Deep Cleaning Your Bathroom

Keeping a bathroom clean and tidy is one thing; however, it needs to be deep cleaned as well. These rooms can be very prone to bacteria and germs. Plus, the bathroom has many surfaces to clean. It is always best to start from the top and work to the bottom. Since most bathrooms will have similar trouble areas, if you are looking to deep clean your bathroom, here is everything you need to do:

What to Have 

  • microfiber cloth 
  • rags or paper towels 
  • antibacterial spray 
  • glass cleaner 
  • toothbrush 
  • toilet cleaner 
  • baking soda and vinegar 
  • dawn dish soap 
  • lemon 
  • bucket 
  • sponge 

Where to Begin

If the weather is permitting, open up a window to allow some fresh air to come into the room. Begin by using a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth or paper towels to clean your windows and mirrors. If you have any fans or ceiling wall trim, dust them at this time.

Sink, Shower, and Bath

Wipe down your countertops with a mixture of water and white vinegar. This mix should remove any soap scum or toothpaste. Clean the inside of the sink with this as well. If your faucet is smudged, you can use a lemon to help bring back out its natural chrome shine. Use toilet cleaner in the toilet and allow to sit. Use a toilet brush to scrub toilet bowl. Remember to wipe down all over your toilet to remove bacteria with warm water and vinegar. You can add dawn dish soap to also help add to the cleaner. Do not forget to get behind the toilet! This area is where a lot of dust will accumulate. Next, clean your shower head and facet with the lemon. Clean your bathtub with your vinegar and water as well.

Floors and Baseboards

Finally, you can clean the floor. If your bathroom is tiled, create a baking soda paste—mix baking soda and water in a small cup. Use your toothbrush to clean the grout lines. Next, mix your vinegar and water in a bucket. Use your sponge to clean each tile thoroughly. Do not forget to wipe down your baseboard and allow it to air dry.

Deep cleaning your bathroom should be done several times a year. These steps can help you quickly clean your bathroom from start to finish. Plus, most of these cleaners can be found around your own home. For more quick tips on deep cleaning and home maintenance, make sure to subscribe.

Creating Your Own Inexpensive Spa Bathroom

We would all love to go to an expensive spa to destress and come out feeling like a rejuvenated person from head to toe. While it may not be feasible with your budget or schedule, you can create your own calming sanctuary at home. To help you master this spa oasis, we have listed a few simple tips below for turning your bathroom into a relaxing spa-like retreat. Let’s take a look!

Tranquil Colors

Spas use light colors for a calming effect that give the space an organic, relaxed feel. Pale blues and seafoam greens lend a soothing sense to the space’s overall feel. White is a great base color where you can add accents of pale blue-greens to keep the space from feeling too sterile. If blue-greens do not appeal to you, use neutral colors like taupe and linen to accomplish the tranquil feel.

Real Life Greenery

Bringing houseplants into the bathroom says “zen” more than any temporary change you can introduce. Group a small cluster of house plants in ceramic and glass containers on the counter for a welcoming and inviting feel, and do not overlook putting an orchid in the bathroom for a romantic, island-like feel. Since orchids love the humidity, they will do great in the bathroom. Just make sure they receive 3-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Also, go to your local farmer’s market or greenhouse and buy some fresh eucalyptus. Tie the eucalyptus together at the base with some rope and hang over the showerhead. The moisture from the shower will help to spread the lovely fragrance throughout the room and the home.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of using oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely. Head to your local aromatherapy store and start researching what to purchase for your spa-like bath; lavender is always a favorite. You can place diffusers on the countertop nestled in with the houseplants for a clean look. Also, do not forget lovely smelling bath salts or fresh rose petals to add to your warm and relaxing bath.

Now that you have made some quick and easy additions to your bathroom, do not forget that prolonged relaxation is a must to enjoy every second of your spa-like bathroom. Relax and enjoy!

How to Pick the Perfect Plant for Your Bathroom

Whether you have a large, luxurious bathroom or a smaller powder room, a plant can be a beautiful addition to the space. In fact, adding a touch of nature to one of the most used rooms in the house can add a sense of peace and create a calm atmosphere. The best thing about making such a small change to your bathrooms decor is that it does not cost much.

What to Look for in a Bathroom Plant

You can expect a plant to thrive in a bathroom environment. After all, bathrooms are moist. However, you will need to choose a plant that can handle the various temperature fluctuations that it will experience in the bathroom. When someone is using the shower, humidity levels increase, making this space warmer. On the other hand, when the bathroom is not in use for a few hours, it typically gets colder.  

Also, many bathrooms are not exposed to generous levels of sunlight. So you will need a plant that meshes well with the amount of natural light that bathroom receives. Lastly, let us not forget that you have to consider just how much time and effort you are willing to dedicate to caring for a plant.  

