Teaching Kids to Clean the Bathroom

If you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m a huge advocate for teaching your kids life skills, especially in the summertime! It’s certainly not glamorous, but one valuable skill that everyone should know how to do is clean a bathroom. Skills like these will serve your kids well into adulthood and go a long way in helping families share household responsibilities. The burden should not be all on you!

All of the hard work training your kids pays off tenfold when you can assign bathrooms to your kids and they get cleaned without you. I can speak from experience when I say it’s GLORIOUS!

Here’s a simple guide and checklist to help you teach your kids how to clean the bathroom effectively.

Why Teach Kids to Clean the Bathroom?

1. Responsibility: Cleaning chores help children understand the importance of taking care of their surroundings.
2. Hygiene: A clean bathroom is essential for health and hygiene, reducing the spread of germs and bacteria.
3. Independence: Kids gain confidence and independence as they learn to complete tasks on their own.
4. Teamwork: Working together to clean the bathroom can strengthen family bonds and teach teamwork.

Getting Started: Supplies You’ll Need

Before diving into the cleaning process, gather the necessary supplies. Keep what you can in a caddy to make it easier for kids to move from room to room.

• Rubber gloves
• Cleaning cloths or sponges
• Toilet brush
• Bathroom cleaner (non-toxic options are best for kids)
• Glass cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Trash bags

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Bathroom with Kids

As you work through this list of typical bathroom cleaning activities, first model for your kiddos how each step is done and which supplies are needed for each. The first few times, clean the bathroom together so your kids have an opportunity to ask you questions as you go along. Talk out loud while you are cleaning, describing in detail what you are doing.

Next, have them try it with you present, guiding them along.

Once they have it down, move on to letting them clean on their own, with you checking their work at the end of the cleaning session. Eventually, you’ll be able to give them free reign to clean the bathroom all by themselves.

1. Clear the Clutter: Remove all items from the countertops, shower, and bathtub. Put them away or set them in the bedroom/hallway if they live on the counter. This includes toiletries, towels, and any other personal items. Take towels and rugs to the laundry.
2. Take Out the Trash: Empty the trash can and replace the liner.
3. Dust and Sweep: Dust off surfaces and sweep or vacuum the floor to remove hair and debris.
4. Clean the Sink and Countertops: Spray the bathroom cleaner on the sink and countertops. Wipe them down with a cloth or sponge.
5. Scrub the Toilet: Use the toilet brush and cleaner to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Wipe down the outside of the toilet, including the seat and tank.
6. Tackle the Tub and Shower: Spray the cleaner in the bathtub and shower area. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge or brush.
7. Wipe Down Mirrors and Fixtures: Use glass cleaner to make the mirrors sparkle. Wipe down faucets and other fixtures.
8. Mop the Floor: Use a mop to clean the bathroom floor thoroughly.
9. Put Everything Back: Return all personal items to their places and make sure everything looks neat and tidy.

Make it fun: if you have more than one bathroom, and two kids who are old enough, make it a race to see who can clean the bathroom the fastest while still getting good results. Winner gets to pick the movie for Movie Night! (They can also race you for an extra challenge!)

For a longer refresher on how to introduce new life skills to kids, revisit my Teaching Life Skills blog.

Other blogs you might find interesting: Teaching Kids to Do Laundry + Building a Cleaning Caddy

Kid-Friendly Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

Here’s a handy checklist for kids to use while cleaning the bathroom. You can print it out, laminate it, and let them check off each task as they complete it. Keep the checklist and a dry erase marker in the caddy with the cleaning supplies.

By teaching your kids how to clean the bathroom, you’re equipping them with a vital life skill that will serve them well in the future. Make it a fun and educational experience, and watch them take pride in a job well done.

If your bathrooms need some decluttering and organization before getting the kids involved, reach out to me. The team would love to help you reach your goals of an organized and clean home!

Happy cleaning – and happy organizing!

Susie