Tips to help stop bathroom germs

Color code hand and bath towels

It might seem like a stupid idea but each family member will know which towel is theirs. Each time you dry yourself off, are depositing germs on your towel. Just a skin flake can contain bacteria. They may not be sick but it can affect you. If you don’t want to color code, use a waterproof marker on the labels. Not only do you prevent someone from using your towel but you don’t make the same mistake.

Never share toothbrushes

Make sure everyone has their own toothbrush and the best way to identify them is by colour-coding. You can simply buy toothbrushes in different colours. Here’s why: every time you brush your teeth, you remove plaque and particles. Sometimes you press too hard and your gums bleed. Any bacteria you have in your mouth, is deposited onto your toothbrush. It becomes contaminated. Replace your toothbrush each time after you’ve been ill because you will get infected again. Remember that germs survive a long time. The best practice is to store toothbrushes roughly 1 inch from each other. This prevents germs from spreading from one toothbrush to another.

Flush your toilet with the lid down

Flushing your toilet with the lid up is like setting of a flare. The water vapor that erupts from the flushing bowl is polluted and it takes several hours for these particles to settle. Do not store your toothbrush openly near the toilet as it gets contaminated by the particles.
Clean high-touch surfaces

Clean high-touch surfaces

A high-touch surface is something you use your hands on. The bathroom has a lot of them. These include the taps, door handles, toilet lids, bath handles and your towel rack. Any high-touch surface carries a lot of germs. Use a disinfectant spray or anti-bacterial wipes. These will kill the bathroom germs living on your surfaces. Rhinoviruses that cause cold can actually survive for up to three hours. So when you are sick, make sure you disinfect your bathroom.

Use a paper cup dispenser

A plastic or ceramic cup can spread a lot of germs. The fact is that a few people in the household probably uses the same cup. Your best defense it to keep a paper cup dispenser in the bathroom. This allows everyone to have their own cup and dispose of it when they are done. It might be a bit expensive but you stop people from infecting each other when they are sick.

Choose functional tissues

There are loads of different types on the market today and the latest is virucidial tissues. These tissues actually kill germs as soon as you use it. Blowing your nose or coughing into it can help to stop the spread of germs. These viruvidial tissues may be expensive but it depends on the manufacturer and store.

Wash your hands after you do your business

This may be second nature but people forget, especially children. You should always wash your hands after coming into contact with any body fluids such as blood, nasal secretions and vomit. This applies when you are visiting the toilet, changing diapers and of course, after you clean any area of the bathroom.

Scrub the inside of the toilet bowl

The toilet bowl actually has a lot of germs. Make sure you clean it a couple times a week with products that contain bleach. The bleach actually kills the germs and also leaves your toilet clean and ready to be used.

Let the water run before you shower

Bathroom germs can grow in shower heads. It might not seem possible but as soon as you turn off the water, they become active and easily multiply. Let your shower run fully on hot water for about a minute or two. This will flush out the germs before you get in.

Scrub showers, bathtubs, and counter-tops

Bathroom germs grow in your showers, bathtubs and on your counter-tops as well These should always be cleaned to reduce the spread of viruses, fungi and bacteria. Do it at least twice a week with a disinfectant product that contains bleach. You can easily get more germs if you don’t clean your bathroom because they enter through the mouth, nose, eyes, and broken skin or just about anywhere they can. Your overall load of bacteria can increase and you may get ill with a cold, infections or viruses. This can be because you didn’t clean the bathtub, got in and touched your mouth or even get into the tub with a cut or an open wound. You’re always in danger of being infected, especially when you are already sick.

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Prefabricated shower surrounds and fancy imported tiles are undoubtedly good looking but they are very expensive and often too pricey for most of us to afford. That does not mean you cannot have a great looking bathroom for just a few rands. It does not matter what the cost or quality of the materials are. Your shower wall will either look well made or very bad depending on the amount of time and effort you put into the project. One of the main points is appropriate attention to detail.

