In spite of all the knocks against it, spring cleaning is a fantastic way to shake off the winter chills, freshen up your home and get a head start on the often frantic warmer months ahead. With the first day of spring (Thursday, March 19) rapidly approaching, it’s time to get moving.
While cleaning decks, patios and other outdoor living areas are important, your bathroom definitely needs attention.
When you think about it, it’s easy to recognize the bathroom as being the most important room in your home.
When you get down to it, the bathroom is far more than a personal maintenance room. It’s your own fortress of solitude, and well worth the effort and elbow grease associated with spring cleaning.
You probably already have a basic cleaning kit containing spray bottles, baking soda and all-purpose cleaners. That’s a good start.
Other essential items for specifically cleaning your bathroom include:
It’s important to make sure you have all these items before you begin cleaning. Each time you have to leave the room to buy another product is an opportunity to lose track or become distracted.
Before you get started, open the window to let in the fresh air. Even though it’s still a bit chilly outside, you’ll need the open window for air circulation and to keep you comfortable while cleaning.
As for cabinets, you should be able to use your water/vinegar mixture.
Should I clean or remodel my bathroom?You can do both! In fact, through the process of decluttering and cleaning, you’ll have a much better understanding of the amount of room you have in your bathroom.
Use this time to think about what your ideal bathroom would look like. For inspirational ideas, you’re always welcome to visit our online gallery that shows some of our most recent work. You can also visit our Columbus showroom for in-person inspiration.
Here at Columbus Bath Design, we realize the thought of a remodeling project can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Our personable and friendly designers will be happy to work with you, listen to your ideas, and find the perfect solution for you and your budget.
Find out how you can get $250 off your bathroom remodeling project by calling us at 614-721-3883. You can also get in touch by completing our online contact form.
Temperatures are warming up and flowers are blooming, it’s time to do a little spring cleaning. Rinsing porches and cleaning behind furniture is a good start, but what about your bathrooms? How can you get them ready for the warmer and brighter weather coming your way? In this article, I will share some tips with you for sprucing up your bathroom just 
in time for spring.
When doing a deep clean of your bathroom, expect to get in every nook and cranny. Faucets, drains, grout, baseboards, all of it could use a clean every once in a while. Begin by collecting all the supplies you’ll need: bleach, soap scum cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, rags, old toothbrushes, baking soda, vinegar, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, a toilet bowl brush, a broom and dustpan, a mop, a trash bag, and last but not least, rubber gloves.
Begin by emptying the trash can in your bathroom, and then start to go through drawers and cabinets. Take one thing at a time, starting with one drawer. Throw away expired medicine, old makeup, stray Q-tips, and anything of the like. If you haven’t used it in a while and don’t see yourself using it soon, go ahead and toss it. Freeing up space will help you better organize the things you do use daily in your bathroom. Once you’ve thrown out as much as you can, remove everything else from the cabinets and drawers and set them out on the ground or in another room out of the way. Use multi-purpose cleaner to spray out all drawers and cabinets. Then, begin to put everything back while organizing by type (example: makeup goes with makeup, hair care goes with hair care, etc). This will make sure that all the items in the same category are in the same place, so you never again have to go digging through multiple drawers to find what you need. Now that the interiors of your bathroom drawers and cabinets are fresh and clean, let’s move on to some of the more nitty-gritty areas of your bathroom.
There’s no doubt that your tubs and sinks get a lot of use and abuse. Between soap scum, hair clogs, toothpaste, and more, these parts of your bathroom will need a little tender love and care. Begin by pouring baking soda down all the drains in your bathroom. Follow it with vinegar to create a homemade drain cleaner that’s safer than the harsh chemicals found in many other products. The chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda will both dislodge any clogs that may be hanging around in your pipes, but will also begin to break down the items causing the clogs and will wash them down. For best results, cover the drains after pouring the vinegar so the entire solution stays in the pipes and doesn’t bubble out into your sink or tub. After 2 minutes, run hot water down the drains to further clear any blockages. Now that you have clear drains, you can begin working on the tub, sinks, and faucets themselves. It would be best to put on your rubber gloves now to protect your hands from the chemicals in your cleaning products. Start by spraying soap scum cleaner all around your tub and/or shower, as well as on any of the faucets. Let it sit for approximately 30 seconds, then wet a rag with hot water and get to scrubbing! As you work, rinse the rag periodically to rid it of extra cleaning solution, soap scum, or dirt. When you come to the end of your scrubbing, rinse the entire tub/shower down with hot water, and wipe the faucets down with multi-purpose cleaner to rid them of any streaks caused by the soap scum cleaner.
