Hello, dear readers! We recently discussed the importance of linen closets. Today, I’m excited to take this topic a little further, and talk about decluttering and cleaning the bathroom efficiently and economically.. I know, I know—cleaning the bathroom isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a fun time. But trust me, with the right mindset and a few simple tricks, you can transform your bathroom into a clean, clutter-free oasis. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to do it!

Step 1: Clear Out the Clutter

The first step in decluttering any space is to remove what you don’t need. Bathrooms are notorious for accumulating all sorts of items—half-used lotions, expired medications, old razors, and countless other bits and bobs. Start by taking everything out of your bathroom cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Lay it all out on a towel so you can see what you’re working with. I’ll be honest, I have, in the past, been guilty of saving these items for the ‘just in case’ situations. However, over time, I have realized that as much as my middle-class upbringing tries to stop me from discarding these bits, the truth is, these bits simply take up space, preventing one from enjoying the visual impact of minimalism.

Now, let’s play a little game called “Keep, Toss, or Donate.” For each item, ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Do I use this regularly? If you haven’t used it in the last three months (and it’s not a seasonal item like sunscreen), it’s probably safe to toss.
  2. Is it expired or past its prime? Yes, even beauty products and medications have a shelf life. Check the expiration dates and get rid of anything that’s no longer good.
  3. Does it still work or serve a purpose? This one’s for all those old razors, stretched-out hair ties, and broken bath toys. If it’s not doing its job, it’s time to say goodbye.

Step 2: Organize What’s Left

Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to organize what’s left. Here are a few of my favorite, budget-friendly organizing tips:

  • Use clear containers: Clear containers are a great way to store smaller items like cotton swabs, hairpins, and makeup brushes. You can find them at most dollar stores, and they make it easy to see what you have at a glance.
  • Repurpose old jars and tins: Before you recycle that empty mason jar or mint tin, consider giving it a second life as a storage container. Jars are perfect for holding toothbrushes or makeup brushes, while tins can be used for hair accessories or jewelry.
  • Install shelf risers or small baskets: Shelf risers help maximize vertical space inside cabinets, while small baskets or bins can keep like items together and easy to access.
  • Magnetic strips for small metal items: If you’re always losing bobby pins or tweezers, try attaching a magnetic strip to the inside of a cabinet door. It’s an easy way to keep these small, metal items organized and within reach.

Step 3: Deep Clean Like a Pro

With the clutter out of the way and your items neatly organized, it’s time to give your bathroom a good deep clean. Here are some of my favorite economical cleaning tips and tricks:

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda Magic

You’ve heard this one before, but that’s because it works wonders. To clean your sink, tub, and toilet, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the surface, then spray with white vinegar. Let it fizz for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush. This natural cleaning duo is excellent for cutting through soap scum and grime without the need for harsh chemicals. Easy on the wallet, and easy on your lungs too!

2. Lemon Freshness

Lemons aren’t just for making lemonade—they’re also fantastic for cleaning. Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub away hard water stains on faucets and fixtures. The acidity of the lemon will help dissolve mineral deposits, while the natural oils will leave your bathroom smelling fresh and citrusy. And your hands will thank you too!

3. DIY Glass Cleaner

Forget expensive glass cleaners! You can make your own with just a few ingredients: mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of dish soap. This simple solution works great on mirrors and glass shower doors. Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine.

4. Easy Grout Cleaner

If your grout lines are looking a bit dingy, don’t worry—you don’t need a professional cleaner to get them looking new again. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the grout lines, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse with warm water. For stubborn stains, add a little hydrogen peroxide to the mix for extra cleaning power.

5. Showerhead Soak

Showerheads can accumulate mineral buildup over time, which can affect water pressure and quality. To clean your showerhead, fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak for an hour or two, then remove the bag and run the water to rinse away any remaining vinegar and mineral deposits. Another easy trick is to simply use a scrubber to run white vinegar over the shower head, some elbow grease is all it takes! Plus, you get a great workout!

Step 4: Maintain Your Sparkling Bathroom

Congratulations, your bathroom is now decluttered and sparkling clean! The key to keeping it that way is regular maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of things:

  • Adopt a “one in, one out” policy: For every new product you bring into the bathroom, commit to getting rid of an old one. This will help prevent clutter from building up again.
  • Wipe down surfaces daily: Keep a pack of cleaning wipes or a spray bottle of your DIY glass cleaner in the bathroom. A quick wipe-down of the sink, counters, and mirrors every day can prevent grime from building up.
  • Tackle one small task each week: Break bathroom maintenance into manageable chunks by tackling one small task each week. One week, you might focus on cleaning the grout; the next, you might declutter under the sink.
  • Declutter regularly: Make it a habit to declutter your bathroom every few months. This will help you stay on top of things and ensure you’re only keeping what you actually use and need.
  • Dry dry dry your bathroom: Use a squeegee to dry down the bathroom counters. Humidity causes odors, preventing your bathroom from smelling and feeling like you want it to. So go ahead, make it a habit to use the squeegee in the shower too. A quick 2 seconds run of the squeegee will the shower walls nice and dry.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering and cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By breaking it down into manageable steps and using a few simple, budget-friendly tricks, you can create a clean, organized space that feels fresh and inviting. Remember, the bathroom is often the first place we visit in the morning and the last place we visit at night, so it’s worth putting in the effort to make it a space you enjoy.

Thank you for joining me today! I hope these tips inspire you to tackle your own bathroom decluttering and cleaning project. If you have any other tips or tricks, I’d love to hear them—leave a comment below! Happy cleaning!