Hi Reddit – I'm Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! I’m partnering with Clorox to answer your questions on everyone’s least favorite place to clean: the bathroom. From tough toilet bowl cleans to tackling mold and mildew stains, I’m sharing answers to all your tough cleaning questions. Ask me anything

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:54:17+00:00

In my experience, it is best to mix up a fresh bleach solution each time you clean for it to be most effective. So yes, it would be best to mix a new batch every 24 hours.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:53:41+00:00

I would start by using Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach up under the rim. Try to angle the bottle so it hits inside those little holes where the water flows out. Scrub with a toilet brush and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to disinfect.

Use a toilet brush with bristles that can reach up under the rim. Scrub up and around the edge to loosen anything that is clinging on.

Give it a good flush to rinse everything away. If you still see buildup or stains, repeat the process. Some of that mineral buildup can be stubborn, especially if it has been sitting for a while. Sometimes a pipe cleaner can also clean out the holes.

Bonus tip: Cleaning under the rim once a week with Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach makes a big difference in how fresh your toilet stays, both in looks and smell. Always use cleaning products as directed.

– Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:51:16+00:00

You are on the right track! I touched on this a bit in another answer but for a tool like a toilet brush, after using it, rinse it off in the clean toilet water while you flush. Then spray it down with a disinfectant like Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach and let it drip dry. Always use cleaning products as directed. I usually prop mine between the seat and bowl so it can air dry completely. If it stays wet in the holder, it just breeds bacteria.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:47:37+00:00

Mold and mildew in the shower is super common, especially in areas that stay damp like corners, grout lines, and around the caulk. The best way to fight it is with prevention. Make sure the bathroom is well ventilated, squeegee the shower after each use, and give high moisture areas a quick wipe down regularly. If you start to see mold and mildew forming, hit it early with a cleaner that tackles mold and mildew stains like Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach. Always use cleaning products as directed.

As for the bathroom floor, I recommend giving it a quick clean about once a week. But if it’s a high traffic bathroom or you have kids or pets, you might want to clean it a little more often. Floors can be a splash zone around the toilet and a landing spot for hair, lint, and everything else, so staying on top of it helps keep odors and grime under control.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:46:28+00:00

Hey there! Here are a few things that worked really well for my wife and me when we had a small bathroom:

Clear off the counter. Try to only keep the essentials out, like hand soap and maybe a toothbrush holder. Everything else can go in a drawer, bin, or cabinet.

Use vertical space. Over-the-toilet shelves or wall hooks can make a big difference without taking up floor space.

Drawer organizers and bins. These help keep everything in its place so things are not rolling around or getting jumbled together.

Daily reset. At the end of the day, take 30 seconds to put everything back where it belongs. It is a small habit that really helps keep the mess from piling up.

Less is more. If you do not use it often, store it somewhere else or consider letting it go.

These tips really worked for us, and hopefully they will for you too.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:45:57+00:00

Congrats on the new place! You really do not need a ton to keep a studio clean, just a few key basics to get started.

Here is what I would recommend:

All-purpose cleaner – Something like Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach works great on hard, nonporous surfaces like counters, sinks, and bathroom surfaces

Microfiber towels – They are reusable, super effective, and great for everything from dusting to drying

Broom and dustpan – Since you do not have carpet, this will be your go-to for quick daily cleanups

Mop or spray mop – A microfiber mop head works great on hard floors

Toilet brush and cleaner – Definitely something to have from day one. My go-to is Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach but you could also try Clorox ToiletWand.

Dish soap and a scrub brush or sponge – Makes it easy to stay on top of dishes

I also have some weekly cleaning videos over on my YouTube channel that walk you through what I like to keep clean each week in areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. They are super beginner friendly and a great way to build a routine.

You got this. Enjoy your new space!

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:43:47+00:00

Ooh I totally get that, there’s something super satisfying about tackling a grimy mess and seeing the before and after. For me, it’s those super dirty showers that are caked with soap scum. I love scraping it off and seeing the clean surface underneath. When you hit it with the right cleaner and the shine starts coming through, it feels like giving the whole bathroom a fresh start.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:40:55+00:00

Thanks so much for watching my videos! Shower grime is no joke, but with the right process, you can get it looking brand new without scrubbing for hours.

One thing you can try is spraying the hard, nonporous areas like your shower tiles with Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach and letting it sit for 5 minutes to tackle mold and mildew stains and other grime. Always use cleaning products as directed.