Countertops, luckily, are simple. Move everything out of your way and spray them down with multi-purpose cleaner, following this with a wipe from a clean rag. Done! Toilets, on the other hand, will take some work. Often, the toilet is the most dreaded thing to clean in a bathroom. But have no fear! You’re armed with rubber gloves, the right cleaning supplies, and the perfect amount of elbow grease to make your toilet gleam. Begin by cleaning the bowl: squirt a generous amount of toilet bowl cleaner around the inside rim and begin scrubbing with your toilet bowl brush. Don’t leave a single nook unscrubbed! When you’re done, flush the toilet and leave the seat up to begin cleaning the rest of the bowl. Use bleach and a fresh rag to wipe down both the seat and the rim underneath, paying close attention to the back of the seat where the lid attaches. Try to get in and around the hinges of the lid to get a fresh start for spring. Finally, wipe down the lower part of the toilet and the floor directly surrounding the toilet with bleach. Voila! A perfectly clean toilet!
We’re coming to the end of our bathroom cleaning extravaganza! Only the floors, mirrors, and any windows remain. For windows and mirrors, simply spray with glass cleaner and wipe down with a rag or paper towel. Your floors, however, will need a little more elbow grease. Begin by sweeping up any dust or hair found on the floor. Then, if you have tile with grout in your bathroom, grab your bleach and an old toothbrush. Pour a little bleach on the floor and use the old toothbrush to scrub in between the tiles on your bathroom floor. This will help lift dirt from the grout while bleaching stains. This could take a while, so buckle down! Once the grout is to your liking, you can simply mop the floor with hot water and multi-purpose cleaner.
And there you have it! A fresh and shining bathroom, ready for spring! Though the term is ‘spring cleaning,’ your bathroom can benefit from a deep clean 3-5 times a year. Bathrooms get heavy use, and deep cleaning more regularly can make the process go faster than waiting until each spring. I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips! If you’re considering remodeling your bathroom, take a look at our website or call us at 614-721-3883. Happy spring, everyone!
Spring cleaning usually involves clearing closets, cabinets, and storage areas on unwanted clutter. We wash windows, refinish floors, and prep the windows and doors for warm weather. What about the bathroom? Some bathrooms have no windows, which means mold and mildew growing over the long winter. Because of this, it is important to deep clean bathrooms as well!
Just working with a can of scrubbing bubbles and a sponge might not cut it. Here are the supplies we recommend you pick up for this endeavor:
Many bathrooms have wooden cabinets. To dust and clean them, mix in a small jar one half cup lemon juice to two cups olive or coconut oil. Shake until well mixed, then dust your wood cabinets. It’s a natural alternative to cleaning chemicals and will make the wood glow.
Some people mix dish liquid with vinegar and water to wash glass and mirrors. However, the dish liquid isn’t really necessary. Lemon juice or vinegar and water will clean most everything.
Close the glass shower door after you’ve turned on the hot water. Allow the steam to build up, and then shut the shower off. On the glass shower walls, apply a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes, then wipe off. Spray with water. Wipe down with microfiber cloths to prevent mildew.
Close the shower door again with hot water running for steam. Use either the Seventh Generation cleaners or a mixture of vinegar, lemon, and water. Apply the cleaner to the tile walls and floors, then close the door. In a few minutes, shut off the shower. With a Swiffer or a microfiber mop, remove the moisture from the ceiling.
Wipe off the tile walls and floors. If not all dirt was removed from the grout, apply a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Scrub with a toothbrush. If it still won’t come clean, then a professional formula should be applied.
Now the windows, mirrors, walls and floors are clean, it’s time to deep clean the sink and toilet. One of the best tips we’ve seen for cleaning the toilet and sink is to sprinkle in baking soda. After a few minutes, pour in vinegar. It will sizzle and bubble. When it’s finished bubbling, rinse it. It will shine like new!
