How Often to Clean Every Area of Your Bathroom, From Shower to Sink (2024)

Besides the kitchen, your bathroom is likely the most highly trafficked area of your home, which means it can get dirty fast. From frequent use to high humidity and moisture, the space quickly builds up with bacteria, soap scum, and other grime. Because of this, frequent cleaning of the room is essential. But knowing your bathroom needs to be cleaned is different than knowing how often it should be cleaned. While some areas can go up to a month without receiving attention, other surfaces should be cleaned every few days. To help you come up with a dependable (and sanitary) cleaning schedule, we asked cleaning experts how often you should maintenance every nook and cranny of your bathroom.

How Often to Clean Bathroom Counters

Clean: once a day

Wipe down your bathroom counters at the end of every day to catch any toothpaste spills, stray hairs, or small puddles. "If you keep a microfiber cloth under the sink and take it out once a day to wipe down the counters, you prevent buildup that can get quickly out of hand," says Melissa Maker, a cleaning expert and the founder ofClean My Space. "Toothpaste, especially, feels like you need a jackhammer to remove if it's allowed to dry out for a day or two. But wiping it up while it's still damp is a cinch." If you hang up the microfiber cloth and allow it to dry properly, you can use the same cloth for your evening wipe down for several days before it needs to be laundered.

How Often to Clean the Bathroom Sink

Clean: once a week

Bathroom sinks can be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially when they regularly come into contact with toothpaste, soap, and water. Frequent cleaning helps remove bacteria (and unpleasant odors), preventing the spread of germs and reducing the risk of illness, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO ofAspen Clean. How often you clean the bathroom sink depends on how often it's used, but generally you should clean it at least once a week.

Under the Bathroom Sink

Clean: every two to four weeks

The area under your bathroom sink requires less frequent cleaning than the sink itself. "As part of your regular cleaning routine, cleaning under the bathroom sink at least once a month is advisable," says Sokolowski. "In bathrooms with high humidity levels, you may want to consider cleaning under the sink more frequently, possibly every two weeks, to address moisture-related issues." Cleaning under the bathroom sink will prevent a build-up of grime, irritating allergens, and bacteria.

How Often to Clean the Toilet

Clean: once a week

Your toilet is perhaps one of the most important areas of your bathroom that requires regular maintenance. "The toilet bowl is a breeding ground for bacteria, including potentially harmful ones like E. coli and other pathogens," says Sokolowski. "Regular cleaning helps remove these germs, reducing the risk of illness and the spread of infections." Plan to deep clean your toilet at least once a week, or more if it gets a lot of use, such as in a household with multiple occupants.

How Often to Clean the Shower

Clean: once a week

While deep cleaning your shower should be done at least once a week, giving it attention after every use goes a long way. "It's crucial to keep the shower dry. Soap scum and mildew can't attach to the surfaces of the bath or shower if there's no water to work with," says Maker. "Take 30 seconds after each shower to squeegee the walls and floor." You could also use an absorbent microfiber cloth to dry off shower walls and doors.

How Often to Clean the Bathroom Mirror

Clean: once a week

A clean bathroom mirror doesn't just give the space a polished look, it also prevents toothpaste, soap, water, and other products from accumulating on the surface. "Regular cleaning prevents these substances from drying and hardening, making them more challenging to remove later," says Sokolowski. Make cleaning your bathroom mirror a part of your regular cleaning routine by cleaning it once a week along with other bathroom surfaces.

How Often to Clean the Bathroom Floor

Clean: once a week

Your bathroom floor is a catchall for hair, dust, beauty products, water, and more—regular cleaning is needed to remove these materials and built-up bacteria. What's more, bathroom floors are susceptible to becoming slippery due to water splashes, soap residue, and shampoo spills, so frequent maintenance also helps prevent slips and falls. "It's generally recommended to clean the bathroom floor at least once a week as part of your regular cleaning routine to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, hair, and splashes from toiletries," says Sokolowski.

How Often to Clean the Shower Curtain and Liner

Clean: once a month

Clean your shower curtain and liner at least once a month to prevent the accumulation of soap scum, mold, and mildew. "In bathrooms with high humidity levels, you may need to clean the curtain and liner more frequently, possibly every two weeks or as needed," says Sokolowski. To make the process easier, consider wiping the bottom of your liner (where the most build-up occurs) every time you clean your shower. "If you notice mold or mildew on the curtain or liner, clean it immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled cleaning," says Sokolowski.

How Often to Clean Bathroom Rugs

Rugs and towels can start to smell like mildew if they aren't dried out daily. Hanging towels to dry after bathing and laundering them after two or three uses can help prevent unwanted odors. Rugs should also be laundered regularly to keep the bathroom smelling fresh, says Maker.