Keeping your bathroom clean and in good condition is probably not the most exciting thing on your New Year's to-do list. But putting off some regular maintenance could lead to bigger problems down the road.
From good, regular habits that prevent mold growth to tackling the first signs of a leaking sink early, there are many things you can do to keep your bathroom looking its best.
That's why we've compiled a list of six bathroom maintenance tips to help you avoid future (bigger) problems. Read on to find out more.
Thinking about investing in a new bathroom? Read our guide to the best and worst bathroom brands to find out which companies we rate the best in terms of value, quality, durability and delivery.
1. Prevent mold growth in your bathroom
Bathrooms provide mold with excellent conditions: they are often damp, warm and sometimes dark. Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also damage the surfaces it grows on, like walls and ceilings.
It can also affect your health, especially if you have breathing problems, skin problems, or a weakened immune system. Elderly people and children can also be more susceptible to the effects of mold.
Once started, mold will continue to grow and spread, so it's best to prevent it from forming in the first place.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom:
- Keep the room airy - for example, open a window or use the exhaust fan when showering. If you have one, try leaving the exhaust fan on for about 10 minutes after you shower to continue removing moisture from the air and drying the bathroom faster.
- Clean Up After Your Shower - It might seem like a chore, but it's good to get in the habit of wiping down glass and tiles after every shower to remove excess water. A squeegee in the bathroom can help.
- Wash towels and bathmats regularly and make sure you have a place to hang your towel so it can dry properly after use.
- Check for Mold Regularly – Remember to look for the most hidden spots, like behind the door, under the sink, on faucets and fixtures, and on the shower curtain.
- Keep the bathroom tidy – Try not to clutter your bathroom spaces as this will make it easier to spot signs of mold growth.
For tips on how to get rid of mold, as well as tips to keep mold at bay in other parts of your home, check out our guide to five easy ways to fight mold .
2. Fix leaks
A leaking plumbing or bathroom faucet wastes water and can cause damage to your property, e.g. B. the damage to the ceiling on the floor below. Check all your pipes and under your sink for leaks.
Something that is often overlooked when it comes to bathroom maintenance is leaky toilets. Thames Water estimates that a leaking drain in your toilet could waste up to 200 liters of water a day. Larger leaks, called ripples or leaks, can waste up to 600 and 8,000 liters a day respectively.
Tom Reynolds, executive director of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), said: "Many people may not realize they have a toilet leak because it doesn't look like a puddle on the bathroom floor.
"Routine maintenance helps prevent leaks and when a leak is discovered it can usually be repaired with simple and inexpensive solutions." The BMA is running a Get Lavvy Savvy campaign to encourage and educate people about toilet maintenance, easy repair and how to avoid leaks. It aims to demystify toilet maintenance and provides tips on how to spot a leak and check your toilet's gaskets, diaphragms and inlet and outlet readings.
If you have leaks or water problems that require professional help, contact What Service? Trusted Plumbing Dealer to ensure you pay for quality work.
3. Don't neglect your range hood
Often overlooked when swinging by your bathroom wall or ceiling, it can be easy to forget your bathroom exhaust fan is even there. But it plays an important role in removing moisture from the air, especially if your bathroom doesn't have a window.
When your cooker hood isn't working efficiently or has stopped working altogether, it can be tempting to do nothing about it.
However, it should not be neglected, because in the long run too much moisture in the air could lead to mold growth. Poor ventilation and excessive humidity can also shorten the lifespan of various items in your bathroom, for example by damaging paintwork and furniture.
Which one to use ? Trust dealerships to find a qualified local electrician to repair or replace a broken bathroom exhaust fan.
4. Keep the tile grout in good condition
Bathroom tiles often look great when they're freshly laid, but the grout that holds them together is light-colored and porous. This makes tile grout easily damaged by water, which is problematic given all the water-based activities that go on in a bathroom.
Grout that is not properly cleaned and maintained can become stained, moldy and prone to cracking. Once it cracks, water can seep into the wall and cause damage.
As already mentioned, prevention is better than cure. Get in the habit of wiping down all surfaces after you shower to keep the grout in place. Also, every week or two, use water and baking soda to scrub the grout with a grout brush or an old toothbrush. Then rinse with water.
If your daily cleaning and weekly scrubbing haven't prevented or removed grout stains, try powdered oxygen bleach. This is better for grout than liquid chloride-based bleach and should still be strong enough to remove stains.
If stains stubbornly won't come off, it doesn't necessarily mean that the entire grout needs to be replaced. Grout repair products work by adding a protective and coloring layer to resist further soiling, allowing the grout to last a little longer.
However, if the grout is chipping and cracking, or if the tiles are peeling, you'll have to bite the bullet and replace it. It is best to do this as soon as possible to avoid water damage to the walls.
Tired of the same old bathroom tile and stained grout you've had for years? Read our bathroom design guide to get inspired and remodel your bathroom.
5. Keep the floor out of the water and remove the carpet
A wet bathroom floor poses two dangers. The first is slips and falls, the second is mold growth, which can affect respiratory health. A puddle of water can also warp or peel your floor.
That means it's important to keep water off the bathroom floor. Here are some easy ways to do this:
- Buy a bath mat
- Wipe the floor
- Use a dehumidifier (see our dehumidifier tips )
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or using an exhaust fan
- Wear slippers to slip on right after the shower; Opt for a pair with rubber soles to prevent slipping and an absorbent lining to absorb drips from your feet.
The bathroom rug becomes a trend from time to time and some homeowners like the way it looks, but it has some problems. If you have carpet in your bathroom, it is best to remove it as moisture will seep in and under the carpet.
It is difficult to properly dry a carpet in an environment that is often humid, making it easy for mold to grow. This can result in multiple carpet replacements and can deter a potential buyer when trying to sell their home.
If you're looking to replace your bathroom floor, check out our bathroom design guide which has a section on bathroom floors and tiles .
6. Finally... keep it clean!
The idea of regularly giving your bathroom the cleaning it needs may not make you happy. After all, keeping toilets, sinks, showers and bathtubs free of dirt and grime and drains free of clogged hair certainly takes time, effort and effort. But it's an important part of maintaining your bathroom.
Not only is it essential for a safe and hygienic bathroom, but regular, thorough cleaning is also the basis for many of the care tips above, such as: B. combating mold.
A tidy bathroom is easier to clean. If you've accumulated a lot of tubes and bottles, consider inexpensive, space-saving solutions like storage baskets and containers.
If you're noticing your bathtub or shower is clogged with hair and taking a long time to drain, check out our guide to the best shower drain openers .
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