Bathroom Tips: Fans for the Bath

Readers of Handy Tips and Hints range from East to West. So when I say that during summer time in Manila, it could really be extra humid like getting sweaty as soon as you step out of the tub, some may not relate. But truth to tell, it is that and more. Even the high electricity cost will not hamper people from turning on their air conditioners because it can really get unbearable. Some install bathroom fans for a bit of comfort.

Wipe spills the moment they happen

If only we could have our house as clean as it was turned over to us when it was brand new. One of the things that I personally have to put up with when it comes to household cleaning is keeping my black and white washroom spic and span. I love the contemporary design we chose for our bath and the main challenge is keeping the white floor tiles sparkling white.  

Maintenance is the answer. Making sure to wipe spills as soon as possible, putting the job off will just allow the dirt and grime to seep in thus making it even harder for the mark to come off. 

Have a Better Bathroom

It has always been said that to know a homeowner’s personality you have to go check the bathroom and see how they maintain it and how much they have put effort in it. This was not really my motivation when we decided to have the bathroom that we currently have. We just decided that even as we will have our very own home reconstructed, then we might as well maximize every inch of space and have the grandest one we can afford.  

Suffice it to say, the most thought about part of the house was the bathroom. We went to a handful of exhibits that has to do with bathrooms and there were so many to choose from until we deliberated and agreed on a classic black and white contemporary theme. We love it. We knew maintaining the white to be immaculate can be something, especially if the tile is from floor to ceiling. We really do not have a problem with the wall tiles as much as we do on the white floor tiles.  

For your bathroom issues, you ought to check out Better bathrooms for ideas and all those pretty things for your bathrooms. Now I see my bathroom and I know I don’t need to check in a fancy motel to enjoy a real comfort room.

A glimpse of our very own bathroom.

No More Clogged Sinks

Did you know that you can actually do something to stop your sink from clogging every so often? It is called sink management and a task so easy that even a child can do it. Just make sure to pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, immediatedly follow it with one cup of white vinegar. After ten minutes flush sink with six cups of boiling water. Done twice a month you just might never have to go through the hassles of declogging sinks.

Basics in Managing a Leaky Faucet

Before you begin to attempt repairing your leaky bathroom faucets, make sure you have turned off the stop valve under th sink. Don't forget to cover chrome surfaces with electrician's tape to protect them from being scratched or damaged.

If what you have has a one piece ball, cartridge or valve make sure you have everything in hand and exactly what you need which are readily available in a home center or hardware. If you have a special faucet, then it will be wise to check with your manufacturer.

Tub and Tile Care

Remove mildew and stains from the tub and tiles by wetting the surfaces with water and then spraying them with a solution of one cup bleach to one quart water. Make sure that the room is well ventilated while you do the job and that bath towels and fabric shower curtains are out of the spray range.

Stained tub or sink suraces come clean with a cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide paste. Spread the paste over the stain and scrub lightly with a brush. Let the paste dry and then wipe or rinse it all off. Clean grungy looking tile grout with full strength vinegar instead of bathroom or kitchen cleaner.

The best time for bathroom cleaning? Right after taking a shower or bath, when steam has loosened the dirt. Just wipe off the damp surfaces with a paper towel. Fiberglass tub tough to clean? Use a water conditioner such as Calgon or a commercial bathroom cleaner containing EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetate).

After grout has set, seal it with a commercial silicone preparation which is available in hardware stores. When caulking a crack between a tub and a wall, use a silicone caulking compind, which is flexible and should not crack from the water's weight when the tub is in use.

If you are tired of cleaning around nonskid decals in your porcelain tub or shower, scrape them off with a straight-edge razor blade (in a holder) dipped in soapy water. Remove adhesive residue with acetone or nail polish remover.

Bathroom floors covered in dull, old resilient tile may need especially strong cleaning measures. Scrub with a solution of one part ammonia to four parts of water, then dry with a towel. Apply a thin coat of wax following the directions on the container.

Exhaust Fans in Bathrooms

If you could at all do it, DO install exhaust fan in your bath Make sure it is vented to the outside. This and built in heaters installed from the ceiling won't ause burns and they do a good job of removing excess moisture from the bathroom.

When it is dry outside, don't forget to leave the window and curtain open.

Keeping Bathrooms Clean

Keep your bathroom sparkling clean in just 4 and a half minutes a day. Armed with a spray bottle of disinfectant cleaner, a sponge and a paper towel, wipe down all bathroom surfaces. Work from the cleanest (mirror) to the dirtiest (floor), covering the sink, tub and toilet along the way.

If you can't get around to cleaning the bathroom every day, sponge down the tub, shower and sink witha ligquid disinfectant cleaner at least once a week.

Use a moistened cloth with vinegar to rub away hard water spots and soap scum from chrome faucet handles and drains. Dry and polish with a soft cloth.

Prevention is always the best method for eliminating mildew. After showering, keep the shower curatin extended (not bunched) so it can dry thoroughly. clean your bathroom regularly with disinfectant and keep it as dry and well ventilated as possible.

Bathroom Safety

If at all possible you and have elderlies in your home, provide shower shoes for them to use. This prevents accidental slips and even will give them more freedom to move.

If you have children around the house, make sure to install a doorknow with an outside lock release. This will prevent them the kids from getting locked inside accidentally.

Prevent bathroom slips by laying rugs with non skid backings and by providing tubs and showers with suction-backed rubber mats or adhesive decals. I always go for the more pricey brands because it definitely lasts longer.

Make sure there are grab bars installed in the shower and the tub.

Avoid using electrical appliances such as space heaters, hair dryers or radios near water. If you should have an outlet in the bathroom, make sure all outlets are equipped with GFI's (ground faluth interrupters) to prevent the possibility of fatal shock. Even then, you should always be careful.

To prevent getting scalded by hot water, make sure to turn on the cold water first when taking a bath.