Broken Tile Mosaic

You can visit construction sites, tile shops and DIY stores and ask them for free broken tiles. Be creative and try out a few designs on a scrap piece of wood or paper. When you are happy with your design, use it as a guide to install the broken tiles on the shower walls. If your shower walls are not waterproof, you can use cement-fiber board as a subsurface. Leave at least about 1/8 inch between pieces so you could grout between them.

Pebbles

You can use a technique similar to laying tiles to create a shower wall that reflects the seaside or a river’s edge. Instead of broken tiles, build a mosaic of interesting, small, polished river pebbles. Use a sand-colored grout between each pebble to resemble the beach or a riverbank. If you want to make it more interesting, intersperse seashells or beach glass. This whole project is free to collect, except the tile glue and grout. If you cannot collect your own pebbles, purchase pebbles from a quarry or pebble tiles that already attached to a backing for easy installation.

Galvanized Sheet Metal

If you want super cheap but durable shower wall, you could use ordinary galvanized steel roofing. It is easy to install, horizontally or vertically, with ordinary screws and rubber washers to prevent leaking around fasteners. It comes in many lengths to suit different ceiling heights, and you can cut it with tin snips or drill with ordinary metal bits or hole saw for installing fixtures. Coat it with a clear sealer to keep it bright and shiny, or allow it to oxidize naturally for a mellow rust effect. If it rusts too much, replacement is cheap and easy as well.

Stained Glass

Like broken tiles, broken glass is a resource often overlooked or disposed of. Set clear or colored glass pieces with white tile adhesive that dries to allow the colors to show at the best they can. These techniques works equally well with broken mirror pieces. With a little bit more effort, you can use a glass cutter to cut pieces to interesting shapes before installing them for added appeal. A dark grout between colored pieces of glass, will give it a stained glass effect.

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Self-Rimming Sinks

This style is the easiest to install and it can be fitted into an existing counter. A rim encircling the bowl sits on the countertop to support the weight of the sink.

• Also known as drop-in sinks
• Most popular style
• Easiest to install, approximately one hour
• Can be easily be installed into an existing counter

Vessel Sinks

These are typically bowl-shaped units that sit on top of the counter surface. They do not require undermount installation.

• Also known as countertop sinks
• They are generally higher, which makes them more comfortable
• A bold design choice
• Vessel sinks require a pop-up drain

Wall-Mounted Sinks

These are perfect for bathrooms that could use extra floor space. This sink is supported by the wall and does not require a vanity base, countertop, or legs.

• They often include a shroud to hide any piping
• Do not use any floor space
• Good choice for small bathrooms
• Can be installed at different heights

Pedestal Sinks

It is a stand-alone style sink that takes up floor space. You can install this ina small bathroom where storage isn’t a priority.

• Not installed into a vanity
• Features a wide basin and a narrow base
• Similar to a birdbath shape
• Take up relatively little floorspace

Undermount Sinks

This sink is installed below a solid countertop. It maximizes counter space and it is easy to clean.

• Must be used with solid-surface counters
• Gives a smooth look that’s a rising trend
• You can wipe directly into the sink
• Easy to clean

Console Sinks

These are a cross between wall-mounted and pedestal links. The exposed base offers a less bulky option for small spaces.

• Wall hung sink with two or four legs
• Acts as both a basin and the counter
• Saves space
• Compact and offers storage

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Small bathrooms can be a huge design and decorating challenge but if you have the right combination of fixtures, surfaces, colors, decor and lighting, you can create the illusion of a much larger space. In recent years, bathrooms have expanded in size but you still get the small, cramped spaces that are difficult to handle.

Color and light

One of the first additions of small bathroom decor is color and light. In general, any space will always seem larger if it is lighter and brighter. Be sure to take full advantage of any natural light available in the bathroom. Make sure any curtains or shades are translucent and keep your windowsills empty so that there are no obstructions to sunlight. When you are choosing paint color or a color scheme for the entire bathroom, focus on lighter, livelier colors.

Style

Your choice of an overall stylistic approach for your bathroom can also serve to expand or contract the space. Even though any style can work in a small space if it is minimal enough, traditional, rustic or country styles tend to have more adornment and decor than contemporary or modern styles, which are usually more sleek and streamlined. A great example of a space-saving fixture that works well in a more updated design is a pedestal sink. This sink can work great with a simple, straightforward style.

