Bathroom maintenance should be an essential step in your housekeeping routine. As well as saving you a considerable amount of time and money in the long run, it can also prevent several common plumbing problems from occurring. But with so much to consider ahead of time, it can be difficult to know where to begin. A well-maintained bathroom can provide a sanitary and functional space for you and your family to enjoy. Continue reading to familiarise yourself with a number of top tips for bathroom maintenance.
Inspect your shower for loose tiles
As well as being a nuisance, loose tiles can be costly and time-consuming to fix. If your bathroom houses a shower enclosure, you must inspect it for loose or jagged tiles on a regular basis. You must also ensure tiles have been caulked properly to seal air leaks and prevent movement. If you encounter any wobbly tiles, you should remove and replace them immediately. You must also remember to reapply grout as soon as you have removed debris from between tiles. Failing to do so can not only have a negative impact on the appearance of your bathroom as a whole but increase your chances of shelling out for additional repair costs down the line. Call in the experts: royalflushsa.com.au/blocked-drains-adelaide/
Invest in a drain stopper
Most homeowners will be forced to contend with a clogged drain in their bathroom at one point or another. If you are continually plagued by blocked pipes, you may benefit from investing in a drain stopper. They can capture stubborn dirt and debris before it has a chance to restrict the flow of water to and from your bathroom. But before you install a drain stopper, you must familiarise yourself with the process of drain stopper removal. Once you are familiar with how to remove a drain stopper as well as how to clean a drain stopper, you can get to work preventing loose hair or soap scum from making its way down your pipes and causing an obstruction.
Look under the sink
When it comes to the daily cleaning routine, under the sink does not tend to rank highly on most homeowners list of priorities. But with your sink home to a number of drains and pipes, moisture can accumulate in a matter of minutes. You must remember to glance under your sink on a regular basis to catch leaks in their tracks and get to work finding a solution. Corroded pipes can seep water that can spread to wooden flooring or foundations which can damage the structural integrity of your property over time. If you are required to remove damaged pipes or connections, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Examine your walls and floor for rot and mould
Due to excess moisture and condensation, bathrooms are susceptible to rot and mould. You must examine your walls and floor for any warning signs on a regular basis to prevent the problem from materialising or worsening as this may end up impacting the health and wellness of you and your family. If you spot symptoms of damp, regardless of how minor, you must hire a professional plumber to identify the root of the problem as soon as possible. Not only does mould look unsightly but it has the potential to aggravate a number of existing health conditions. These include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, respiratory infections, asthma, and allergies. When it comes to rot and mould, prevention is key. Ensuring your bathroom is fully ventilated and applying mould resistant paint can stop spores in their tracks and even prevent them from materialising in the first place.
Replace grout and sealant
Grout and sealant require regular upkeep and maintenance. Due to frequent exposure to heat and moisture as well as gradual wear and tear, they can form cracks and crevices over time. To ensure they are performing accordingly, grout and sealant should be replaced every eight to 15 years. This date can be brought forward if you notice any holes or cavities during regular inspections. You must also keep an eye out for the presence of mould or mildew and treat it with a mixture of hot water and baking soda or oxygen bleach to get rid of any discolouration as this can significantly lower its lifespan. If you uncover any missing spots, you must clean the area thoroughly and apply a new coating.
Soak your shower tray
Shower trays may be exposed to water on a daily basis, but they are also the final destination for bodily dirt and debris. Maintaining your shower tray, however, is a relatively simple fix and can be done in a matter of minutes. Simply fill with warm soapy water or mild detergent after each use and leave to soak. Once drained, wipe dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch or wear away at the surface of your shower tray. Alternatively, an industry-leading scratch remover should be able to get rid of any shallow or deep scuff marks and restore your shower tray. Waste traps should also be cleaned on a regular basis to uncover any small objects or fish out any stubborn debris.
Organise your toiletries
Bathrooms tend to be one of the smallest rooms in the home. But with so many toiletries to store, it can soon become cluttered and overcrowded. When it comes to bathroom maintenance, organisation is key. Most toiletries are needed on a daily basis, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so they should be within reach whilst they are stowed away. Cleaning supplies should also be accessible to enable you to clean your bathroom on a regular basis. Extra soap, towels, and toilet paper can be stockpiled in clean, waterproof containers to protect them from water damage, mould, and mildew. If you struggle to find space in your bathroom, there are a number of clever tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your toiletries are covered and out of sight. Built-in storage under the sink or above the bath or toilet can transform the appearance of your bathroom and maximise your storage potential.
Wash your bath mat
Bath mats may look clean but they could be harbouring millions of harmful bacteria. With most people using them to dry their feet or catch dirty shower water, germs can accumulate in a matter of seconds. To keep your bath mat looking good as new, stick it in the washing machine alongside your towels on a regular basis. This can be done as often as you like but most homeowners stick to once every couple of weeks. You would be surprised how much a clean bath mat can transform the look and feel of your bathroom as well as your daily shower routine. If your bath mat is looking a little worse for wear, it may be time to replace it. Wooden alternatives can be cheaper, more hygienic, and easier to clean.
As one of the most commonly used rooms in the home, bathroom maintenance can contribute towards a happy and healthy home life for you and your family. This includes inspecting your shower for loose tiles, investing in a drain stopper, looking under the sink, examining your walls and floor for rot and mould, replacing group and sealant, soaking your shower tray, organising your toiletries, and washing your bath mat.
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