The inside-out bathroom cleaning method is a systematic approach, making bathroom cleaning more efficient and thorough.
This technique focuses on starting with the dirtiest areas central to your bathroom life, moving to the lesser-used spots – ensuring no surface is re-contaminated once cleaned.
Armed with the ultimate cleaning supplies, our expert guide will have your bathroom sparkling in no time.
How to do the inside-out bathroom cleaning method
Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, says, 'The inside-out method prevents cross-contamination because you’re hitting the messiest areas right off the bat.'
Here's what you need to get started.
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Before you get busy, it pays to be prepared. Useful products worth having at the ready include:
- Gloves (these Clorox Ultra Comfort Cleaning Gloves from Target offer reliable protection)
- Cloths (this E-Cloth Starter Cleaning Pack from Amazon ensures a thorough, lint-free clean)
- Duster (this Swiffer Duster Heavy Duty Duster from Amazon is extendable, ensuring no tricky spots escape your deep clean)
- Mop (this Swiffer Power Mop from Target combines well with Swiffer Fresh Power Mop Floor Cleaning Solution, also from Target)
- Toilet cleaner (this Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner Clinging Bleach Gel, available from Walmart, comes with great reviews and a refreshing 'ocean mist' scent)
- Glass cleaner (this Sprayway Streakless Glass Cleaner from Amazon will have your shower screen and mirror sparkling)
- All-purpose spray (try this Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner from Target, or mix this Great Value Distilled White Vinegar from Walmart with water)
Having your cleaning essentials to hand will ensure a quick and efficient clean that doesn't take any more of your day than necessary.
The perfect companion for eco-friendly cleaning, this trusted baking soda brand has multiple bathroom applications, include unclogging drains (use with vinegar and hot water) or addressing stubborn stains (mix with water to make a paste). Boasting thousands of great reviews, this baking soda makes for a gentle but effective member of your cleaning arsenal.
This triple pack of scratch-free sponges is ideal for getting your bathroom gleaming. These colorful sponges pack a punch thanks to Scrub Daddy's 'FlexTexture' foam, which goes firm in cold water for tough scrubbing and soft in warm water for light cleaning. This versatile cleaning tool is worth having to hand as you attack your bathroom's sink and shower.
This high-quality white vinegar – which comes with more than 10,000 five-star Amazon customer reviews – is a powerful, natural cleaning agent that can effectively remove grease, mineral deposits and odors in your bathroom. Combine with baking soda and hot water to unclog shower and sink drains, or mix with water for an all-purpose bathroom cleaning spray.
Step 2: Let your chemicals soak
Before you jump to action, it pays to allow your key chemicals some time to work their magic. Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'I always like to leave cleaning agents acting on the key surfaces for a while – especially inside toilets and on shower walls.
'For your toilet, Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel from Amazon is ideal. Because it’s a gel, it sticks to the toilet rim and you can leave it there for up to 30 minutes. For the shower, CLR Brilliant Bathroom Cleaner Spray, also available from Amazon, is fantastic for removing limescale deposits, especially those on your shower glass and walls.'
Step 3: Declutter
While you cleaning agents are hard at work, tick off tasks on your bathroom decluttering checklist. Whether addressing the whole bathroom or just a small section, it will make the end result that much better.
Evans adds, 'Sometimes having too many personal care or hygiene products can make your bathroom look messy and overwhelming. Taking ten minutes to have a clear-out can make all the difference.'
Start by clearing the area – such as emptying drawers to make more space in your vanity. Dispose of any out-of-date medicines or old items you no longer use. Give the shelves a quick clean – a simple vinegar and water spray will do the trick – before replacing your streamlined contents.
For extra tips and tricks, our ultimate decluttering tips guide will get you on your way
Step 4: Start with the shower
Though some start with the toilet, most cleaners advise beginning the inside-out method at the bath or shower.
Will Cotter, owner of FreshSpace Cleaning, says, 'Kick things off by heading straight for the shower or tub. Your shower or bath is usually the spot needing the most attention, thanks to the soap scum and mildew that can build up over time.