Next you’ll need plastic sandwich baggies and rubber bands. In the baggie, mix vinegar, baking soda, and water. Wrap the faucets and shower head with the baggie. Let them sit for a couple of hours or overnight. Then, remove them and wipe them down. Your faucets and shower head will shine!
These simple tips and tricks should be all the cleaning you need to make your bathroom shine like new. If your bathroom needs more than just a little freshening up this spring season, give Columbus Bath Design a call to get started on your dream bathroom!
While you make time for de-cluttering, cleaning and storing winter clothes, welcome spring by sprucing up your bathroom, too! With new décor, colors, and creativity, a dull area becomes a dazzling paradise. Take a peek at our tips below to get a fresh spring look in your bathroom!
Nothing says springtime like bright colors. Get rid of black, white, brown, gray, beige, navy blue, and neutral shades and aim for colorful bath decor. Mint, yellow, red, pink, green, and purple shades are great standout colors to incorporate into the room. If changing the wall color to be brighter is too much for you, however, use bright pops of color in the vanity, artwork, or vases to get the same feel.
Designs and knickknacks add personality to any room. Stripes, shapes, and patterns on towels, shower curtains, window curtains, bathroom accessory sets, mirrors, and artwork enhance that personality. Embrace the shape of the decorative piece (likely a square or rectangle) in multiple areas to create balance in the space. Quirky accent pieces such as artwork, sculptures, or trinkets tell a story through their detailed designs.
Flowers, plants, and beach pieces will give a spa-like, natural element of the area. It makes the room feel fresh, intimate, and special. Flowers in vases, potted plants, seashells, and conch shells are examples of different natural elements to add to your space. Accessories made of brick, stone, or wood work well also. You could even add a reclaimed wood wall or shelves to give some texture to the room.
It’s impossible to have too much storage space in bathrooms. When shelving is too full to store unused items, portable storage space may be your solution. Portable storage items make bath items easy to access while being stylish. Baskets, bath storage racks, shower caddies, and countertop organizers are great storage options. Larger rooms can add small bath cabinets, over the toilet storage, and ladder shelves for more space.
A mirror is a staple in bathrooms for enlarging the room, so updating the mirror with a new frame will make it pop. If you have only space for small mirrors, we recommend adding multiple to create symmetry. You could even replace one large mirror with two smaller ones to enlarge the space and allow for more creativity. Pair mirrors with sunlight and new lighting fixtures, and the mirror-light combo will illuminate the space.
Let light brighten the area through natural and indoor light. You may even want to replace darker shades or curtains with white or see-through ones if you can. Adding bright, new light fixtures help a space appear brighter and refreshed as well. That could even become a fun spring DIY project – painting old light fixtures to give them a new look!
As you can see, paint jobs and renovation overhauls aren’t necessary to turn bathrooms from drab to fab. Swapping home decor to and from the area will have a major impact on the appearance and vibe without spending thousands to achieve a similar result. Even if Ohio’s weather isn’t ready to welcome spring gracefully, welcome it in the bathroom using accessories.
If you’re looking to give your bathroom a complete or partial update besides fresh paint and accessories, contact us today to get started!
Most homeowners do not look forward to spring cleaning. This is because this is usually when people discover that areas such as their bathrooms are dull, drab and outdated. For this reason, you should consider spring cleaning your bathroom in one day with Columbus Bath Design. We’ll remodel for you and you can simply sit back and enjoy your bathroom transformation project.
Regardless of what you have in mind, Columbus Bath Design can complete a one-day remodel and give you the room of your dreams. Below are some ideas to consider when planning your bathroom transformation.
If your bathroom is spacious, a new walk-in shower or wonderful whirlpool tub can be installed before the day is over. A corner shower near a designer bathtub is a great option as well, as it can be fitted into space that would otherwise be wasted.
Bamboo accessories, vessel sinks, bright gold fixtures and rain forest shower heads are outstanding items to include in your remodeling project. Such additions also add overall value to your home, as they are timeless items that have universal appeal. 
