We’re Making it Easy to Spring Clean the Bathroom This Year

With Spring Cleaning for Your Mood, we’re helping you get your housekeeping done no matter what state of mind you’re in. For 20 weekdays in April, we’ll focus on cleaning a new area of your space, with three different ways to get it done—so it’s easy to stay on track even when you’re busy, tired, or away from home. Sign up with your email now and enjoy a better space by the end of the month.

Because it’s a regular part of your cleaning routine—and because it’s likely the smallest room in your home—spring cleaning the bathroom can be a quick and painless chore. If you’re on top of your regular housekeeping, you just need a few extra touches to get the bathroom feeling spotless. And if you’re not so on top of it—no sweat. We have some tips for how to prioritize your efforts to get the most bang for your buck.

If you have more than one bathroom, focus on the one you use the most. Or if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can repeat your deep dive or quick win in each one.

So what are you in the mood for today?

If you’re taking on the deep dive today, what’s on the docket is a pretty straightforward deep clean of your bathroom’s hot spots. You can skip the shower and tub today—we’ll hit that specific area later this week.

• Dust your bathroom light fixtures, the tops of wall-mounted cabinets or shelves, and any hooks, rods or other wall-mounted hardware.
• Clean the mirror(s).
• Thoroughly clean the toilet, sink, cabinet fronts, and cabinet handles.
• Take everything off the counter and wipe it down. Then clean and disinfect your countertop accessories as you put them back into place.
• Clean and refill your soap dispenser.
• Empty the trash and wipe down your trash bin.

With only a small amount of time or energy to dedicate to a bathroom clean, I find that the most impactful thing you can do is focus on the areas that are right in front of you as you get ready in the morning: The mirror and countertop area.

First, make sure your mirror is shiny and clean. Then, take everything off your countertop and clean it. As you put things back into place on the counter, clean those things as well. Many bathroom accessories—like maybe your toothbrush caddy or soap dish—can actually go for a spin in the dishwasher.

Before you go to bed tonight, find a moment to put a rag and cleaner on the bathroom counter (or rest them inside the sink if you don’t have much room). Then, set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than usual tomorrow. When you wake up, see if you can find a natural moment in your getting-ready time to tackle a quick bathroom task or two. Try scrubbing the toilet before you get in the shower, or wiping down the mirror with one hand as you brush your teeth with the other. If you can learn to master little multi-tasking moments like these, your bathroom can stay clean forever.

Visit the Spring Cleaning for Your Mood page to check out all the assignments so far. Download the PDF calendar so you always know what’s coming. And sign up with your email so you’re always on track: