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Bathroom Maintenance

Spring Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Bathrooms

by Columbus Bath Design |April 1, 2016 |1 Comments | Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Cleaning tips, homeowners, Uncategorized | , , , ,

Screen Shot 2016-04-07 at 4.02.03 PMBathrooms 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.

Sorting

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.

Easy Ideas For Holiday Bathroom Storage

by Columbus Bath Design |December 10, 2015 |2 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom Remodeling, Tips for the Home, Uncategorized | , , ,

18jDuring the holidays, family and friends come to visit. It is important to keep your house clean and uncluttered. Usually, the bathroom is filled with shampoo bottles, towels, and other beauty items. Here are a few holiday bathroom tips to create extra storage.

Corner Shelf or Cabinet. Since bathrooms are often small, it is important to make use of all cracks and crevices. Placing a cabinet or shelf in a corner is an excellent way to fill empty space. It is a great place to store extra toilet paper and other bathroom essentials so that they are not in the way.

Shower Caddies. Most tubs are filled with various soaps and shampoo bottles. To declutter the area, it is wise to install caddies inside the shower stall. For easy mounting, many items come with suction cups that stick to the walls. Since they are not permanent fixtures, they can be simply moved. Place one at a low position so that your kids can reach their soaps and place another at a higher level for the adults. The best part is they are out of sight when the shower curtain is closed.

Back of the Door Storage. A great way to organize cabinets and create useful bathroom storage is by hanging units on the back of cabinet doors. Installing shallow holders provides great places to store containers of cotton balls, cleaning equipment, and other bathroom items. Make sure to label each shelf so that toiletries remain separate from other supplies.

Towel Rack Shelves. Every bathroom has a place for towels. Besides a plain bar, it is possible to purchase a shelf that contains a flat piece for holding tissues and other necessities and a place to hang towels. Double-duty items perform multiple functions and make the most of a bathroom’s storage capabilities.

Drawer Caddies. An organized drawer provides space for numerous items. Placing a slotted organizer into your bathroom’s vanity allows you space to hide brushes, hairspray, and other hair accessories. This means your sink’s counter top will remain neat. Drawer trays are great places to keep cosmetic items as well. You will always be able to find your favorite lip gloss, bobby pins, and other small things that tend to get lost among the mess.

If you want to learn easy tips to create holiday bathroom storage, consult the experts at Columbus Bath Design. This business offers a wide assortment of accessories that will match your decor and keep the space clutter-free.

Bathroom Tips For Holiday Entertaining

by Columbus Bath Design |December 3, 2015 |1 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Cleaning tips, homeowners, Uncategorized | , , ,

Screen Shot 2015-12-09 at 2.07.36 PMThe holidays are a time of gathering with loved ones, but for homeowners playing host to family and friends, it can be a lot of pressure. From preparing food to making the home inviting, it takes time and effort to entertain. Here are some simple bathroom tips to get your place ready for guests this holiday season:

Do a Deep Clean. Before any guests arrive, you want to take some time to do a very thorough, deep cleaning in the bathroom. Dust, scrub, and polish every surface to make it as sparkling clean as possible. Even if your guests won’t be using the shower or tub, make sure that you scrub it, replace the shower liner, and toss the shower curtain in the wash to freshen it up. You may even consider hiring a professional cleaning crew to get your entire house in tip-top shape. Your guests will certainly appreciate a fresh, clean bathroom.

Stock Up. You will likely be making a trip or two to the grocery store to stock up on food, but don’t forget the essentials for a clean and comfortable home. Take a trip to the store specifically to stock up on toilet paper, hand soap, tissues, and paper towels.

You don’t want guests to run out of toilet paper, so place some extra rolls in an obvious spot. Refill the hand soap dispenser and open up a new box of tissues. Place a few freshly laundered hand towels in the bathroom.

Make it Homey. If you’re going to have overnight guests, then you want to make the guest bedroom and bathroom as homey and comfortable as possible. In addition to cleaning and restocking the basics, add a few extras, such as travel sized toiletries. Guests may forget to pack something simple like shampoo, toothpaste, or even a razor blade, so have items set out for them to use. Add additional touches in the room like fresh flowers, a seasonally scented candle, and plush bath robes or towels.