Lighting

Lighting can go a long way in creating the illusion of more space in a small bathroom. Task and decorative lighting can be played to open up the bathroom, with the ink and shower illuminated with task lighting. You can then illuminate the space above and below cabinets with decorative lighting to create height and depth in the space.

Space

Another way to add height and depth is with your choices for surface patterns. For walls, you may need to consider beadboard or wallpaper with vertical stripes to add a sense of height to the entire space. Hardwood floors or tile should run the length of the space to make it seem longer. Tilework on the walls should be perpendicular to flooring, in order to create further depth in the space. For wall tilework, consider adding unbroken, continual horizontal line designs. These will create the illusion of s space that keeps going everywhere you look

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Budget for the unexpected

Hidden water damage is one of the most common problems in bathrooms. It could be a leaky shower pan or running toilet that is wreaking havoc on your floor. If it feels spongy, it is a sign of serious water damage. Some other problems are truly hidden which could be a vent stack inside a wall you want to knock down.

Hide the toilet

A master bathroom that is both stylish and functional can also be very discreet. It is always nice to hide a toilet in a room within the bathroom, behind a half-wall or perhaps behind some sort of barrier or divider.

Choose appropriate surfaces,?h3>
The surfaces in your bathroom do a lot more than just contribute to aesthetics. They take a lot of abuse and for that, you need the right surfaces which can handle it. Porcelain is a favorite among designers, for use on the walls and floors alike. Some porcelain tiles are cheap at roughly R80 per square meter and resemble natural stone. If you want to ease the upkeep, you could use larger tiles to minimize grout lines.

Porcelain is also a popular choice for bathroom sinks but some tests have shown that they can chip when subjected to heavy impacts. Enamel-on-steel sinks are very durable and stain-resistant. Stainless steel sinks are also becoming more popular for use in the bathrooms as well. A solid-surface sink is another durable option and it allows you to integrate the sink with a vanity countertop.

When it comes to the countertop, granite and quarts have moved from the kitchen to the bathroom. It is very durable and visually pleasing. Laminated and solid surface sinks are still popular and cost-effective choices but it can scratch easy.

Spend on the shower

People have started to use bathtubs even less due to high water usage and efficiency. Nowadays people do not usually install baths in their homes and use the space to create bigger showers. This can be a big shower that has two showerheads, own storage areas and perhaps steam generators.

In order to create such a space, you roughly need a shower stall that is at least 1.2m (4 feet) by 1.8m (6 feet), larger than the standard 0.9m (3 feet) by 0.9m (3 feet) stall. If you can take the stall up to 1.5m (5 feet) by 2.1m (7 feet), you may even forget about installing a door because the showerheads can be directed in a way that the spray does not reach beyond the shower area. An L-shaped design is the best to use. This will eliminate a sizable expense, especially if you were planning on a frameless door. Just one thing to take note of: do NOT remove the bathtub if there are no more in the house.

Consider the water usage

Showerheads, toilets and faucets gave become more water-efficient in recent years due to water shortages and the price of water. Low-flow showerheads and faucets will save more water than the traditional fixtures. These water-efficient fixtures generally cost the same or are cheaper than the traditional fixtures. Some companies claim that their fixtures are 20% more water-efficient than the traditional ones.

As for toilets, the old fashioned one can use as much as 12 liters per flush, while new dual flush toilets use 6 liters for a full and 3 liters for a half. By using these dual flush toilets, you can save between 6 and 9 liters per flush, which ultimately reduces your utility bill. If you choose a faucet with an aerator, you can reduce the water flow in your bathroom sink by 30% or more.

Clear space on the vanity

Since grooming is the main task at the vanity, it is important to have plenty of surface are to put things down. Since a double sink has been popular in the past, it makes more sense to have a single sink with a lot of counter space. Not only does it take a lot less space, but a single vanity save you the expense of a second sink and faucet. By eliminating a set of plumbing, it expands the storage space inside the vanity as well.

