Easy Cleaning Hacks for a Low-Maintenance Bathroom
A bathroom should be a place of relaxation, not a source of constant cleaning stress. If you're planning a renovation, incorporating smart design choices can save you hours of scrubbing each week. Here are the best tips to ensure your new bathroom is easy to maintain and stays sparkling clean with minimal effort.
1. Opt for Larger Tiles to Reduce Grout Lines
Grout lines are one of the hardest areas to keep clean, as they can trap dirt, moisture, and even mold. Choosing large-format tiles, such as 600x600mm porcelain tiles, minimizes the number of grout lines, making cleaning much easier. If you love mosaic tiles, consider using them sparingly, such as for a feature wall, but avoid them on the shower floor where grime builds up quickly. Also, opt for epoxy grout, which is far more resistant to staining and mold than traditional cement grout.
2. Limit the Use of Glass
Frameless glass shower screens look sleek but require frequent cleaning to remove water spots and soap scum. If you prefer less maintenance, consider alternatives like a tiled half-wall with a single glass panel or a walk-in shower with a tiled partition. If you must have a full glass shower, using a protective coating like EnduroShield can help reduce buildup.
3. Ensure Good Ventilation to Prevent Mold
Poor ventilation leads to moisture buildup, which encourages mold and mildew growth. Install a high-quality exhaust fan that is appropriately sized for your bathroom to keep air circulating and moisture at bay. If possible, include a window to allow natural airflow, and always leave the door slightly open after showering to speed up drying.
4. Avoid Hard-to-Clean Gaps
Small, tight gaps can be dust and grime traps. If you're installing a freestanding bathtub, ensure there is either enough space (at least 100mm) to easily clean around it or position it flush against a wall. Similarly, opt for wall-hung vanities and toilets to eliminate floor clutter and make mopping a breeze.
5. Choose Floating Vanities and Wall-Hung Toilets
A floating vanity or wall-hung toilet reduces the number of floor obstacles, making it easier to sweep and mop. Traditional vanities with legs can collect dust and require extra effort to clean underneath.
6. Install Smart Tapware and Fixtures
Matte black and brushed gold tapware look stunning, but they tend to show watermarks and fingerprints easily. If you want a low-maintenance option, polished chrome or brushed nickel are excellent choices. Also, consider wall-mounted mixers instead of basin-mounted taps to prevent water from pooling around the base, which can lead to soap scum buildup.
7. Use a Handheld Showerhead for Easy Rinsing
A handheld showerhead makes cleaning your shower walls and floor much easier. It allows you to rinse down surfaces quickly and is also useful for washing pets, cleaning large items, or even rinsing the bathtub after use.
8. Sloped Shower Floor to Prevent Water Pooling
A well-designed shower floor with the correct slope directs water straight to the drain, preventing stagnant water from accumulating. This not only keeps your shower cleaner but also helps avoid mold and mildew buildup.
9. Minimize Open Shelving
Open shelves can collect dust and require frequent tidying. Instead, opt for mirrored shaving cabinets or built-in niches to keep toiletries neatly stored and surfaces clutter-free.
10. Seal Natural Stone Properly
If you love the look of marble or other natural stone, be prepared for extra maintenance. These materials are porous and require regular sealing to prevent staining. If you want a similar aesthetic with less upkeep, consider porcelain tiles that mimic natural stone without the added maintenance.
Designing a bathroom with easy cleaning in mind will save you time and effort in the long run. By making smart choices in materials, layout, and fixtures, you can create a space that looks great and stays effortlessly clean. When planning your renovation, keep these practical tips in mind so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your beautiful new bathroom.
P.S We know planning a bathroom renovation can be overwhelming!
Stay organised, save money, and avoid costly mistakes with our all-in-one renovation template!