You want to make sure that your guests feel welcomed anytime of the year, but especially at the holidays when they’re traveling away from home. By following these bathroom tips, homeowners can make their place as inviting as possible for friends and loved ones.

Tips For Organizing Your Bathroom Vanity

by Columbus Bath Design |September 25, 2015 |45 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Uncategorized | , , ,

416451_10151058721384811_65673625_oYour bathroom should be a calming retreat, but it’s also a space that can easily get overtaken by clutter. Give your bathroom a more streamlined look by getting things off of the vanity countertop and into designated spots. Here are some helpful organizing tips for homeowners to keep their bathroom vanity neat and tidy:

Get rid of unnecessary items. Chances are you have items in your bathroom that really have no business being there. Whether it’s old makeup and beauty products that you no longer use or are half empty, or just random things that have found their way in, and never made it back out, there are likely at least a handful of items that can be tossed out or stored in another room. Before you can start organizing, you need to clear out everything unnecessary.

Only leave out the essentials. There are a few essential items that need to be handy at all times in the bathroom. These include hand soap, a hand towel, and toothbrushes. Everything else can be given a proper place to be stored away until they need to be used, like toothpaste, makeup, grooming tools, cleaning supplies, and more.

Use drawer organizers. For vanities with drawers, simple organizers are the way to go. You can find them in a variety of sizes and styles, and they easily insert into the drawer. You can keep all of your cosmetics and beauty tools neatly stored away in designated spots. This also helps to keep the products in good shape, since they aren’t simply being tossed into a cosmetics bag or left lying on the counter. The items will be handy whenever you need them, and conveniently hidden from view.

Use baskets or bins. You can use baskets and bins to keep towels, toilet paper, and other supplies neatly stored. If your vanity has a cabinet, it’s the perfect place to keep extra toilet paper rolls. Use stylish baskets to store folded hand towels and wash clothes. You can place a basket with towels or supplies on top of the toilet tank for even more organized storage. Small bins are great for collecting things like hair ties, bobby pins, and barrettes and clips.

By following these bathroom tips, you’ll have a more organized space. Keep your bathroom clean and relaxing by clearing out clutter. Make the most of the space by organizing all of the necessary items in the vanity.

A Tub To Shower Conversion 101

by Columbus Bath Design |September 10, 2015 |23 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Bathtub Conversions, Uncategorized | , , ,

bathroom design and remodeling trendsMany homeowners are eliminating at least one bathtub in their homes. Although tubs are luxurious places to relax, many people find that taking showers fits better into their daily lives. Stepping over outdated tub walls is another consideration, especially as one ages. If this sounds like your situation, a tub to shower conversion may be the type of renovation you need.

Converting your tub into a shower takes careful consideration before you begin the process. For most bathrooms, a dream shower can fit into the footprint of an outdated bathtub. Here are some remodel tips to ensure that you get the shower conversion that’s right for your space.

Measure everything precisely down to 1/8 inch and write it down. Most tubes are 60 inches wide, an ideal width, but depth can be a problem. You’ll need at least 32 to 34 inches from the wall to the shower door. You’ll also need a finished ceiling height of at least 80 inches and a minimum interior space of 30 by 30 inches. If the toilet is located adjacent, make sure there will be a minimum of 15 inches between it and the location of the shower door. Consider a doorless shower if you don’t have the minimum clearance.

Once you have determined the existing space is large enough, four other elements will need to be addressed: plumbing, shower pan, wallboard and tile.

Existing water feeds will need reconfiguration to support a new diverter and trim. Tub drains are generally only 1-1/2 inches in diameter while most building codes require shower drains to be 2 inches, thus requiring new piping. The shower pan must be poured to achieve adequate sloping to the drain. Installation of a seamless waterproof membrane between the pan and floor tile is recommended to prevent seepage from to the floor below.

