Regardless of where you live, high moisture levels can make it almost impossible to eliminate bathroom mold. Reducing dampness in your bathroom is the key to keeping mold from proliferating in the first place. To effectively accomplish this task, follow the prevention tips outlined below:
Drying Shower Walls. After showering or bathing, use a cloth or squeegee to remove moisture from your shower walls. This simple technique will eliminate approximately 75 percent of mildew and mold growth.
Run Fans. Always run your bathroom’s fans when showering or taking a bath. It is also recommended that you allow the fans to run for approximately 30 minutes afterward as well, rather than merely running them during your bath or shower. Consider installing a timer to make this task easier if you think you will not consistently remember. If the fans do not clear out most of your bathroom’s moisture after 30 minutes, they may not be circulating enough air. If this is the case, consider using a small dehumidifier in your bathroom to enhance moisture removal.
Sealing Grout Lines. Among other top prevention tips is waterproofing grout lines. If you have tiles, you probably know that these spaces often serve as a breeding ground for mold and mildew. For this reason, it is wise to use a standard grout sealer to waterproof these areas on a yearly basis.
Eliminating Current Mold. To eliminate mildew and mold that has already started, let the surface dry completely and then use a solution of 90 percent water and 10 percent bleach to thoroughly clean the area. Brush or spray the solution on the problem spots and allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry. Mold is a problem for virtually every homeowner at some point in time, but by following the tips outlined above you can significantly reduce its presence and prevent it from returning.
Soaking in the bath after a long day is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind in the comfort of your own home. However, a dirty tub isn’t very inviting, and the sight of it can instantly stress you out. These bathtub cleaning tips will have your tub looking brand new in no time, and will have you ready to relax.
Try hydrogen peroxide or bleach. There are many bathroom cleaning products available today, and they all seem to claim that they can remove soap scum, water spots, and other stains. Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one, so give a product with hydrogen peroxide a try. Diluted bleach is another option, but take care not to get it on any towels or rugs, since it can quickly cause discoloration.
Try a natural cleaner. If you prefer not to use too many chemicals to clean your bathroom, try a tried and true natural method. Get an empty spray bottle and fill it up halfway with white vinegar, then fill the rest of the bottle with warm tap water. Shake it up, and then spray it all over the surface of the tub. You can also use it on tile walls. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it off with a soft cloth. After wiping it down, rinse with water.
Clean often. The easiest way to keep your tub clean is by keeping up with it after every shower or bath. Use a squeegee to remove water from the shower walls, and then dry up the tub with a towel or absorbent sponge. This is especially important if you have hard water that leaves mineral deposits behind, as they’re likely to leave water spots. When you notice spots or stains, take the time to remove them right away.
A dirty bathroom is an uninviting one. With these bathroom tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean tub whenever you’re ready for a relaxing soak.
When summer arrives, many homeowners look for bathroom cleaning tips to help prevent mildew stains, keep the area sanitary, and ensure that fixtures and cabinets maintain a shiny, beautiful finish. Below are some tips on efficient cleaning techniques:
General Purpose Cleaners. Choosing general purpose formulas speeds cleaning jobs, as they allow the homeowner to multitask. Foam cleansers that offer a wide spray nozzle to cover broad surfaces are a great choice, and these grime busting formulas typically work very quickly to cut through soap scum buildup and mildew on the surfaces of tubs and showers.
Window Blinds, Fans and Vents. A large duster with a long handle can be used to clean fans, vents and window blinds. There is usually no need to use a cleaning formula, as dirt typically sloughs off quite easily if a large enough duster is used.
Light Fixtures. It is important to remember to take down light fixtures and carefully polish them with an all-purpose window cleaner, as condensation builds up quickly on the inner surface of such fixtures during summer. Scented cleaners are available, which are a great choice for bathrooms during warm weather. When lighting fixtures are cleaned and replaced, many homeowners are surprised at how much brighter the bathroom appears.
Floor Cleaning Tips. When cleaning the floor, a vacuum attachment or crevice tool are great devices to quickly eliminate hair and larger pieces of debris. This type of dirt is much easier to clear away when it is dry, rather than wet. Once the larger pieces of debris are discarded, the floor can be mopped or treated with a tile cleaner, depending on the material from which it is made.
Cleaning Shower Heads. Another top summer cleaning tip for bathrooms is using plain, old-fashioned vinegar to clean shower heads. If shower pressure seems a bit weak, it may be due to mineral deposits and lime clogging the shower head. Vinegar is a great choice of cleaning product for this problem. Simply removing the shower head and soaking it in a plastic baggie filled with one part vinegar and three parts water will eliminate virtually all lime and mineral deposits.
Wooden Cabinets. To protect and moisturize wooden cabinets, all-purpose pine cleaner is the best choice. This is because humidity and other harsh conditions during summer can cause wood or compost material to dry out and crack. At the beginning, as well as the end of summer, all wood cabinets should be cleaned with such a formula.
Finally, keeping bathroom windows cracked an inch or two during summer evenings allows moisture to escape outside. This helps prevent the formation of mildew-a common problem when weather is hot. Following the tips outlined above will ensure that a home’s bathroom maintains a clean and beautiful appearance all summer long.
Bathroom clean up can be the worst, and most people put it off until it’s time for spring cleaning. However, waiting that long will mean that it takes a little longer to clean. Following a few tips will ensure that you get everything in tip-top shape quickly and efficiently.
The 15-Minute Version.
