Do your bathrooms get a workout during the summer? Due to the warmer weather, families spend more time outside so showers and baths become
more frequent. Most of us work up a sweat and the dirt seems to cling
better to our skin.
We recently had our bathtub re-caulked due to excessive black mold. The
repairman told me how unhealthy the mold and fungus was. He asked me if I
knew how it accumulated there. My response was "The
moisture?" hoping that I gave him the right answer so I didn't appear
pathetically ignorant. He said, "Yes, but it's because of the shampoos and
other items we leave on the corners of the tub that allows water to pool
there. This causes the moisture to find its way into the caulking and stay.
Even though we scrub, we can't get behind the caulking."
This shower organizer hangs from existing shower curtain rings and comes in
regular and family sizes. Machine washable polyester mesh, dries quickly.
|
If this mold and fungus get out of hand it could be unhealthy. He commented
about our shower organizer and how good it was to have the shampoos and other bath items up and out of the way. However, there were still items on the
corners allowing the water to pool. When multiple family members share the same shower, you are bound to have
several different shampoos, soaps, and other personal care items. I switched the kids
to the larger, "family" shower organizer.
The investment you make in your bathroom can be a lasting improvement to
your home and give you many years of comfort. However, maintenance is an
important aspect if you want to keep your bathroom looking its best.
Maintaining the Bathtub, Shower & Sink Area
- Only use nonabrasive cleaners that sprinkle on, or a spray mist cleaner
that you like. The particles in abrasive cleaners will scratch the finish
and wear away the shine.
- Avoid trapping water against the surface for a long period of time. Do
not leave bathmats, washcloths, soap bars and/or bottles on the surface
areas. The moisture gets trapped underneath caulking or in between where
surfaces come together. Do not leave bathmats, rugs or wet towels over the
edge of the bathtub.
- Fix any leaky faucets. Dripping water will wear through the hardest of
surfaces. Make sure that your plumbing problems are fixed immediately.
- Bathmats are an excellent breeding ground for fungus and buildup. Do not
leave bathmats in the tub or shower from day to day. If you use one, take
it out of the tub/shower when finished.
Drain Issues
The good old-fashioned remedies Grandma used to use work well. First, clean out the hair and gunk
under the strainer in the tub/shower or plug in the sink. Pour one cup of
baking soda down the drain. Follow with one cup of white vinegar and
one-half gallon of boiling water. Repeat if necessary. The baking soda
will also help eliminate drain odors.
Stubborn Stains
For stubborn stains or scum buildup, use a soft, scrub pad or a nylon net
scrubber with a non-abrasive cleaner. Let the cleaner stand on the surface
for 1-2 minutes. If stains are persistent, you may need to use a more concentrated strength
cleaner. That is fine as long as it does not have the abrasive particles
that some do. Also use a soft sponge, washcloth, or nylon bristle scrubber
and try not to be harsh with it. Abrasive pads like the green ones you
purchase at the store are what cause harm to your surfaces.
©2005 Susie Glennan
About the Author
Susie Glennan is the President of The Busy Woman, Inc. - DBA: The Busy
Woman's Daily Planner®. The company provides daily planners, purses, car &
home organizers, Memory Books, and MORE! Susie teaches time management & scheduling seminars,
offers FREE consultations with your order, and will help you set up a
schedule that's right for YOU. 800-848-7715 or http://www.thebusywoman.com
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Do your bathrooms get a workout during the summer? Due to the warmer weather, families spend more time outside so showers and baths become
more frequent. Most of us work up a sweat and the dirt seems to cling
better to our skin.
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