diluted bleach (follow label directions, ventilate well and never mix products). If caulk is stained all the way through or peeling, replacing it is the fix.

Step 5: Sink, counters and toilet

• Scrub the sink, drain and faucet; use vinegar or a descaler on mineral spots.
• Wipe the vanity, handles and the inside of drawers.
• Scrub the toilet bowl; then disinfect the seat, hinges, base and the floor behind it.
• Polish mirrors last for a streak-free finish.

Step 6: Floors and finishing touches

Sweep, mop and wipe baseboards. Wash bath mats and shower curtains or replace the liner, and restock.

Keep it fresh

• Squeegee shower walls after use.
• Run the fan during and for 20 to 30 minutes after showers.
• Spray a daily shower cleaner if you are prone to scum.
• Re-caulk when needed to prevent mildew.

Short on time? Our house cleaning and deep cleaning services handle bathrooms top to bottom.

Frequently asked questions