Crucial bathroom tips in a tub to shower conversion involve the wallboard and tile. Although one-piece acrylic systems are touted by some as the ideal solution, these are often placed over existing walls, which can harbor mold and eventual rot. Make sure that mold-resistant backer board is placed behind tile, which needs to be installed at least to the height of the showerhead. The joints between all tiles will need grouting and sealing to further retard mold growth behind the tile.

Fall In Love With Your New Bathroom

by Columbus Bath Design |September 3, 2015 |0 Comments | Bathroom Design, Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom Remodeling, homeowners, Uncategorized | , ,

0002Because bathrooms are becoming places in the home that provide relaxation and relief from stress, fall remodeling plans should include items other than the usual painting and redecorating. A properly fitted Columbus Bath Designroom can add beauty and value to your home, and for this reason it warrants a high priority when deciding on a remodeling budget. If you would like to create a bathroom you can fall in love with, we can assist you with it every step of the way.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips:

Unless a complete new bathroom is being built, placing the fixtures will mainly depend on the location of the existing plumbing. Within this context, however, impressive changes can be made. Since a wide array of fixtures are available from which to choose, it is not too difficult to design a dream bathroom to please most family members.

If the bathroom is large and space is not an issue, a wonderful whirlpool tub can be installed as well as a walk-in shower. Keeping fixtures close to existing plumbing will save money and ensure less upheaval. A corner shower on the same wall as the bathtub is a good option and fits in to space that would normally be wasted. In keeping with the natural look, stones such as soapstone, quartz and granite make good flooring options in and around the shower.

Vessel sinks are very popular at present, and do not normally take up more room than a traditional sink. Beautiful models are available in glass with shades of blue overtones, that give the visual appeal of a pool of water.

Borrowing Ideas From Nature:

Another popular trend is using natural materials for your bathroom. The materials include a mix of textures and colors, just as in nature. A forest look, for instance, may bring to mind the bark of trees, green leaves, ferns and the smooth stone and bubbling water of brooks. For a Southwest look, images of a red rock landscape with fluffy white clouds in blue skies may be the décor of choice.

If bathroom remodeling is one of your fall projects, take time to speak to a professional at Columbus Bath Design Systems who can ensure a finished product that will bring years of satisfaction and enjoyment.

Bathtub Liner Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

by Columbus Bath Design |August 26, 2015 |24 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Bathtub Liners, Uncategorized | , , ,

4156629_lWhen it comes time to remodel the bathroom, the most common upgrade is a new bathtub liner. This is a molded sheet of plastic or acrylic that is placed over an existing tub. It is a more economical option than resurfacing an old tub and takes little time to install. Since this is a large investment, it is important to learn some cleaning and maintenance tips to keep it looking its best. By using the right products and procedures, you will extend its life.

Cleaning Tips. When cleaning your new tub liner, expensive products are not necessary. Many times, these items are abrasive and contain chemicals that dull the shine of the liner. Chemicals often cause cracks that require expensive repairs as well. Some of the best cleaning solutions can be mixed from common household ingredients. For instance, regular dish detergent and water provide an excellent shine. Vinegar and water may be used to soften hardened minerals. For disinfecting, diluted bleach is effective at killing germs and eliminating mold.

Maintenance Tips. Thanks to hair and other debris, a bathtub commonly becomes clogged. There are various drain cleaners on the market, which are meant to open the pipes. Liquid products work the best. However, the caustic agents may lead to damage of the liner. When pouring the cleaner into the drain, it is advised to use a funnel so that spills can be prevented. Also, it is wise to read the directions and use only the recommended amount. People tend to go overboard and dump more than necessary down the pipe. When this occurs, the cleaner often explodes back into the tub and causes damage to the acrylic material.

Other Bathroom Tips. When installed properly, a tub liner will never leak. From time to time, it is important to inspect the caulking along the seams and drain to make sure everything is secure. This prevents water from penetrating and getting between the old and new tub. If this occurs, the standing water may become stagnate, cause a terrible smell, and encourage dangerous mold growth.

A tub liner is a smart investment, but it is imperative to keep it properly cleaned and maintained. Following the above bathroom tips, you should keep it shiny and attractive for many years. For more information, visit the liner experts at Columbus Bath Design.