Ensure adequate ventilation and light

Moisture does not only create mold and mildew, it can take a toll on finishes and painted surfaces. A bathroom fan or ventilation system is the best defense. A ducted system that is at least 50 cubic feet per minute is generally the international standard, but you might need twice as much ventilation if the space is larger than 10 square feet or if you have a steam shower. You can also consider installing a humidity-sensing unit that will automatically turn on and off, depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

As for lighting, the goal is to bring different layers of illumination into the bathroom. A ceiling fixture is suitable for general lighting, but it will cast shadows on your face when you are seated at the vanity or standing in front of the mirror. Wall scones or other vertical fixtures mounted on the sides of the vanity can eliminate the shadows. Some medicine cabinets are available with vertical light strips.

The shower, toilet or bathtub should also have a dedicated task light, such as a recessed canister light. LED bulbs are the best choice because they provide loads of light and they are more energy-efficient than ordinary bulbs. The only drawback is that these lights cost more than ordinary or energy-saving bulbs. Remember that you can put the fixtures on dimmer switches so that light levels can be adjusted according to the mood and task at hand.

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• You can add a shelf above the sink that allows you easy access to the items you use every day.
• Don’t forget about the space above your toilet. You can easily install a cabinet, some shelves or just a basket for toiletries or reading material.
• Hang some spice racks so you could organize your makeup and aerosols.
• Do you have no space for towel racks? Just install them on the back of the door.
• Install a shelf above the door to have that extra space.
• If you use hair dryers in the bathroom, you can install a holder on the inside of a cabinet door. It is relatively cheap and it saves a lot of time. You can even use this idea to store some styling products, hairbrushes or perhaps some magazines.
• Install drawers inside your cabinets will help to maximize storage space. It also makes it a lot easier to organize and fine items.
• Another option is to use a lazy susan inside your bathroom cabinet to make it easier to access smaller items.
• If you have a pedestal or wall-mounted sink with no cabinets, you can buy shelves that will fit around it. In the event that bathroom suppliers do not have any in stock, you can simply make your own, with a little effort of course.
• When your space is just too narrow to install full-size bathroom cabinets, you can purchase some narrow cabinets with drawers. They fit into small, narrow spaces without any effort at all.
• If you are able to, you can create a recessed tile-lined niched in the bathroom shower. This small opening provides storage that doesn’t get in your way and it easy to reach. It is a great place for storing shampoos, soaps, a razor or other necessities you use in the shower.
• The backs of your cabinet doors are full of unused space. Attach shallow caddies to the back of it to add extra storage for items such as hand soap, cotton balls or cleaning supplies. If you want to go a step further, you can label each shelf to make sure it is more organized.
• When you do have some space next to your sink, you can get a freestanding cabinet. It is a great substitute for a linen closet. You can save money by looking for unfinished cabinets at supplier, or buying a decent second-hand one. Keep everything neat and tidy within thee cabinet by using bins, baskets, or containers to separate items.
• Avoid cluttering your bathroom by storing toiletries and other everyday bathroom essentials in baskets on shelves. You can even group items for a specific task, person, or time of day.
• Keep dirty towels and clothes off the bathroom floor by creating a hidden laundry basket. You can do this by installing a hamper inside a cabinet with a tilting door. This makes it easily accessible and it keeps your bathroom tidy.
• If you don’t want to spend money or a towel rack or storage space, get a nice wooden chair. It offers a simple, warm and welcome place to sit. It also serves as a spot for resting a small stack of towels. So place it near your bathtub or shower so that you can reach them easily.

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You cannot eliminate the risk entirely, but you can make your bathroom a little bit safer.

Install adequate grip

In a room where there is splashing water, good traction is must. Do not install slick, glossy tiles on bathroom rooms. Install smaller tiles in the shower, with enough grout. You can also get stone or ceramic tiles that are designed with a little extra grip.

The risk of falling is still there, so it might be wise to get rid of fixtures with sharp edges.

Install grab bars

Installing grab bars in the shower and next to the bathtub is a great idea for everyone. This is especially true for adults of 65 years and older. A bar by the toilet helps anyone who has difficulty standing. You can actually get these in different styles too. If you want to install them later, install the necessary blocking in the wall, and keep a record of the location so that you can add them easily.

