Scrub These Bad Bathroom Cleaning Habits Out of Your Life

Want a bathroom that looks this fresh? Kick these bad bathroom cleaning habits to the curb. Image: Erik Isakson/Getty Images

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If you’ve been following our bad cleaning habits series, we hope it’s motivated you to revolutionize your kitchen cleaning. But don’t stop there. Now that we’ve gotten the hang of this whole better cleaning deal, we want to move onto one of the biggest cleaning challenges: the bathroom. Let’s talk about five bad bathroom cleaning habits worth scrubbing out of your life in 2019.

Not cleaning what cleans you

Your shower does a lot. Let’s give it some credit! But it isn’t a miracle worker. It cleans you, but it relies on you to clean it. You can spend hours sweating as you try to scrub the walls every few months, or you can take the easier, faster route. After every shower (or, at least, every few) wipe down the walls. Bam! Soap scum is no match for your proactivity.

Another hot tip for keeping your shower clean is even easier. Close your shower curtain. No, really, that’s it. Closing the curtain allows all its folds easier access to air, helping it dry quicker and avoiding mildew growth.

And speaking of your shower curtain, when was the last time you cleaned it? Or your liner, for that matter? Don’t panic! Most curtains and liners can go through the washing machine on a gentle cycle, so it’s an easy fix.

Ample places to hang towels makes it easy to keep them off the floor – and mildew-free. Image: Jon Lovette/Getty Images

Treading on towels

When you start your bathroom cleanup, do you begin by picking towels up off the floor? Then you’re doing it wrong. You might think the list of bad bathroom cleaning habits only pertains to, well, cleaning. But how you keep your bathroom clean is important, too. Leaving towels wadded up on the floor prevents them from drying, potentially leaving you with mildew growth.

If you’re short on hanging space, that’s another easy fix. When you do your next big bathroom clean, add ten extra minutes to place peel-and-stick hooks on your wall or door. We’re not talking cheap looking plastic ones, either. They come in modern designs and pretty finishes so you can get the hook-age you need without ruining your bathroom’s design.

Working with one disinfectant wipe

If you use disinfectant wipes to clean the bathroom, good on you. They’re easy to grab, ensure you’ve got the right amount of disinfectant to deal with your bathroom’s bacteria and can simply be tossed in the trash when you’re done. And let us preface this next tip with a little disclaimer: we’re all about reducing waste. That said, your bathroom clean isn’t a place to skimp. When you use one disinfectant wipe for the entire bathroom, you can transfer bacteria. That one little square just can’t do it all!

Want to be sure you’re using the right amount of wipes? If your wipe is still wet enough to leave the surface damp for a few minutes after cleaning, it’s still got enough disinfectant in it to do the job. If not, it’s time for a new square.

A bathroom rug can help protect your floor. Plus, who wants to step out of the shower onto a cold floor, anyway? Image: hemul75/Getty Images

Not readying rugs

Do you have a plush bathroom rug ready to greet you when you step out of the shower? This is a little luxury you shouldn’t skip. When you drip water on the floor, it can stain tile, cause wood to warp, ruin grout – you get the idea. Water + flooring = not good. Invest in bathroom rugs to protect your floors and make your cleaning job easier.

Then, every time you start cleaning your bathroom, throw those bad boys in the wash. Plus, did know that flushing your toilet with the lid up can spread small particles across your bathroom? Yeah, maybe give those rugs a double wash.

Not cleaning completely

When you think about bad bathroom cleaning habits, your mind probably immediately goes to how you scrub your toilet or disinfect your counter. But everything in your bathroom needs to be cleaned, not just the usual suspects.

When you’re cleaning, wipe the handles of toothbrushes and makeup brushes. If you have a hand soap dispenser, wipe that down, too. Keep that train rolling. Stand in the middle of your bathroom and slowly spin all the way around. Look for anything that is regularly getting touched. If it is, it needs to be regularly cleaned, too.

Do any of these bad bathroom cleaning habits sound familiar? Yeah, we can’t imagine either… we wish! We’ve got a lot to learn, so we’ll be joining you to tidy up the way we tidy up so we can all enjoy cleaner, healthier homes and apartments in 2019!

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These are the 2019 Trends in Bathroom Technology

What’s new and cool in bathroom technology? Freshome rounded up experts from the National Kitchen + Bath Association, Moen, KOHLER, Delta, GRAFF, and Philips Hue to get the latest news on this year’s hottest trends. According to Elle H-Millard of the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA), “We are looking for ‘an experience’ in the bathroom. The technology is all about making our experiences better, whether it’s about being more efficient, safer or more functional.” And while there are bathtubs that make you want to soak for hours, a lot of the new bathroom technology reflects the overwhelming popularity of showers.

Check out some of the ways that technology is shaping the bathroom experience.

MOEN

The U by Moen Smart Shower. Image courtesy of Moen.

“From setting the thermostat from across the room to creating a grocery list while doing the dishes, consumers continue to capitalize on the convenience offered by digital voice assistants,” says Michael Poloha, Group Manager of IoT at Moen.

“With this in mind, Moen has expanded the capabilities of our first-to-market U by Moen shower to provide even more innovative ways to interact with water. [We are] now offering enhanced functionality with Amazon Alexa and compatibility with Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant.”

