Challenge 2025: One Week, One Space, Big Results!
Hey hey, my cleaning companions! 💫 Can you believe we’re in Week 32 of the challenge already?! If this were a road trip, we’d be cruising down the highway, windows down, singing off-key, and halfway through our ultimate decluttering playlist. And this week, we’re making a pit stop in the bathroom — because our tiles need a little love, and our grout is throwing a bit of a gray-area tantrum.
This Week’s Mission: Shine Bright Like a … Tile ✨
Our bathrooms work hard for us — and this week, we’re returning the favor. Whether you’ve got subway tile that could use a refresh or a tub that’s seen one too many bubble baths (guilty! 🛁), here’s what’s on deck:
✔️ Clean bathroom tiles, focusing on grout
✔️ Scrub your tub or shower area
✔️ Wipe down mirrors and faucets (because water spots are not the vibe)
Let’s dive into the clean scene, shall we?
Tile & Grout: Scrub-a-Dub Like a Pro
Expert Tip: Don’t just clean the tile surface — the grout lines are where mold, mildew, and soap scum like to party. And trust me, no one invited them.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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Grout brush – A stiff-bristle, angled grout brush like this one on Amazon is a total grout-busting hero.
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Oxygen bleach or a grout cleaner – I’m loving this gentle yet mighty cleaner. It works wonders without making your bathroom smell like a science experiment.
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Spray bottle + baking soda + vinegar hack – Classic for a reason. Mix 1:1 vinegar and water, spray generously, and let it sit. Add a baking soda paste to trouble spots and scrub away. Bonus points for feeling like a scientist.
Electric scrub brushes–for effortless grout cleaning. Amazon shows that 10,000+ of this scrub brush were sold last month! [a d] Electric Spin Scrubber, Cordless, 90-Mins Work Time, 3 Adjustable Sizes, 2 Speeds. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4m2OvGp
Zep Grout Cleaner and Brightener – 32 Ounce (1 Bottle) – ZU104632 – Deep Cleaning Formula Removes Old Stains From Grout. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/44vCl0R
Baking soda. Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/3RXTw5f
3% Hydrogen Peroxide – Versatile All-Natural Cleaner – Made in USA – 1 Gallon (128 Fl Oz). Amazon creator ad link https://amzn.to/4k8vS1V
Dana Hack: Got a steamer? Use it on grout! It loosens grime without harsh chemicals. Plus, you feel super high-tech while you’re doing it.
BISSELL® Steam Shot™ OmniReach handheld portable steam cleaner for tile, grout, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, fabric steaming tool, includes 10 tools. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4lCS8lr
Tub & Shower Time 🧼
Whether you have a walk-in, clawfoot, or good ol’ combo unit, the tub and shower deserve their own spa day.
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Use this non-toxic scrub paste with a microfiber sponge to gently lift grime.
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Target any pink mildew (yep, that’s a real thing!) around the base of the tub.
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Clean your showerhead by filling a baggie with vinegar, securing it with a rubber band, and letting it soak overnight. Wake up to better water pressure — and maybe your best shower ever.
Quick Win: Use a dish wand filled with half vinegar, half Dawn to give your tub a daily wipe-down while the conditioner sets. Multitasking queens unite. 👑
Quick ‘n Brite All Purpose Cleaning Paste – Miracle Cleaner for Tough Stains, Biodegradable, Non-Toxic, Pet-Safe, Multi-Surface Stain Remover, Made in USA, 12 Oz. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4lvtuTB
Mirror, Mirror: Make It Gleam
Wipe down mirrors and faucets with a lint-free cloth (hello, microfiber magic) and a streak-free glass cleaner like this one that smells like citrus dreams.
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – 12 Pack, Large 13″ x13” Highly Absorbent Streak-Free Micro Fiber Cleaning Rags Towels for House, Car, Windows, Housekeeping, Household Dusting, Kitchen. Amazon creator ad link to this specific product https://amzn.to/4kmSZqs
MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Mirror & Window Cleaner, Great for Indoor & Outdoor Glass Surfaces, Lemon Verbena, 24 Fl Oz. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/45ODuTs
Pro Tip: Use a blacklight flashlight to check for water spots and toothpaste splatters. It’s weirdly satisfying. Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/44wITfB
Motivation Station 🚿💪
Let’s sprinkle in a little inspo, shall we?
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.” – Marie Kondo
You’re not just scrubbing tiles — you’re creating a calm, clean, and ✨sparkling✨ space to start and end your days. Bathrooms are where we pep talk ourselves, take deep breaths, and try not to cry while tweezing our eyebrows. They matter.
Favorite Finds to Make It Easier
Here are a few of my favorite tools and helpers — and yes, these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click and buy. It helps support the blog and this wild, wonderful 52-week adventure!
🧼 Heavy-duty grout brush with ergonomic handle
🛁 Scrub paste that smells like heaven
💧 Microfiber cloths that work like magic
Coming Up Next Week…
Week 33: Garage – Clean Car & Organize Garage Storage
🧽 Vacuum or wash your car
🧰 Clean and organize garage storage
⚽ Declutter tools, sports gear, and all those “I might use this someday” items
We’re going from bathroom zen to garage grit — and it’s going to feel so satisfying. ✨
Thank you so much for sticking with me through these weekly wins (and occasional what-am-I-doing moments). You are the reason this challenge is so much fun, and your kind comments, shared photos, and “I’m doing this too!” messages truly mean the world. 💛
Let me know what you decluttered this week!
xo, Dana 💛
P.S. Let’s Chat!
Did you discover any long-lost beauty products under the sink this week? Maybe a grout cleaner that changed your life? Drop a comment below or tag me on Facebook. I love seeing your progress!
If you missed any of the earlier challenges, be sure to check out the Challenge 2025 Kick-Off Post, which lists all weekly challenges and links as they become available.
For your convenience, download free cleaning, organizing, and decluttering checklists to keep your progress on track:
📋 BLOG POST with free checklists for each room
🗂️ Download the full 52-week challenge list here (click image)
Happy cleaning, my friend! You’ve got this.