13 Mar 2025 How Often Should You Really Be Cleaning Your Bathroom?
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Nobody teaches you how often you really need to clean your bathroom—and although you might get a feel for what works for your given routine and household over the years, there actually are guidelines that one should stick to for optimal cleanliness and that cleaning professionals tend to recommend.
If you’ve been wondering how often you really need to be cleaning your bathroom but were too afraid to ask, we’ve got you covered. We spoke to Robin Murphy, a cleaning expert and the president at Maid Brigade in Westchester, New York, in order to better understand the cleaning frequency required in order to maintain a clean and germ-free bathroom.
Here’s everything you need to know about how often you should really be cleaning your bathroom—as well as expert tips on how to ensure you’re cleaning efficiently every time you take out your rubber gloves and toilet brush:
How often should you clean your bathroom?
According to Murphy, you should really be cleaning your bathroom at least once a week in order to ensure optimal cleanliness.
“Regular cleaning helps prevent build-up of grime, soap scum and bacteria,” she explains. “The more people who use a household bathroom, the more frequent the cleans should be to prevent germ buildup, odors, and hard water stains.”
How often should you clean a guest bathroom?
Murphy says that powder rooms (as in a bathroom with a sink and toilet—no bathtub or shower) that is used on a regular basis doesn’t necessarily have to be cleaned as frequently as a main bathroom. “The toilet and high-touch areas (light switches, doorknobs, fixture handles) should be cleaned and disinfected every week or two depending on usage,” she explains.
Guest bathrooms (as in the one that is pretty much only used when guests visit) can be cleaned even less frequently but still need regular light maintenance to maintain cleanliness. “The guest bathroom should be cleaned at least monthly to prevent dust and dirt accumulation and certainly before any guest visit,” she adds.
What are the signs that a bathroom needs to be cleaned?
According to Murphy, signs that a bathroom needs to be cleaned include visible dirt or grime, such as soap scum, toothpaste stains, water spots, dust buildup, and cobwebs. Unpleasant odors, like musty smells or lingering odors from moisture or waste, are another sign it’s time for a clean. Slow drains, water stains, or rings around faucets, showerheads, or the toilet also indicate a need for cleaning as are smudges and streaks on mirrors and overflowing trash receptacles.
“While you could watch for clear signs that a bathroom needs to be cleaned, it’s always good to clean a bathroom before they become visible,” points out Murphy. “Regular cleaning helps maintain a fresh and hygienic environment.”