Best Bathroom Cleaning Technique: The 3 Pass Method

First Pass: Clear Items and Prep Surfaces

The first thing is to move anything that isn’t bolted down. That means neatly remove all items on the vanity, around the toilet, and in the shower. This includes toiletries, cosmetics, shampoo, soap, etc. This also means clearing dirty laundry and small garbage items. You need to clear the surfaces of physical items in the way.

This is also the step where you spray the exterior and interior of the toilet with heavy-duty cleaner as well as the floor and walls of the shower or tub. This kind of cleaner is best to sit and work passively so it can break down build-up.

Second Pass: Dusting, Cleaning, and Polishing

This is where you will dust vents, windows, counters, vanities, and sweep the floors with a broom. You will also spot clean any visibly grimy areas in the sink, on the floor, or mirrors. (Don’t worry, we’ll go back for a full pass later). You mainly want to get anything visibly dirty cleaned and any dirt or dust cleaned off.

The second part of this pass is wiped down the toilet inside and out. The cleaner has been at work for 10+ minutes by now so you can use paper towels on the exterior. Don’t use a cloth here, it’s better to go disposable. You can save the cloth to use for later on the mirror.

After the toilet, use the shower head to hose down the walls and floors of the shower and wipe the excess water dry with a squeegee. By the way, check out Good Housekeeping for a roundup of the best toilet bowl cleaners for your cleaning business (it’s worth it for this particularly grimy task).

Third Pass: The Final Wipe-Down and Floors

This is where you will use a disinfectant wipe on all points of contact. That includes toilet handle, cabinet knobs, doorknob, faucet handle, shower handles, towel racks, etc. During this time of COVID-19, any cleaning service must be sure to be thorough with disinfectants.

Then, do a full pass and squeegee on the mirror and any other shiny surfaces. It’s best to use a glass cleaner for this. After you’ve added in any new toiletries, you will clean the floor. Start from the furthers point in the bathroom and back your way out cleaning everything until you’ve left your bathroom sparkling clean!