A trend that is currently quite popular among today’s interior designers is using natural materials for your new bathroom. This approach uses a combination of colors and textures found in nature. For instance, a forest motif may be implemented to bring to mind swaying ferns, green leaves, the bark of trees and the smooth stones and bubbling water of a mountain stream.
For a Southwest scene, images of blue skies, fluffy white clouds and a red rock landscape may be used to complete the decor. Such themes are limited only by your imagination, and therefore your bathroom transformation becomes a literal work of art.
When completing your one-day remodel, you should also consider practical items that may require updating. For example, fans go a long way toward preventing mildew and mold, and therefore replacing old, outdated models with high quality units not only improves the appearance of your bathroom, but also serves a practical purpose in preventing the buildup of excessive moisture. Good ventilation is particularly important if you have wooden trim or fixtures.
You should also give thought to new lighting or even the addition of a skylight if your bathroom is on the second floor. Such items instantly update the room’s overall decor and add a fresh touch to the area.
Consider other functions you may want to add to your one-day remodel project, such as a shower seat, built-in limited storage, a spa, whirlpool or steam room.
Regardless of the theme or style you prefer when remodeling this much-used space, updating your bathroom and adding a touch of class to the room instantly adds value and beauty to your dwelling. If you would like to create a bathroom you can fall in love with, Columbus Bath Design can assist you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home estimate. We’ll remodel for you in the most efficient and timely manner possible to ensure you end up with the bathroom of your dreams.
No matter how opulent your bathroom is, clutter simply seems to happen. After the cocooning of colder months, you’re probably wondering how such a nice spa-like retreat can get so messy.
Relax. Decluttering is as simple as taking a day in each of your bathrooms to accomplish spring cleaning. For the most part, you don’t need any fancy accouterments in any of your bathrooms to accomplish decluttering. What is needed is a sense of purging, of being able to get rid of items you no longer use and not feeling guilty about it. Here is what you need to do to get a wonderfully organized bathroom.
Pitch It. When was the last time you used the vitamins, medication, makeup or anything that may be in your medicine cabinet or drawers? If the item is expired, throw it in the garbage. Similarly, label cosmetics and other consumables that don’t have an expiration date. even if it doesn’t have an expiration date, pitch items that smell or look funny, particularly if you know they are past their prime.
Small Storage Spaces. Organize storage spaces such as drawers or cabinets with dividers or storage bins that will keep similar items with one another. Make sure that storage bins have small compartments that are appropriate for makeup, medicines and other smaller items found in bathrooms. By designating certain areas, whether in a drawer, a cabinet, etc., for items like makeup, medicines and other small items, you’ll minimize time spent in the bathroom and organize your home in the process.
Claim Space Over the Toilet.
The area over the toilet is a great place for storage. Many organizational stores have storage units specifically made for placement over toilets. These storage areas are great for items such as extra towels, toilet paper, tissues, and other frequently used items.
Clean Up the Vanity
How many times have you seen items strewn across your vanity? Use apothecary jars to organize items like makeup brushes, cotton balls, and similar small items. Organizing in this manner will give your bathroom a high-end hotel feel. Save a shelf for knick-knacks.
Many homeowners search for bathroom cleaning tips when spring arrives. Below are some helpful suggestions to get this much used-room sparkling clean in less than an hour:
Rugs and Towels. Begin by removing all towels from the towel racks and take them to the laundry room. Even if they are your “good” towels and are not used much, they can absorb a dank smell from hanging in a moisture-rich bath. Therefore, it is wise to run them through a short wash cycle and fluff them in the dryer. Take any rugs with rubber backing and lay them in the hallway or another room where they can be vacuumed. If rugs are machine washable, follow the directions on their tags and choose the appropriate wash cycle.
Toilet Bowl. To quickly clean a toilet bowl, flush it to ensure the sides are wet and pour one cup of full strength bleach into the bowl. Brush it around the sides and under the rim and move on to the next task as you let the bleach sit for approximately ten minutes. When this time has elapsed, flush it again and you will see a gleaming bowl with no rings were signs of grime.