Top Plants for the Bathroom 

What are some of the best plants to set in your bathroom? Here are some greenery worth considering: 

Spider Plant

Spider plants are low maintenance, and they are best for homeowners who do not have much gardening experience. These plants do great in cold environments. With moderate watering, keeping the soil drained and some indirect light is the only thing that a spider plant needs. You will see in no time that the plant produces a bunch of small spideys.

Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron plants are a gorgeous looking plant that thrives in a moist place like the bathroom. The great thing about a Cast Iron plant is that it does not require a lot of water. You can simply place it under the shower once a week during summer months and every month during the winter.

Zanzibar Gem

Zanzibar Gems, also commonly referred to as the ZZ plant, is virtually indestructible and only needs a little watering during the summer. This is the perfect plant for homeowners who seek a plant with very little maintenance.

Bird Nest Fern

While Bird Nest Fern plants are aesthetically-pleasing and look even stunning in the bathroom, since these plants dry out faster, they will need more frequent water and exposure to moisture. Such bathroom plants are ideal for individuals who have some plant knowledge and are willing to put in the effort to care for them.

As always, do your research in order to decipher which plant works best for your household. Thanks for reading!

Tile Wainscoting Creates Charming Guest Bath

Guest bathrooms are often the throw-away rooms in a home. Smaller and more utilitarian, many people see this space as a place to save money. But because of its small size, a half-bath invites a few more luxurious choices. The additional cost is minimized by the limited square footage.

Take a look at this half-bath in the La Quinta model of Fulton Homes’ Oasis at Freeman Farms community. The flooring runs from the living space, connecting the bath with the rest of the home. But the color and finish choices make this space unique.

Smaller rooms can be compared to jewel boxes, because luxurious touches create an inviting and refreshing feeling. Choosing Kohler’s “Memoir” pedestal sink with matching toilet makes good use of the small space while adding an old-fashioned element to the style. The wainscoting is also an old-fashioned touch, but by using modified subway tile instead of wood it provides a nod to the bathroom function while adding a bit of a modern mood.

The space is beautifully finished with sophisticated green and gold wallpaper that integrates wainscoting and walls into a style-unified whole. The addition of one of Fulton’s framed bathroom mirrors and complementary accessories and art, and the final result is an interesting and appealing moment of style in your home.

Your guest bath sets a tone and sends a message to visitors about your design standards and aesthetic. Take the time and a little of your budget and make it something special rather than a throw-away space.

Luxurious Master Suite Made for Relaxing

Today, many master bedrooms & baths are designed to be much more than functional. This roomy master suite, part of the Shoreline model in the Santa Monica community, provides extra space, extra comfort and extra style in every area.

The master bedroom itself is roomy, but not at the expense of the rest of the suite. The long vanity in the bathroom provides his and her areas with individual sinks and plenty of cabinetry to hold personal items without crowding. The center provides a place to sit for applying makeup or just relaxing. The generous glass block window is a rich source of natural light.

Another plus possible because of this spacious bath is a combination of a comfortable soaking tub and a spacious stand-up shower.

Choosing a diagonal angle for the floor tile makes the aisle between the cabinetry and the shower and tub feel wider and more spacious.

The entire space is designed and decorated to reproduce the comfort and luxury of a personal spa. By choosing flooring, countertops and wallpaper that coordinate without matching, the bathroom feels more interconnected. Dark cabinetry provides a nice contrast, and the framing around the mirror brings the darker tone up toward the ceiling.

Notice the large closet at the back of the bath, complete with built-ins to handle all of your clothes. Once again, the closet has plenty of room for two wardrobes. The full-length mirrors on the sliding closet doors help you make sure you look your best without taking away valuable floor or wall space.

With the demands of today’s life and the responsibilities of family and work, a master bedroom suite like this one – with space in every area – creates the opportunity to get away from your tensions without leaving your home.

Coordinate Décor with your Tile for a Bathroom with a Spa Feel

Creating a spa feel in your bathroom is about the finishing touches. This bath provides a soft, inviting place to relax. Tile, window treatments and accessories all work together to create a welcoming space.

Start with the oval tub. The generous framing provides space for candles, your favorite soaps or bubbles, and even a book to read as you soak. The faucet is positioned for easy filling and a hand-held shower sprayer helps rinse your hair after a shampoo without having to jump into the shower.

Glass block presents the perfect solution for bringing in natural light without sacrificing privacy. The simple valance is all that’s needed to soften the window and connect it with the rest of the room.

The stone feel to the floor tile and bath surround create that natural element that supports a spa impression. The matte finish on the faucet and shower surround match the more contemporary lines while still maintaining a traditional profile.

Wallpaper is a daring choice in a bath, but this selection ties in well with the tile. Overall, the bathroom is well coordinated and has a rich feeling. Simple accessories and art bring in touches of color. Notice the splash of red in the vase and its echo on the valance fringe. This color note adds personality and warmth.

With some simple, thoughtful design choices, you can turn your bathroom into an oasis for relaxing and reducing stress after a long day. This example from Fulton Home’s Harmonique model in the Ashcreek community gives great insight into what you can do with your own space.