The first thing you should do is get all your cleaning supplies ready, remove all the dirty clothes and pick up trash. Using a disinfectant, wipe down the tub and sink quickly. Do a quick scrub of the toilet bowl and use disinfectant wipes to clean the outside. Clean the mirror and ensure that only bathroom items are in the room.
Extras for Spring Cleaning.
Bathroom clean up can be a breeze if you follow the 15-minute version above, remembering to sweep and mop. However, during a deep clean, you’ll want to wipe down or dust the corners and ceiling, as well as any fans or vents. During this time, you can also remove light fixtures and wipe them clean before replacing them.
Next, remove the curtains, blinds or drapes from the window and wash them, as per manufacturer’s directions. You can also clean the outside and inside of the windows during this time, remembering to rinse the screens and replace them.
After the windows are clean, scrub the tub and shower curtains. Thoroughly clean the toilet, as well, remembering to disinfect the handle and all around the base. If you have linen or medicine cabinets, remove everything and wash inside and out. Check medications to ensure that nothing is expired and replace everything neatly.
Sinks/Fixtures.
Remember that this is a spring clean and you don’t have to do everything all the time. Get into all the crevices and tight spots around the faucet, scrub the sink and clean mirrors.
Other Tips:
Make sure you shake out your bathroom rugs, wash them, and hang them to dry or dry them in the machine if possible. You’ll also want to sweep and mop. Because it is a deep clean, you may want to get down on your hands and knees, scrubbing until everything shines.
Keeping your bathroom clean with a consistent effort is the best way to keep your remodeled bathroom looking its best. It’s important to remember that safe use of cleaning products at home is something that you should always keep in mind. See our list of recommended cleaning products and instructions for your bathroom here.
In the spirit of National Poison Prevention Week March 15-21, remember to always follow these guidelines:
Natural Products Can Still Be Toxic. Natural cleaning products should be used with the same caution as commercial products. Always use gloves and be sure to keep your cleaning area ventilated. These precautions are important to take when using any cleaning substance.
Use Mild Products Whenever Possible. Most cleaning can be accomplished using mild products such as vinegar and baking soda. Only use ammonia and bleach when absolutely necessary.
Always Read The Label. This may sound like a no brainer, but, you should always read the product label and pay attention to words such as “caution,” or “dangerous.”
Some Mixtures Can Be Dangerous. You should NEVER mix ammonia and bleach together. This mixture produces toxic gasses.
Childproof Your Cleaning Products. Be sure to keep all of your cleaning products out of reach for both children and pets. Even something as simple as a full bucket of water left unattended can be a drowning danger.
Label Homemade Products. It is always best to keep cleaning products in their original containers. If you have mixed homemade products, be sure to label them accurately, and always used new, clean, containers for storing homemade products.
Wash Your Hands After Cleaning. Always be sure to wash your hands after handling and using any cleaning products.
We certainly hope you’re enjoying a newly remodeled bathroom thanks to our team here at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH. If you are, or even if you’ve seen the dazzling examples of dream bathrooms in our showroom, you’ll notice that one of the reasons our bathrooms are so stunning is that they are immaculately clean. You’d be surprised how many people neglect this one simple step in maintaining a beautiful bathroom space. In this article, we’d like to present some helpful hints to keep your bathroom in tip-top shape.
Cleaning – Make it a Habit
How often do you find yourself scrubbing and spritzing right before friends and family stop by? Don’t worry – we’ve all been guilty of that. Unfortunately, by letting the bathroom cleaning go unattended for a while, you’re just making the work that much more difficult. Bathrooms should be cleaned weekly at a minimum. We also recommend taking a few minutes each and every day to do some minor cleaning (wipe down the counter and products, pick up clutter, put towels in a laundry hamper or basket) so your weekly cleaning doesn’t become overwhelming.
Keep Your Supplies Close
It’s easier to clean a bathroom when the cleaning products are handy. Each bathroom should have a scrub brush for the toilet. They’re inexpensive and you are much more likely to clean the commode often if the brush is on site. Organize your rags, scrub brushes, glass cleaner, soap, and tub cleaning products so that they’re not cluttered. Be sure to keep them out of the reach of children and make sure the cleaning products have child-proof caps.
Columbus Bath Design Products Make Cleaning Easy!
If you’ve remodeled using Columbus Bath Design products, you already know how easy it is to clean the bathroom. For normal everyday cleaning, we suggest using a mild soap, such as dish detergent and water with a soft washcloth. Avoid using scouring pads or abrasive cleaners as they will dull the surface over the years.
Other recommended cleaning products are Formula 409 and X-IT. Vinegar and water may also be used to soften water minerals. If you need to use a disinfectant, try Clorox Bleach diluted with water to sanitize the enclosure.
We do NOT recommend using the following: Original Clean Shower, Clean Shower for Plastic Showers and Glass, Soft Scrub, Dow disinfectant cleaner, Lysol disinfectant cleaner, acetone, Lestoil, ammonia, fingernail polish remover, aerosol cleaners, or scouring pads. Again, these products can dull the surface and could even void your bath product warranty.
Should you have any questions about cleaning products, feel free to contact us here at Columbus Bath Design of Columbus, OH. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can provide some further assistance about the best ways to keep your Columbus Bath Design products sparkling. By following these guidelines, you’ll never have to be embarrassed when friends or family decide to make an unannounced visit. When that doorbell rings…you’ll always be ready to show off your beautiful bathroom!
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
