Complete Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Written by: Weida Apartments
As the leader in West Lafayette student housing, we at Weida Apartments know that an apartment bathroom has the potential to get grungy. There can be stains in the toilet bowl, wet towels on the floor, toiletries everywhere, and grime on the shower walls. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Regular maintenance can give you a clean, fresh, and pleasant bathroom. But what’s the best way to keep it up? The answer is to use a bathroom cleaning checklist. Here’s one to get you started.
Daily Refreshers
Regular daily neatness keeps the room tidy and makes the weekly and monthly tasks easier.
Hang Your Towels
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But it’s so easy not to do. You fling, drop, or toss your towel with the thought that you’ll pick it up later. Do it now. It keeps the towels clean, prevents mold and mildew, and even saves on your laundry effort.
Declutter Counter Space
It’s so tempting to leave your morning toiletries out. After all, you’re going to use the same ones tomorrow. However, items on your countertop are like bunnies: they tend to multiply. Putting everything away in its designated space will do wonders for your mood as well as the bathroom’s appearance. Also, once the countertop is clear, take a few seconds to wipe it off.
Weekly Bathroom Cleanup
Designate a weekly time to spruce up the bathroom for the next seven days
Wipe Down Sinks, Showers, and Toilets
Use a commercial surface cleaner, or save a few bucks with vinegar and water. Spray your sink bowl, and faucet handles, and drain, let it sit for a few minutes. Wipe between and behind the faucet knobs; you might be surprised at what you clear out. Wipe off your cleaning solution, and it’s done.
Disinfect the Toilet Bowl
Nobody likes cleaning the toilet bowl, but it’s much better if you do it before it gets gross. Dust the tank and lid, then use a commercial cleaner and a toilet bowl brush. Disinfect your brush with bleach (a few cups per gallon of water) when you’re done.
Unclog the Drains
If your sink or shower is draining slowly, there’s probably a clog. You may be able to clean the sinks with a plunger or plastic drain snake. Do not use products like Draino as they can damage the pipes. If you cannot get a clog removed, call the office for maintenance.
Mop & Vacuum the Floors
This is almost the last weekly job because there’s probably dust and chemicals on the floor from the previous ones. Vacuum or sweep loose debris, then mop with soapy water. If you have tile, vinyl, or linoleum, you can use bleach, ½ cup per gallon of warm water. Ventilate the room when using bleach.
Empty Trash
By now you may have cleaning debris in your trash can, plus whatever daily waste has accumulated. Taking out the trash is a satisfying conclusion to your weekly cleaning effort.
Monthly Deep Clean Checklist
This is a little more effort, but you only have to do it once a month, and you’ll be in much better shape when it comes time to reclaim your security/cleaning deposit. It’s certainly better than waiting until the day before you move out.
Deep-Clean Mirrors
Use an ammonia-based glass cleaner. Spray the mirror, then wipe from top to bottom with a lint-free cloth. Use a circular motion, and work until the streaks are gone. Paper towels are a poor choice for this job; they can leave a residue.
Scrub the Tub and Shower
First, get all your soap and shampoo out of the way. Use an ammonia-based commercial cleaner, or try a DIY solution of 50/50 vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray walls, floor, and hardware, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Scrub it off with a brush and then rinse. Use your shower head if it will reach everywhere.
Also, throw your shower curtains in the washing machine. They’re a magnet for mold and mildew. Clean the rod and rings while they’re empty.
Wash Bathroom Mats and Rugs
You walk on these, sometimes with shoes, and they take a beating. Most rugs can be washed in a machine, but read the care labels first.
Sanitize the Garbage Can
Even if you use a liner, unwanted gunk tends to slip behind it. After you empty the container, add a few drops of dish soap and fill it with warm water. Let it soak for a while, then dump it out and wipe it dry.
Declutter and Organize the Medicine Cabinet
It’s amazing what you can find when you take everything out of the average medicine cabinet or vanity drawer. There probably are containers you didn’t know you had and will never use again. Check expiration dates, and especially dispose of outdated prescription meds. Use soapy water and a lint-free cloth to clean shelves while they’re empty.
Dust Surfaces
We don't think of bathrooms as dusty, but baseboards and other surfaces manage to collect all kinds of particles. Use a microfiber cloth, and if there are wood surfaces, try a commercial wood cleaner.
Clean the Exhaust Fan
Fans are out of sight, but, if they get dirty, they don’t work well, and moisture can build up in the room. Flip off the circuit breaker, remove the vent cover, and brush off any dust with a microfiber cloth. Wash the vent cover with soapy water and dry it thoroughly before you put it back.
Secure Your Space for Next Year, Renew Your Lease Today
Since you’ve kept the bathroom in your Weida apartment tidy, you might want to continue to live there next year. If so, it may be time to renew your lease. If you have yet to experience the comfort and convenience of a Weida apartment, don’t miss the opportunity to check us out. We're the premier choice for Purdue student housing, with homes ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. Contact us today to secure your spot for the coming year.
