Let’s be honest – nobody likes cleaning the bathroom. It’s become an even bigger chore for most of us over the last year with everyone learning and working at home.
Unfortunately, we haven’t gotten those self-cleaning bathrooms from The Jetsons yet, but there are design and material choices you can make that will make your bathroom easier to clean.
Below, find seven tips on creating a bathroom that’s easier to clean. The big takeaway: avoid crevices, cracks and joints that can collect dirt and grime as much as possible!
1. Install a quality exhaust fan
Avoiding mold is job No. 1 in keeping the bathroom clean. The key to that is a good ventilation system.
Your fan not only combats mold and mildew, but it will also protect your other surfaces by reducing moisture. Excess moisture will cause your walls, cabinets and other materials to slowly deteriorate. If your home is more than a few years old, check out the newer exhaust fans on the market. They are quieter and more effective than previous models, making a big impact at a relatively low cost.
2. Choose wall-hung features
Wall-hung toilets and vanities make it easier to keep the floor clean. Instead of dealing with more corners and seams, it’s easy to make a clean sweep under these wall-mounted features.
3. Smooth-front cabinets
Again, we’re looking to avoid those nooks and crannies. Smooth doors will make it easy to wipe off any messes versus overly designed cabinets and drawers.
4. Minimize metal on shower doors
The metal frame and joints on shower doors will collect hard water, limescale and other minerals. Installing a frameless or open shower will minimize that accumulation.
A hinged door versus a sliding door is another good choice as there will be fewer metal surfaces to worry about. Glass still needs to be maintained, but is easier to keep clean than metal.
5. Rethink flooring choices
One of the most common places for accumulation of dirt is the grout joints on tile floors. This can be addressed in a couple of ways.
First of all, you can dump the tile floor altogether. Avoid grout by opting for alternatives, such as luxury vinyl flooring.
Alternatively, consider larger format tiles in the 12×12 or larger size. That will minimize the number of grout joints, creating fewer places for grime to collect. Look for a grout that is mildew resistant. Choosing a gray or off-white grout will age better than a bright white grout that will show dirt more easily.
6. Pick the right type of paint
Think about what paints you use to finish your bathroom. Look for paints that are mold- and mildew-resistant. You’ll need to occasionally wipe down those bathroom walls, so a washable, resilient finish is important. Semigloss paints are tough and easy to clean. Choose satin or eggshell if you want to avoid the shine of the more glossy finishes.
7. Install an undermount or flush sink
An undermount sink is installed under a countertop to create a seamless appearance. It’s a nice, clean look and avoids the visible rim of a drop-in sink mounted on top of the countertop. That rim creates another gathering place for dirt.
Time to give your bathroom a new, cleaner look? Contact T.W. Ellis today to discuss your bathroom project or any of your remodeling needs!
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