Turn down the temperature

Most water heaters are set to 50°C and that temperature can burn delicate skin in seconds. You reduce the risk of burns by setting your water heater to 40 or even 30°C. If you are remodeling, you can install an anti-scald valve for your tub and shower. The valves come in two types which is thermostatic and pressure-balanced.

The thermostatic valves tend to be a bit expensive but they are required for high-volume shower systems. If you cannot open the wall to change the valve, get one to install it between the shower head and the pipe neck.

Lavatory faucets with a motion sensor can prevent scalding because the water temperature is preset to a safe level. This convenient sensor also stops the spread of germs by allowing you to wash your hands without touching the taps.

Another added bonus of these motion-sensing faucets is that there is little risk of an overflow.

Bathe safely

If you are planning on installing a new shower, make sure the controls are easy to reach. This goes for inside and outside of the water stream. You should be able to adjust the temperature before you jump in.

Install a shower bench so that you don’t cut yourself while shaving legs.

If you have glass enclosing the shower, make sure it it shatterproof and the door should open outward. This is a great help if you slip or faint because help can reach you.

If you want to install a new tub, get a platform design. You can enter the tub by sitting on the platform, swinging your legs over and lowering yourself in.

Kids

If you have small children or they visit, lock away cleaning supplies and medications. Install safety devices such toilet locks and tub-spout pads. Never leave a small child unattended in the bath or shower. Injury experts recommend that you don’t use a baby-seat as they do not prevent drowning. Children can drown within minutes in only a few centimeters of water. Their skin is more sensitive than an adult’s and their centre of gravity is higher. This means that children fall over easily, and their faces or heads take the brunt of the impact.

Extra comfort

Many universal design features that make a bath wheelchair-accessible can also make it safer and more relaxing for everyone.

A toilet with about 18 inches seat height means that it is the hight of an average dining chair, which other adults prefer. A hand-held shower with an adjustable height makes it easier to shower if you’re on crutches or seated.

Simple safety measures

Some of the easiest safety measures are related to simple practices and you overall behaviour. You need to wipe up puddles or splashes promptly. Do not leave electrical appliances plugged in or near any water sources. Add traction mats to slippery bathtubs and remove any rug with a tendency to slip or bunch up. It would be best to use rubber-backed bath mats. Also plug in a night-light to guide people during the night.

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Why bathroom decoration?

Some might argue that these items are not completely essential for your bathroom and it might be correct. You can live without some of these items but why would you? The bathroom is an often neglected area of the home but it can make a huge impact on your guests. A home that’s decorated to perfection will draw their attention but your bathroom might ruin their opinion of your otherwise, stylish home. The other benefit is that you’ll have a good-looking place where you can relax while getting ready for work or just soaking in the bath after a long day. The following is a list of the essentials when applying a bit of bathroom decoration:

1. Good lighting: You need to have sufficient lighting, without straining your eyes.
2. Good mirror: There’s nothing worse than a bad mirror. Make sure it’s large enough and that it looks good.
3. A matching set of towels: It gives your bathroom that harmonious look.
4. Durable bath mat: Keep it good looking but it must be able to withstand dirt and protect your clean feet..
5. Non-standard shower curtain: This will help you to avoid that dull, cheap look.
6. Good cleaning supplies: Make sure you have the right items to make your bathroom sparkle.
7. Good storage solutions: Use the least space to create the most storage.
8. Good window treatment: A bathroom window treatment has to look good and protect your privacy at all times.
9. Toothbrush holder: You never realise how important it is until your toothbrush lands on the floor or worse, the toilet.
10. Trash can: Don’t just get a plain one. Rather have something that compliments your bathroom.
11. Good smelling hand soap: It might not seem important but smelly soap is not impressive.
12. Hand towel for guests: Use a traditional towel or one that fits in with your bathroom.

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The following bathroom safety tips for kids may help you but you might already have an idea of how to protect them. Just like the elderly, they are vulnerable to injuries and it will affect them later on in life.