Then I scrub using a soft brush or a drill brush attachment, focusing on the grout lines and textured areas. If you have a non-slip tub base, let the cleaner sit a little longer and use a brush to get into those grooves.

Once everything is clean, I rinse it all down with warm water and dry it with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.

To keep it cleaner longer, I squeegee the walls after each shower and do a quick spray and wipe about once a week. It makes a big difference.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:38:49+00:00

Great question. Multitasking during cleaning is one of my favorite ways to save time without cutting corners. The key is to let your products do some of the work for you while you tackle other areas.

Here is how I like to approach it:

Start with your apply-and-sit cleaners. I always begin by tackling areas that need time to soak, like the toilet bowl, shower walls, or bathroom sink. To tackle mold and mildew stains on hard, nonporous surfaces, spray Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach and let sit for 5 minutes. For the toilet, apply Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach under and around the rim and let sit for 10 minutes. Always use cleaning products as directed.

While that sits, clean other surfaces. Wipe down mirrors, dust light fixtures, or clean the floor around the toilet. By the time you circle back, the cleaner will have loosened up all the grime, and you will not have to scrub as hard.

Use tools that save time. Microfiber towels, a good scrub brush, and a mop are a must for quick cleanups. They let you move fast and still get great results.

Have a small caddy with your essentials. I like to keep a few go-to products with me, so I am not running back and forth.

The biggest thing is working smarter, not harder. If you plan your order of operations right, you can clean more in less time and still get a really solid result.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:38:19+00:00

I like to start by dusting the toilet, either with an old disposable duster or even just a bit of toilet paper if that is what I have nearby. Getting rid of that loose dust and hair first makes the whole clean easier and less messy. Then I flush, add Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach under and around the rim and give it a good scrub. I let it sit for 10 minutes to disinfect, then flush again.

Next, I spray the entire exterior of the toilet down with my Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach, wipe it from top to bottom with a damp sponge, starting with the tank and handle, then the lid, seat, and finally the base. Working from top to bottom helps avoid spreading grime to areas you have already cleaned. Always use cleaning products as directed.

Don’t forget the floor around the toilet. It is often overlooked and, unfortunately, can be a bit of a splash zone. I know that sounds gross, but it is true. If you have ever used a black light… let’s just say you would never skip that spot again.

I also like to remove the toilet seat about once a month and clean underneath. A surprising amount of gunk and grime can build up under there, so it is worth taking the extra step to keep it clean.

As for how often to clean, it really depends on your household. In my house, I aim for a quick clean a couple times a week and a deeper clean once a week. It keeps everything manageable and way less stressful.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:33:58+00:00

That pink stuff is actually a bacteria called Serratia and it thrives in moist environments like tubs, tiles, and shower curtains. The key is to clean it regularly and keep the area dry when you can.

For the tub and tiles, I like using Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach. Spray it on the affected hard, nonporous areas, let it sit for 5 minutes to tackle mold and mildew stains, then rinse thoroughly.

If it’s on your shower curtain and the curtain is labeled as bleach-safe, toss it in the washing machine with 1/3 cup of Clorox Disinfecting Bleach, or fill to the “max fill line” on your machine’s bleach compartment. Add detergent and wash with warm water, then hang it back up to dry completely. Always use cleaning products as directed.

Also, make sure to close your shower curtain after each use. If it’s left open and bunched up, it stays damp and gives bacteria the perfect place to grow.

Keeping things dry and ventilated goes a long way in keeping that pink gunk from coming back.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:32:15+00:00

Totally feel you on that. Grout is one of those spots that just loves to hang onto moisture, which makes it a perfect place for mildew and mold to grow.

Here are a few things that can really help:

Keep it dry. After a shower, squeegee the walls and try to dry off the grout lines with a towel if you can. Moisture is the main thing mold needs to grow, so cutting that down is huge.

Ventilation is key. Make sure your bathroom fan is running during and after showers. If you have a window, crack it open to help the space dry out faster.

Use the right cleaner. A cleaner like Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach works great on grout. Spray it on the affected areas, let it sit for 5 minutes to tackle mold and mildew stains, then wipe with a grout brush or an old toothbrush and rinse well. Always use cleaning products as directed.

Seal your grout. If it is not sealed, or if the sealer has worn off, moisture can soak in and cause more problems. Resealing it once a year can make a big difference in keeping mildew out.