Cleaning Bathroom Surfaces. To clean ceramic and porcelain surfaces, as well as your sink and bathtub, stir three tablespoons of baking soda into two cups of warm water and a half cup of household ammonia. Use standard rubber gloves to wipe solution over all surfaces and rinse it off with a clean rag or sponge. This formula will make all surfaces in your bathroom shine. Using the same mixture, scrub down towel racks and any brass, chrome or brushed nickel fixtures. Wipe down mirrors with standard glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and watermarks.
Sweep the floor to clear away large pieces of dirt and then mop vigorously for several minutes with a formula appropriate for your bathroom’s floor. When the floor has dried, fetch your clean towels and rugs and put them back in their places.
Rooms such as bathrooms can be challenging to keep tidy, but by using these cleaning tips, you can always make your bathroom shine in less than an hour.
Bathrooms are dedicated areas for grooming, hygiene, and health. However, they have an unacknowledged purpose, as well. Unfortunately, this extra purpose is often simply a place to collect clutter. Below are some spring cleaning tips regarding how to de-clutter bathrooms and create a more organized and attractive space.
Discarding Unused Items
Getting rid of items one regrets having purchased is one of the best bathroom tips to follow when de-cluttering this much-used room. In essentially all bathrooms, there is at least a small assortment of unnecessary products. Wonder products are typically marketed on the basis of hope, but most people have at least a few miracle cures or potions that did not live up to expectations. Immediately discarding such items is among the top cleaning tips when re-organizing a bathroom.
This is also a good rule to remember with regard to cosmetics: many women allow makeup items to remain in their cabinets too long. Items such as eyeshadow and mascara can eventually harbor bacterial growth that can pose health dangers. As a general rule, makeup that is older than 12 months should be thrown away.
Once all unnecessary items have been discarded, other items should be sorted and placed into piles. Objects that do not belong in the bathroom to begin with should be gathered together and eventually put in a more appropriate place. Items that are not necessarily used on a daily basis, but nevertheless belong in the bathroom, should be placed in the second pile. The third pile should be reserved for items such as decorations or larger objects that serve a purpose, but are no longer wanted by their owner. Such items can be donated or sold if they are still in good condition.
After the vanity and cabinets are cleared, remaining items should be divided according to their purpose. For example, cosmetics can be stored in shallow baskets and plastic containers can be used for cleaning products and air fresheners, which can then be stored under the sink. Bathroom totes or similar accessories can be used to store soap, toothpaste and other essential items.This will bring order to countertops and vanities, and ultimately create a more attractive room.
Bathrooms can end up in disarray for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, using the spring cleaning tips outlined above can revitalize a cluttered bathroom in no time and once again make the area organized and attractive.
As you start planning your spring cleaning strategy around the home, be sure to take a little extra time in the bathroom. With so much moisture, this is one area that will truly benefit from a deep cleaning. Here are some helpful tips on how to get it done right:
Start with a Blank Slate
Begin by taking everything out of the bathroom that you can. This includes shampoo bottles, soaps, toothbrushes, rugs, bath mats, and anything that sits on the shelves and counter tops. Having a blank slate to work with will make it easier to spray down all of the surfaces so that you can give them a good scrub.
Dust and Spray
Take a duster or damp cloth and dust all of the surfaces that probably get overlooked during weekly cleanings, like windowsills, the top of the medicine cabinet, and shelves. Next, use a multi purpose surface cleaner and spray the counter. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth, and move on to the sink.
Spray down the bathtub and shower stall with a product that is designed to remove soap scum and mildew. You may need to do a little scrubbing at this point to get the tiles and tub looking sparkling clean. Don’t forget the faucets and the mirror, which can be wiped down with a basic glass cleaner.
Next, move on to the toilet. Use the toilet bowl scrubber to remove any stains inside of the bowl, and be sure to clean under the rim. Use a clean rag to wipe down the outside of the toilet, all the way behind it and down to the floor.
Finally, you will want to clean the floors. The bathroom typically has tile floors, making it easy to do a quick mop. Get in all of the corners and behind the toilet. Once the floors are dry, then you can replace the rugs with a clean set.
Take some time to clean off the small items before putting them back, such as the toothbrush holder and soap dispenser. Once everything is cleaned and organized, your bathroom should look and smell great.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
