Quick Answer
Deep clean your bathroom in 8 steps: (1) Remove items and pre-soak fixtures, (2) apply cleaning products and let sit, (3) clean top to bottom, (4) scrub shower/tub and grout, (5) sanitize toilet inside and out, (6) clean sink and vanity, (7) polish mirrors and glass, (8) finish with floors. Allow 1.5-2 hours for a thorough deep clean. San Diego tip: Use vinegar for hard water stains—our water leaves mineral deposits on everything!
Bathrooms take a beating. Between steam, soap scum, toothpaste splatter, and constant moisture, they need more than a quick wipe-down to stay truly clean. A proper deep clean every few weeks prevents mold growth, eliminates odors, and keeps your bathroom looking (and smelling) fresh.
If you live in San Diego, you face an extra challenge: our notoriously hard water. Those white, crusty deposits on your faucets, showerheads, and glass doors? That's calcium and magnesium from our water supply. This guide includes specific strategies for tackling San Diego's hard water stains alongside all your standard bathroom cleaning tasks.
Bathroom Deep Cleaning Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you don't miss any spots. Print it out or save it to your phone for reference.
1Toilet
- Scrub inside bowl
- Clean toilet seat (top & bottom)
- Wipe exterior & base
- Clean behind toilet
- Sanitize handle
- Wipe surrounding floor
2Shower/Tub
- Scrub walls and corners
- Clean grout lines
- Descale showerhead
- Wipe fixtures
- Clean drain
- Wash shower curtain or clean glass doors
3Sink & Vanity
- Scrub sink basin
- Clean faucet & handles
- Wipe countertop
- Clean cabinet fronts
- Organize under sink
- Empty trash
4Mirrors & Glass
- Clean all mirrors
- Wipe light fixtures
- Clean glass shelves
- Polish chrome fixtures
5Floors & Extras
- Sweep/vacuum floor
- Mop entire floor
- Wipe baseboards
- Clean exhaust fan
- Wash bath mats
- Refill dispensers
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Guide
Remove and Pre-Soak
Remove all items from counters, shower, and tub. Take out trash, rugs, and towels. Pre-soak shower door tracks, soap dishes, and toothbrush holders in hot soapy water.
Apply Cleaning Products
Spray toilet bowl cleaner inside the bowl. Apply shower/tub cleaner to walls, floor, and fixtures. Let products sit 5-10 minutes while you tackle other areas.
Clean from Top to Bottom
Start with exhaust fan, light fixtures, and top of medicine cabinet. Work down to mirrors, walls, and tile. This prevents dirty water from dripping onto already-cleaned surfaces.
Deep Clean the Shower/Tub
Scrub all walls, corners, and floor. Clean grout lines with a brush. Descale showerhead (soak in vinegar overnight for best results). Wipe down glass doors or curtain rod.
Sanitize the Toilet
Scrub inside the bowl with a brush. Clean the exterior, including base, behind, and around hinges. Don't forget the handle and surrounding wall area. Wipe tank top and lid.
Clean Sink and Vanity
Scrub sink basin, faucet, and handles. Clean inside and under the vanity. Wipe down cabinet fronts and handles. Organize and wipe drawer interiors.
Polish Mirrors and Glass
Use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth for streak-free mirrors. Clean any glass shelving. Wipe down light fixtures and switch plates.
Finish with Floors
Sweep or vacuum, then mop with appropriate floor cleaner. Get into corners and behind the toilet. Wipe baseboards. Replace clean rugs and restock supplies.
Tackling San Diego's Hard Water
San Diego consistently ranks among the hardest water cities in the U.S. Here's how to deal with the mineral buildup that plagues local bathrooms:
Showerheads & Faucets
Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band, and let soak overnight. In the morning, scrub with an old toothbrush and run water to flush. Repeat monthly for ongoing prevention.
Glass Shower Doors
Those cloudy glass doors are coated with mineral deposits. Apply a paste of baking soda and dish soap, let sit 15 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch pad. For stubborn spots, use a plastic razor scraper. Finish with Rain-X to repel future buildup.
Toilet Bowl Rings
That stubborn ring at the water line is mineral buildup, not stains. Turn off water, flush to drain, then apply a pumice stone (wet it first to avoid scratching). For ongoing prevention, drop a vinegar-baking soda "bomb" weekly.
Pro Tip: Consider a Water Softener
If hard water is a constant battle, a whole-house water softener pays for itself in reduced cleaning time and longer appliance life. Local companies like Culligan San Diego or Kinetico can assess your home.
Mold Prevention for Coastal Homes
If you live near the coast—La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado, or Point Loma—your bathroom faces higher humidity from marine air. Mold loves moisture, so prevention is key:
- Run the exhaust fan for 20-30 minutes after showering, not just during.
- Squeegee shower walls after each use to reduce moisture on surfaces.
- Leave the door open when not in use to promote airflow.
- Seal grout annually with a quality grout sealer to prevent moisture penetration.
- Check caulk regularly and replace when it starts to peel or discolor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you deep clean a bathroom?
Deep clean your bathroom every 2-4 weeks, with weekly maintenance cleaning in between. High-traffic bathrooms or those in coastal San Diego areas may need deep cleaning every 2 weeks due to increased humidity and salt air exposure.
What's the best way to remove mold from bathroom grout?
For mild mold, spray with a 1:1 vinegar-water solution and scrub with a stiff brush. For stubborn mold, apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub. San Diego's coastal humidity makes regular grout sealing essential.
How do you get rid of hard water stains in San Diego?
San Diego's hard water leaves white mineral deposits on fixtures. Apply undiluted white vinegar to the stained area, wrap with a plastic bag or cloth, let sit 30-60 minutes, then scrub. For glass shower doors, a razor blade scraper works on stubborn buildup.
Should I clean the bathroom fan during deep cleaning?
Absolutely. Bathroom exhaust fans collect dust and moisture, reducing efficiency. Remove the cover, soak it in soapy water, and vacuum dust from the fan blades. A clean fan prevents mold growth by properly venting humidity.
Ready for a Sparkling Bathroom?
Let Metla House Cleaning handle your bathroom deep clean. Our San Diego professionals know exactly how to tackle hard water stains, mold prevention, and every grimy corner.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.