Each week the Filter newsletter cuts through the noise to bring you smart, practical recommendations on how to live better – from what is worth buying to the tools, habits and ideas that actually last.
Some people have their cleaning routine down to a science. And others fly by the seat of their pants. I’m in the latter category, spraying down surfaces and hoping for the best.
But our guide to the best gadgets for spring cleaning inspired me to rethink my approach. I decided to dive into the deep end, and start with my least favorite room to clean – the bathroom.
So, I asked the best people I could think of for help – janitors and custodians.
Read the story:Make spring cleaning easier with these 13 editor favorites for scrubbing, cleaning and tidying
Below, Brandon Pleshek, a janitor and cleaning expert, and Jeff Maddox, a custodian with 25 years of experience, shared their advice and the products they swear by for cleaning your bathroom like a professional. Their tips forced me to confront the fact that I’ve been cleaning my bathroom entirely wrong.
Dust your toilet …
“Most toilets collect hair, dust, and lint on the outside surfaces, and if you spray cleaner directly onto that, you end up turning it into a sticky mess. By taking just a few seconds to dust first, you prevent that problem,” advised Pleshek.
While he likes to reuse his Swiffer dusters for this step, he said that toilet paper works too. (My editor uses an old sock that she tosses in with her laundry.)
Swiffer DusterRefills
… while the disinfectant does its work
“One thing I do when I start cleaning a bathroom is spray the sinks, urinals and toilets first. Your disinfectant needs proper dwell time to do its job – killing germs and eliminating odors,” said Maddox.
He advised letting your product sit for at least 10 minutes, but that 15 minutes is better.
Get rid of cleaning product residue
“A common mistake people make is spraying down toilets but not properly wiping off the chrome, “Maddox said.
He said this can help chrome finishes (like your faucet handles) from turning green. Bar Keepers Friend is one product he uses to “keep it shiny and in good shape”.
Bar Keepers Friend Powder Cleanser
“Always finish with the floors”
The order that you clean your bathroom matters.
“It’s best to start with a top-down approach so that you aren’t re-dirtying areas you already cleaned,” said Pleshek.
He suggested beginning with your mirrors before moving to the toilet and the shower or tub area.
Two towels + no lights = streak-free mirrors
When it comes to your mirror, Pleshek advised reserving one towel for your glass cleaner and one made of microfiber for drying. “This helps you get a polished, streak-free finish,” he said.
And if you have lights around the vanity, make sure they’re off when you’re cleaning. “The heat from the bulbs can cause your cleaner to dry too fast, which can lead to streaking,” he said.
Cleaning MVPs
Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner
A reliable product for keeping toilets clean, sanitized, and fresh. Jeffrey Maddox
Drill Brush Attachment Set for Bathroom Cleaning
This is a great, basic set of scrubbers that attaches to any drill you already own. I usually recommend this for someone just starting out. Brandon Pleshek
Sprayway Glass Cleaner
For mirrors, I prefer a foam cleaner. My favorite is Sprayway because it doesn’t drip and leaves a streak-free shine. Jeffrey Maddox
Ryobi Power Scrubber
This scrubbing tool, which is used for removing stains or grime, “is an excellent choice for someone looking to level up their cleaning routine”.Brandon Pleshek
For microfiber towels, my personal favorites are my own Clean That Up towels. They feature lint-free split fibers that easily grab dirt and liquid, and they are incredibly absorbent, durable, and soft. I’ve also included reinforced stitching along the edges to ensure they hold up over time, even with heavy use. Brandon Pleshek
Style tips: Spring wardrobe refresh
Spring’s arrival often conjures up the urge for a refresh, especially of your wardrobe. For advice on revamping your style without overhauling your entire closet, we asked professional stylists for help.
From layering with cashmere to playing with color, their tips will help you elevate your spring look.
Quince Cashmere Tee
J Crew Factory Linen-Blend Button-Front Vest
Explore our guide:The 45 stylist-approved spring fashion essentials for women, all under $200
Plastic-free living: kitchen upgrades
The Filter US’s commissioning editor Karen Yuan consistently raises the bar when it comes to kitchenware.
In her latest piece, she shared a few of her plastic-free favorites, including a durable Japanese cleaning tool she recommended for washing your pots and pans and a lightweight cast-iron pan she adores for perfectly cooked eggs.
Field Company No. 5 Chef Skillet
Kamenoko Tawashi Scrub Brush
Make intentional swaps:Plastic detox: six kitchen upgrades to rid your food of microplastics and Pfas
Gift guide: new moms
Filter US contributor Marissa Miller recently survived the early days of motherhood and lived to tell the tale. Here, she recommended the items she swore by while adjusting to being a parent.
From a nursing bra with adjustable straps to a thoughtful care package, her recommendations make the perfect gift for any new moms in your life.
Davin & Adley Amelia Pumping and Nursing Cropped Cami
Defresit New Mom Gifts
Explore the guide:The 10 best US gifts for new moms, according to a new mom
Best of: Juicers
Does this spring heat wave have you craving cold-pressed juice? We tested 10 juicers to find the best ones worthy of your dollar.
Our overall winner was this versatile option that can even make soup or nut milk. We also loved this budget model, which is lightweight enough to travel with while still powerful enough to turn kale stems, celery and apples into a refreshing cup of juice.
Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer
Shine Multi-Batch Compact Cold Press Juicer
Meet the winners: The best juicers in the US for 2026 – tested for the least mess, noise and cleanup