As we start descending into the summer of 2016, it seems like a great time to freshen up and get rid of the grime of that may be lurking in our home. A great place to start is the bathroom; you have to admit it, putting a bit of effort in makes walking into a sparkling bathroom so worthwhile and satisfying. Writing and following a to do list can help to keep you motivated and it will also ensure that everything gets done. Why don’t you suit up in your old clothes and rubber gloves, put on your favourite tunes in the background, and give your bathroom a much needed deep clean. You will be impressed with the results and appreciate having a bathroom that feels brand new. Here’s what you need to do. What you will need:

• Glass cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Tile and grout cleaner; use an acid-based cleaner to target soap buildup
• Bucket; choose a double-sided one if possible
• Grout brush
• Toilet brush
• Broom or vacuum
• Microfiber mop
• Extendable duster
• Step-ladder
• Cleaning cloths
• Sponges or stiff brush
• Plastic sack to line bin
• Rubber gloves (optional)

STRIP IT

Remove any shower curtains, bath mats, towels and blinds/curtains from your bathroom. Wash in washing machine if possible, if not wash down. Leave to dry and replace at the end of your clean.

EMPTY AND CLEAN THE BIN

Empty the bathroom bin and clean it using your all-purpose cleaner. Add in new liner.

CLEAN ALL GLASS

Clean the windows and screens using glass cleaner. Ideally you should use a daily screen wash to prevent dirt and limescale build up.

VACUUM VENTS, FIXTURES AND CORNERS

Vacuum any vents and light fixtures, also make sure that you get rid of any cobwebs lurking in the corners and use the duster to remove them.

CLEAN PICTURES AND ARTWORK

Clean any pictures and mirrors you have in the bathroom; you can use the glass cleaner which will make them extra shiny. Make sure you spray the cleaner onto a cloth and not directly onto the pictures as this could damage them.

CLEAN ALL OUTER SURFACES

Clean down any outer surfaces, including windowsills, countertops, the outside of the toilet and sinks using a cloth and a bucket of all-purpose cleaner.

SCRUB SHOWER, BATH AND WALLS

Scrub down and clean the shower and bath tub. For the shower walls, make sure you scrub the grout with a grout brush and grout cleaner. Clean the shower head by tying a bag full of white vinegar to it overnight and then scrubbing and rinsing with water in the morning.

DEEP CLEAN THE TOILET WITH BAKING SODA

Scrub the inside of the toilet with a toilet brush. If you pour in a cup of baking soda first and leave for a few minutes, it will help make your toilet sparkly white.

DE-CLUTTER AND THROW OUT THE OLD

Clean out all of your bathroom cupboards and get rid of things you don’t need. If your bathroom is cluttered it won’t feel as clean when you finish. Throw away any expired products and restock if necessary. Make sure any toothbrush holders are cleaned out too.

VACUUM AND MOP THE FLOOR

Vacuum the floor and follow by washing with a mop, or use a cloth on your hands and knees to get to those hard to reach areas.

BRING BACK CURTAINS, MATS AND ACCESSORIES

Finish your epic cleaning session by pouring baking soda or vinegar down all the drains and returning the bath mats, curtains/blinds and towels.