'Remove any items like shampoo bottles and loofahs, then spray your favorite shower cleaner generously on all surfaces. I like to use Clorox Bathroom Ultra Foamer from Walmart because it only takes three minutes, and there’s no need to scrub. Simply rinse with water.'
Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, recommends SC Johnson's Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer. She says, 'This product expertly tackles soap scum, mold, and mildew on shower walls, doors, and tubs. Its foaming action expands into hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a deep clean.
'Scrub the product across the walls and floor of the shower or tub. Focus on grout lines and corners where mildew might accumulate, using a brush or scrubber for these toughest areas. Rinse thoroughly with water to finish.'
For more top tips, see our guide on how to clean a shower in eight steps.
Step 5: Tackle the toilet
Next, it's time to tackle the toilet. Cotter says, 'To begin, apply a good amount of toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit. Our top pick is Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner, available from Target, because of its thick gel formula that clings to the bowl, upping its cleaning power.
'While that’s doing its thing, clean the exterior with an all-purpose cleaner. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush after cleaning. Don’t forget to rinse the brush, too. Pop it between the toilet seat and bowl to let the excess water drip off.'
Muffetta Krueger, owner of Muffetta Domestic Assistants, recommends Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, available from Walmart. She says, 'Killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria, this excellent spray is perfect for toilets, as well as high-touch areas like sinks and handles.'
To ensure your bathroom retains a fresh smell, check out these nine tips cleaners swear by for fresh-smelling bathrooms.
Step 6: Spruce the sink
After the shower, bath and toilet are sorted, turn your attentions to the sink area.
Cotter says, 'Next, spray your all-purpose cleaner on the sink and vanity surfaces. For this area, we like The Pink Stuff Miracle Multi-Purpose Cleaner from Amazon. It’s so easy to use! Spray and wipe everything down thoroughly, including the faucet and any items on the countertop. You can use an old toothbrush for tight spaces.
'If there are stains, the other variant– The Pink Stuff Miracle All-Purpose Cleaning Paste from Amazon – works great, too! It’s a must-have for me, because it's so effective, and you can use it to clean other things too.'
Alternatively, Toner recommends Method All-Purpose Cleaner, available from Walmart, which comes in a range of scents from citrus to lavender. She adds, 'This plant-based cleaner works well on countertops and sinks, providing an eco-friendly option that cuts through dirt and grease without harsh chemicals. Its versatility makes it a great choice for various surfaces.'
Evans adds, 'If you have natural stone countertops – such as granite or marble – you should use a specialized cleaner like the Weiman Disinfectant Granite Cleaner from Amazon. I like that it doesn’t leave any streaks and you only need a spritz to clean the entire surface. If you have laminate countertops, you can use a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution with a drop of dish soap.'
Step 7: Move to the mirrors
The penultimate step is to give any mirrors or glass a spruce.
Toner says, 'Spray a glass cleaner on the mirrors and wipe with a microfiber cloth or lint-free towel. This ensures streak-free, shiny surfaces. For glass shower doors, use a solution of vinegar and water to remove water spots.'
Windex Original Blue Glass Cleaner Spray, available from Target, comes with thousands of five-star reviews, while Evans recommends the Zep Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner Concentrate from Amazon.
Step 8: Finish with the floor
The inside-out bathroom cleaning method concludes with your floor.
Krueger says, 'Sweep, vacuum, and mop the floor, ensuring any residue from cleaning the shower or toilet is removed. Work from the farthest point back to the door to avoid stepping on the clean floor.
'For wooden floors, I recommend this Method Squirt & Mop Wooden Floor Cleaner. Non-toxic and effective, it’s gentle yet powerful for bathroom floors, leaving a fresh scent without harsh chemicals.'
Cotter adds, 'This area collects way more dust, dirt and grime than you'd think! Sweep or vacuum first, then mop with the right cleaner. O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop from Amazon cuts off my rinsing time because I don’t have to wring it manually. If there are tough spots (like toothpaste splatters), go over them again with a damp cloth or sponge.'
So there you have it – our guide to the inside-out bathroom cleaning method. By following this simple strategy, you'll avoid contamination while bringing your bathroom back to its brilliant best.
Next, check out these six tips every cleaning fanatic swears by.
