Bathroom Deep Cleaning 101: The Best Ways to Tackle Toilets, Showers, and Tubs

cleaning supplies

Keeping your bathroom spotless requires more than just a quick wipe-down. A deep clean helps eliminate soap scum, grime, mold, and bacteria, ensuring your space stays fresh and hygienic. However, scrubbing a bathroom can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right techniques.

This guide will walk you through how to clean toilets, tile floors, showers, bath tubs, and walk in shower surfaces. By using the right tools and cleaning methods, you can make the process easier and more effective.

How to Clean a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

The toilet is often the least favorite thing to clean, but regular maintenance prevents stains, odors, and bacteria buildup.

What You’ll Need

  • Toilet bowl cleaner (or white vinegar and baking soda)
  • Toilet brush
  • Disinfecting wipes or spray
  • Rubber gloves

Step-by-Step Toilet Cleaning

  1. Apply cleaner to the bowl – Squirt toilet bowl cleaner under the rim and along the sides. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to break down stains and bacteria.
  2. Scrub with a toilet brush – Focus on scrubbing under the rim and around the waterline.
  3. Flush the toilet – Rinse away the cleaner and loosened grime.
  4. Disinfect exterior surfaces – Use disinfecting wipes or spray on the toilet seat, handle, and base. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
  5. Address hard water stains – If there are mineral deposits, pour white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit overnight before scrubbing.

Regularly cleaning your toilet prevents tough stains and keeps it smelling fresh.

How to Clean a Shower: The Best Methods for a Spotless Finish

Showers accumulate soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew, making them one of the trickiest areas to maintain. Deep cleaning at least once a month keeps buildup under control.

What You’ll Need

  • White vinegar or a commercial shower cleaner
  • Baking soda
  • Scrub brush or non-scratch sponge
  • Spray bottle
  • Squeegee

Step-by-Step Shower Cleaning

  1. Spray the walls and doors – Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray generously over the entire shower and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Scrub away soap scum – Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge and scrub any stubborn spots.
  3. Rinse thoroughly – Use warm water to wash away the cleaning solution.
  4. Remove water spots – Use a squeegee to wipe down shower walls and glass doors. This prevents future buildup.
  5. Disinfect showerhead – Unscrew it and soak in a vinegar solution overnight to remove mineral deposits.

For an easier-to-clean shower, consider low-maintenance materials like KOHLER LuxStone. These non-porous panels resist mold and soap scum, requiring minimal scrubbing. Learn more about KOHLER LuxStone showers.

How to Clean a Bath Tub: Keep It Sparkling and Stain-Free

Bathtubs can quickly accumulate soap residue, mold, and hard water stains, making them look dingy. A deep clean restores shine and prevents buildup.

What You’ll Need

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Soft sponge or brush

Step-by-Step Bath Tub Cleaning

  1. Sprinkle baking soda over the tub’s surface.
  2. Apply dish soap or vinegar – Mix equal parts dish soap and vinegar, then scrub with a sponge.
  3. Focus on tough stains – Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing again.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  5. Dry and buff – Use a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

For KOHLER walk-in baths, follow the recommended cleaning methods to preserve their long-lasting finish and easy-to-clean design. Check out the KOHLER bath care cleaning guide for specific maintenance tips.

How to Clean Tile Floors: Remove Dirt and Grime Effectively

Tile floors collect dust, hair, and grime, especially in grout lines. Regular deep cleaning keeps them looking fresh.

What You’ll Need

  • Warm water
  • Mild dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • Grout brush or old toothbrush
  • Mop or microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Tile Floor Cleaning

  1. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt.
  2. Mop with warm water and dish soap to lift everyday grime.
  3. Scrub grout lines with baking soda – Make a paste with water and scrub with a grout brush.
  4. Rinse with clean water to remove residue.
  5. Dry with a towel or microfiber mop to prevent streaks.

This method keeps tile floors looking new without harsh chemicals.

Best Way to Clean a Walk-In Shower: Tips for Low-Maintenance Cleaning

Walk-in showers accumulate less grime than traditional bathtubs, but regular cleaning is still essential. The best way to clean a walk in shower is to use non-abrasive cleaners and prevent buildup before it starts.

Quick Cleaning Tips for Walk-In Showers

  • Use a daily spray – After each shower, spritz walls with a vinegar-water solution to minimize soap scum.
  • Wipe down surfaces – A quick wipe with a squeegee prevents water spots.
  • Deep clean once a month – Use non-abrasive cleaners to maintain the finish without damaging surfaces.

KOHLER walk-in showers are designed for effortless cleaning, with durable, non-porous materials that resist buildup.

Why KOHLER Walk-In Baths and Showers Are Easier to Clean

Traditional tile and fiberglass showers require frequent scrubbing to remove mold and soap scum. KOHLER walk-in baths and LuxStone showers, on the other hand, feature low-maintenance, non-porous surfaces that resist dirt and grime.

Key Benefits of KOHLER Walk-In Baths and Showers

  • No grout lines – Eliminates the need for tedious scrubbing.
  • Stain-resistant surfaces – Prevents discoloration and buildup.
  • Durable materials – Designed for long-term cleanliness with minimal effort.

For homeowners who want an easy-to-maintain bathroom, a KOHLER walk-in bath or shower can make your cleaning routine much easier. A thorough bathroom deep clean keeps your space fresh, hygienic, and looking its best. Whether you’re deep cleaning your toilet, scrubbing tile floors, refreshing your shower, or tackling a stained bathtub, these strategies will help you clean more effectively with less effort.

If you’re looking for a bathroom upgrade that’s easier to clean, check out Pacific Bath’s service areas to explore KOHLER walk-in baths and showers designed for effortless maintenance and long-lasting beauty.