The simplest way to avoid injuries in the bathroom is to make it inaccessible unless your child is accompanied by an adult. You may install a latch on the door at adult height so that your child can’t get into the bathroom when you aren’t around. Make sure you have a lock on the door that can be unlocked from the outside just in case your child gets locked in from the inside.

The following bathroom safety tips for kids will help you to prevent any injuries while your child is using the bathroom.

Bathroom safety tips for kids:

Bath safety

Children can drown in only a few inches of water, so you should never leave your child unattended, even if it’s just a few seconds. If you really have to answer the door or the phone, wrap your child in a towel and take him or her along with you. Bath seats and rings are basically only bathing aids and they aren’t meant to be used unattended either. Please note that you should also drain the bathtub when you are done.

Water safety

Scalding is a real threat when you bath your child. The hottest temperature coming from your tap, should be no more than 48.9 degrees Celsius. In some cases, you can adjust your hot water heater. Another great thing to get is a mixer tap. This helps you to correct the temperature while you are filling the bathtub. When your child is old enough to use the taps, teach him or her that its better to turn on the cold water first.

Slipping

Who knows of someone who never slipped in the bathroom? Your child might be small but hey, injuries can become fatal. Install non-slip strips or mats on the bottom of the bathtub. Put a cushioned or soft cover over the taps so that your child doesn’t get injured when accidentally bumping into the taps. Always close your toilet lid and try to get a toilet lid lock. A curious toddler who tries to play with the water can lose his or her balance and fall in. You could also close the bathroom door at all times but make sure it is ventilated.

Medicine

Make sure you keep your medicine in containers with safety caps. These caps are merely child-resistant and not childproof. It is always best to store your medicine and cosmetics in a space too high for your child to reach. Do not keep your frequently used items in the same cabinet. Rather have a second cabinet that’s also hard to reach with a safety latch or lock. This prevents your child from accessing the items even when they do reach it.

Electrical appliances

This might not be the case with most households but there are some who use electrical appliances in the bathroom. If you use any appliances such as hair dryers or razors, make sure you unplug them and store them in a cabinet with a safety lock. The safest option is to use them in a room where there is no water. An electrician can install special bathroom wall sockets that can lessen the likelihood of electrical injury when an appliance falls into the sink or bathwater. The problem is that these specialised plugs do not always work an fatal electrocution might take place.

Please consider the above bathroom safety tips for kids so that your child is safe and out of any danger. As you may already know, children are very curious and they tend to let their curiosity get the better of them.

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Microfiber Cloths: These nonabrasive synthetics are often sold by the bag or a small packet. They trap dust and dirt so easily. Use them wet or dry.

Broom and dustpan: An angled-bristle broom and a dustpan that clips to the broom. It’s better if they’re always together when you need them.

Bucket: You use it for mopping floors and window-washing. If you are a minimalist, buy one that’s big enough.

Big cellulose scrub sponges in different colors for different jobs. It’s always nice to organize them according to colours.

Tub and tile cleaner: Get one that has a nice fragrance.

Disposable leather cleaning wipes: They clean leather sofas and chairs, but they’re also great for leather books, coats, and boots.

Disposable wipes cleaning the bathroom sinks and kitchen countertops quickly between more thorough weekly cleanings. You’ll save time in the end by not letting soap scum, grime, and toothpaste sit too long. It’s easier to clean off if you tackle it in the early stages.

Oil Soap: Cleaning wooden floors and furniture is a snap with this. It will not only protect your wood but it will do a good job at cleaning as well.

All-purpose cleaner: Simple Green is a good, economical one. You dilute it in a spray bottle and use it on everything from countertops to tile floors. I even use it to wash my car. So it’s suited for just about everything.

Biodegradable washing detergent. Liquid detergent can also be used as a stain pretreatment by pouring a little on the stain and letting it sit before throwing the garment in the wash.

Vacuum cleaner:  Examine your needs and then check all the major companies for models that do what you want them to do. If you have a lot of pet hair, you want to look for one that’s well-rated for that. If you have allergies, get one with a HEPA filter.  There are loads of different vacuum cleaners you can choose from.

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