Tips For Preventing Bathroom Mold With Acrylic Wall Systems

by Columbus Bath Design |July 30, 2015 |0 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Cleaning tips, Uncategorized | , , , ,

ts2Homeowners are always looking for effective bathroom tips that keep the area free of mold. Thanks to the regular use of vented ceiling fans, the bathroom is a space filled with humidity and high temperatures. Since mold grows best in warm and damp spaces, the tub and shower are two ideal spots for it to develop. When mold strikes, it can be dangerous to your health and hard to scrub away. Mold can cause allergy symptoms, including congestion and sinus pressure. It can also cause skin irritation. When ingested, mold can have toxic effects on the body.

Mold Removal:

Although mold may require scrubbing, the best way to remove it is with a homemade disinfecting mixture made of bleach and water. To avoid skin irritation, the solution can be placed in a spray bottle. After application, it should set for several minutes before it is wiped away. This will remove even the most stubborn cases of bathroom mold.

Acrylic Wall Systems:

The newest innovations in bathroom designs are crafted from acrylic materials, which are simple to clean. Besides being affordable, they make the room look elegant as well. The surfaces naturally resist mold so that homeowners will not have to deal with such issues.

Scientific advancements have led to the invention of durable and chemical resistant acrylic. With a new bathroom wall system, there is no need for intensive demolition, and the end results look rich and stylish. There are no grout lines to clean and no risks of cracking like with ceramic tile.

Within one or two days, your bathroom will be transformed into a modern work of art. Thanks to the wide range of colors, patterns, and other design options, your ugly and outdated decor will be immediately given a boost. Acrylic never peels or chips, so it will last a long time.

When you are looking to update your bathroom with an acrylic wall system, Columbus Bath Design provides a four-layer, high molecular material with antimicrobial properties. For more information or to get a free estimate, contact the company. Get ready for a mold-free bathroom in your future.

Summer Bathroom Cleaning 101

by Columbus Bath Design |June 11, 2015 |1 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom tips, Cleaning tips, Uncategorized | , ,

39686156_lDuring the summer, it can be easy to want to spend your free time outdoors, enjoying the nice weather. However, it’s important to make time for housekeeping, as well, and we have some smart cleaning bathroom tips to help you do just that. Here are some simple summer cleaning tips to keep your home feeling fresh and clean:

Set a Cleaning Schedule, and Stick with it.

Setting a weekly cleaning schedule is a great way to ensure that no room is overlooked. While you probably do some light upkeep throughout the week, you need to designate certain days and block out times to tackle those big cleaning tasks. After all, those toilets aren’t going to clean themselves! Get other members of the household involved by assigning certain tasks. With a cleaning schedule in place, you won’t overlook the more unpleasant aspects of deep cleaning the bathrooms, which is essential to keeping germs and bacteria at bay.

Use an All Natural, All-Purpose Cleaner.

Since the bathroom tends to be a smaller, more confined space, you will want to choose an all-purpose cleaning solution that is natural. This way, you can avoid those toxic fumes that are typically associated with harsh cleansers. There are many safer products on the market today that can effectively clean toilets, showers, tubs, and sinks. Use a product that is both safe for your family’s health and effective at killing bacteria.

Keep it Dry.

Mold and mildew growth really thrive in damp rooms, so it’s very important to keep your bathroom as dry as possible. Use an exhaust fan when showering to prevent steam from settling on surfaces. If your mirror and other surfaces are wet once you’re done showering, take a dry towel and wipe them down. If you have a window, open it up, or leave the bathroom door open to allow fresh air to flow in.

No one enjoys deep cleaning the bathroom, but it’s a job that must be done to ensure your family’s health and safety. By following these simple cleaning tips, you can enjoy a dry, fresh bathroom all summer long.

Decluttering Your Bathroom 101

by Columbus Bath Design |April 23, 2015 |0 Comments | Bathroom Maintenance, Bathroom Remodeling Tips, Uncategorized | , , , ,

 

bathroom decluttering

No matter how clean your bathroom is, clutter simply seems to happen. After the colder winter 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 accoutrements 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 any 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.