If you’re a Type A queen of pristine who juggles life and manages to keep a Pinterest-perfect home with not a speck of dust or stray sock in sight, you either have life completely figured out, are Beyonce, or both. In that case, this may not be the read for you. However, if you’re one of those with a demanding schedule, or kids, or pets, or maybe you’re just tired and choose to hide a less-than-pristine tub behind a shower curtain because that’s just your truth that day . . . welcome. Cleaning the bathroom isn’t hard, but we get the struggle.

Scrubbing a tub is labor-intensive, there are a ton of tiny corners to pay attention to, and you’re dealing with several different products: glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, multipurpose cleaner—it’s just a lot for probably the smallest space in your home. But you know it must be done, and if you’re trying to shift your household habits and aspire to be the neat freak mentioned earlier, this guide will help take off some of the overwhelm so you can confidently approach cleaning your bathroom with confidence.

Declutter first.

First things first, remove any unnecessary items, expired toiletries, and old magazines that might be cluttering your bathroom shelves or collecting dust. Start by emptying all cabinets and shelves. You don’t need that half-empty bottle of lotion, we promise. Throw away any products that are past their prime—be painfully honest here—or store what you can salvage out of sight.

Gather your cleaning arsenal.

The bathroom is a battlefield. But you are Joan of Arc. To conquer this territory successfully, you’re going to need the right tools and cleaning products. Here’s a checklist—get in, we’re going shopping.

• Disinfectant Cleaner: Choose a reliable disinfectant cleaner to eliminate germs and bacteria effectively. Look for one that’s safe for various surfaces in your bathroom, including tiles, countertops, and the toilet bowl.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Invest in a quality toilet bowl cleaner for a spotless throne. Why not go for one with a pleasant fragrance to leave your bathroom smelling fresh?
• Glass Cleaner: This is for shiny mirrors and glass surfaces. A streak-free formula is essential to achieve that impeccable shine.
• Scrub Brush: A good scrub brush will help you tackle grime and stains. Make sure it has sturdy bristles to handle tough spots.
• Microfiber Cloths: These are perfect for wiping and shining surfaces without leaving streaks. Stock up on several so you can use them for different tasks.
• Rubber Gloves: Mess up that fresh mani? Absolutely not. Protect your hands while cleaning by choosing gloves that are comfortable and durable.

Create a cleaning routine.

Consistency is key to maintaining a clean bathroom. Set up a regular cleaning schedule that works for you. It could be a weekly deep clean where you put on your favorite playlist and get to it, buffered by daily quick touch-ups like wiping down surfaces and sweeping.

Don’t be afraid to tackle the tub.

Apply your chosen cleaner, let it sit for a few minutes while you take care of something small like countertops or mirrors, and then scrub away the soap scum and grime. Rinse thoroughly, and you’ll have a sparkling clean bathing space. This is honestly half the battle, because the tub is often the focal point of your bathroom, and a dirty one can make the whole space feel icky.

Pay attention to the corners, grout lines, and any areas with visible stains or mold. Use a scrub brush to tackle tough spots and make sure your tub or shower floor is not slippery when wet.

Show the toilet some love.

Apply toilet bowl cleaner and use a toilet brush to scrub away stains and odors. Don’t forget the flush handle and exterior too. Finish with a disinfectant wipe-down for a germ-free porcelain throne.

Shine those surfaces.

Use your glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to clean mirrors, countertops, and any glass surfaces. Wipe down all surfaces, making sure they gleam without streaks.

When cleaning glass surfaces, start from the top and work your way down to catch any drips. Fold your microfiber cloth into quarters for maximum cleaning efficiency, and use a separate cloth for the mirrors to avoid any residue from other surfaces.

Tackle the floors and tiles.

Sweep and mop the floors, paying attention to corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. For tile grout, consider using a specialized grout cleaner to keep it looking fresh.

For tiled floors, sweep or vacuum first to remove loose dirt and debris, followed by mopping. Use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to clean grout lines thoroughly. If you do choose to use a toothbrush, do yourself a huge favor and label it, and store it somewhere far, far away so you—or an unsuspecting guest or loved one—don’t grab it to brush their teeth by mistake.

Don’t forget the fixtures.

These are often the most forgotten surfaces, but not a chance under your careful eye. Faucets, handles, and knobs can accumulate fingerprints, germs, and water spots. Wipe them down to restore their shine. Consider using a stainless steel or chrome cleaner for faucets and showerheads to maintain their luster.

Add the finishing touches.

When your bathroom is sparkling clean, add these finishing touches to raise that vibe of cleanliness, because you’re on fire at this point.

• Place fresh towels neatly on towel bars or hooks. Choose towels that complement your bathroom’s color scheme to tie everything together.
• Add a pleasant fragrance with air fresheners or scented candles. Go for scents that create a relaxing atmosphere, such as lavender or eucalyptus.
• Keep a small potted plant or some fresh flowers to bring some nature indoors. Plants like snake plants and peace lilies thrive in bathroom environments.
• Make sure all toiletries are organized and well-labeled. Use clear containers or baskets to keep items tidy and easily accessible.