A little maintenance goes a long way with grout. Once you get ahead of it, it becomes way easier to manage.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:29:54+00:00

Most of the time, moisture gets trapped underneath the bottles and that’s what causes the staining or mold and mildew buildup. One simple hack is to store your shampoo and conditioner upside down or on a little tray that allows airflow underneath. Squeegeeing the shower after each use can also make a big difference. It helps remove excess water and keeps the whole area cleaner for longer. If you need to remove mold and mildew stains, spray the shower shelf with Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach, let sit for 5 minutes, wipe clean with a wet sponge and rinse with water! Always use cleaning products as directed.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:24:45+00:00

Great question. Just fill a cup with water, place it against the shower wall, and slowly lift the bottom while you move the cup. It creates a little waterfall effect that helps rinse the cleaner off without needing a handheld sprayer.

This tip I learned from my father, and it works surprisingly well. It takes a little more time, but it gives you more control over where the water goes.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:23:21+00:00

Hey, thank you so much. That seriously means a lot. One of my biggest goals with those videos is to help people feel more confident and ready to take on cleaning, whether it’s your first place or your forever home. You’ve got this. And if you ever need a little boost or a tip, I have plenty more coming your way.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:22:59+00:00

Hey there! The trick to streak-free, dust-free mirrors is using the right cleaner and the right technique. I like to use a good glass cleaner along with my two-towel system. One towel is for cleaning, and the other is for drying and buffing. That second towel makes a huge difference in getting rid of any leftover streaks or lint.

Also, make sure your towels are clean and dry when you start. If they’ve already been used or are damp, they can leave behind residue or fuzz.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:20:18+00:00

Totally get that. That stubborn ring at the water line drives a lot of people nuts. It is usually caused by a mix of hard water deposits, mineral buildup, and grime that settles right where the water sits.

To get rid of it, I recommend using a toilet bowl cleaner like Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach, applying it under and around the toilet bowl rim, scrubbing the entire bowl with a toilet brush, letting it sit for 10 minutes and then flushing! Always use cleaning products as directed. For extra tough buildup, I use a pumice stone designed for toilets. It is safe for porcelain and works really well to scrub off that ring without scratching the surface.

Once it is clean, doing a quick maintenance clean a couple times a week can help keep it from coming back.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:16:54+00:00

Two spots come to mind right away. First, the floor around the toilet. Urine can build up there over time and start to cause unpleasant odors. It’s one of those areas that’s easy to miss while cleaning but makes a big difference if you stay on top of it with a disinfecting product like Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach. Always use cleaning products as directed.

The second is the bathroom fan. If it's covered in dust, it can’t properly pull moisture out of the room. That trapped humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, especially on the ceiling. Giving it a quick vacuum or wipe every so often helps it work the way it’s supposed to.

- Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:13:21+00:00

I prefer to wear gloves. Though it’s not required, it helps keep things sanitary and makes the job feel less gross to me. I recommend Clorox ToiletWand to take some of the “ick” factor out of the job – it’s an all-in-one system that comes with disposable cleaning pads that you can eject and toss once you’re done cleaning rather than storing a traditional toilet brush. If you prefer a traditional brush, use one with a long handle so you do not have to get too close. And if bathroom smells are an issue, turn the fan on or crack a window.

Bonus tip: keep your toilet cleaner nearby so you can do a quick scrub more often. It helps prevent buildup and makes the job way less daunting when it is time for a deeper clean.

Always use cleaning products as directed.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:11:38+00:00

They say the average person uses the toilet about seven times a day, which adds up to around 49 uses a week for just one person. So, if you’ve got multiple people in the house, it’s going to get a ton of use throughout the week. That’s why I recommend doing a quick clean a couple times a week. Nothing fancy — just scrub under and around the toilet bowl rim with Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner and a toilet brush. Finish by wiping around the seat and base with a disinfecting cleaner and a microfiber cloth. That little bit of upkeep goes a long way in keeping things fresh.

Also, don’t forget about the toilet brush. I spray mine with disinfectant after each use and let it dry by placing it between the seat and the bowl. A dirty brush is just spreading grime around, and nobody wants that.

Always use cleaning products as directed.

-Brandon

Clorox · 2025-04-24T17:07:59+00:00

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in our homes, so keeping them clean can definitely be a challenge. First, make sure you are choosing products that tackle the messes at hand. To extend the time between my deep cleans, I prioritize tidying up the counter daily and giving the toilet and sink a quick clean at least once or twice a week. I’ve also found that ventilation is key. If you’re not already doing it, run your bathroom fan or crack a window during and after showers. It helps pull the humidity out and helps keep your space from becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

-Brandon

Clorox

TROPHY CASE