Poloha explains that U by Moen is a next-generation Wi-Fi/cloud-based digital shower. “It offers mobile connectivity and unmatched personalization, providing homeowners countless ways to create their ideal showering experience with three choices to control the shower: voice activation, a smartphone app and an in-shower controller.”

The U by Moen Smart Shower can be controlled via an app. Image courtesy of Moen.

“The U by Moen smartphone app gives users the ability to create up to 12 personalized presets, including name, greeting, outlets, temperature, shower timer and notifications,” Poloha explains. In fact, users can even pause the shower once it has reached the desired temperature. “Not only can users create their personalized shower experience from within the app, but they can also fully control the shower from their smartphone,” he says.

The U by Moen shower was also designed with security in mind. “Each shower has a unique encrypted key to ensure the connection is always secure,” he says.

KOHLER

The Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker. Image courtesy of KOHLER.

The KOHLER Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker uses Bluetooth technology to stream your favorite music directly into the shower. “Through the development of our new KOHLER Konnect Smart products, one thing we have learned is that the experience must be seamless,” says Jonathan Bradley, Channel Manager at KOHLER. “Voice activation technology empowers the homeowner to easily control water, light, sound and color to create an experience all their own.”

Bradley says homeowners prefer a system that works together instead of a mix of various products that don’t communicate with one another. “That’s another benefit of KOHLER Konnect. Everything can be controlled through one app to help the homeowner create a smarter bathroom routine.”

 

The Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror. Image courtesy of KOHLER.

Some of the KOHLER Konnect products include the Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror, which has a built-in voice assistant allowing you to adjust lighting levels and even check your calendar using voice instructions.

The Veil Lighted Collection, which will launch in the second quarter, is a connected bathroom suite. “Motion-activated, synchronized, intuitive lighting mimics nature and supports sleep and wellness while KOHLER Konnect allows you to customize your preferences,” Bradley explains.

The original Numi Intelligent Toilet (version 2 coming soon). Image courtesy of KOHLER.

“The Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet is KOHLER’s most advanced intelligent toilet and offers exceptional water efficiency, personalized cleansing and dryer functions, a heated seat and high-quality built-in speakers,” Bradley says. The flagship intelligent toilet has static colors, but the 2.0 version has dynamic and interactive multi-colored ambient and surround lighting. “Paired with the new speakers in the Numi toilet, these lighting and audio enhancements create a fully-immersive experience for homeowners,” Bradley explains. “Amazon Alexa built into the product provides simple voice control of Numi’s features and access to tens of thousands of skills, as well as a seamless integration of voice control into the bathroom.” The Numi 2.0 Intelligent Toilet will launch in the fourth quarter of the year.

DELTA

The H2OKinetic Pendant Raincan Shower Head. Image courtesy of Delta.

“We are consistently searching for new, innovative technologies to bring into the bath space to further enhance the user’s experience,” says Bridget Hatter, Product Manager at Delta. The company recently announced the launch of the new Pendant Shower Head with LED Lighting. “These new pendants offer a distinctive appeal in your space, blending cultivated designs with modern technology,” Hatter says. “The tranquil illumination of the water-powered LED accent lights combine with H2OKinetic Technology for a soothing experience that transports you from shower to spa.”

The TempAssure H20Kinetic Tub and Shower Trim. Image courtesy of Delta.

The H2OKinetic showerheads and handheld showers have an internal system that controls the movement, speed and droplet size of the water. As a result, they provide three times the coverage of a standard showerhead. And the pause feature slows the water flow to a trickle so you can shave, lather, etc. while maintaining your temperature settings.

GRAFF

 

M-Series Round Thermostatic Trim Plate and Handle. Image courtesy of GRAFF.

“Thermostatics are up and coming in bath technology and GRAFF’s M-Series is a great representation,” explains Celine Marcotte, Business Development Manager at GRAFF. She says the M-Series is designed to simplify the installation process while still offering a customized shower. “With the GRAFF M-Series modular system, the installer has the option to arrange diverters and stop/volume valves in different combinations to satisfy a variety of applications,” Marcotte says. “This innovative system allows for each piece to be aligned behind the wall in a single stacked valve, without having to connect every element with a separate pipe.” The system can accommodate as many as seven different functions with four different handles.

Aqua Sense Collection combines water, light and sound. Image courtesy of GRAFF.

GRAFF’s Aqua-Sense technology combines water, light and sound. The Aqua-Sense shower collection includes various options, such as a ceiling-mount shower system with a battery-powered controller and holder, LED chromotherapy lighting and rainfall, rain curtain and cascade water functions.

PHILIPS HUE

The Philips Hue Adore Flushmount Energize Lighting. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

“The right lighting can have a huge impact on your daily routines,” says Mike Deschamps, U.S. Product & Channel Marketing Director at Philips Hue at Signify. “You should start your day with a cool, white light that mimics natural daylight. This will help you feel energized as you prepare for the day ahead.” And when you’re getting ready for bed, Deschamps explains that you should have a warm light to relax and get ready to go to sleep.

“With Philips Hue and our new Adore collection, you can always have the right lighting in your bathroom,” he says. “All it takes is a tap in your Philips Hue app or a press of the wireless dimmer switch that comes with our lighted vanity mirror and ceiling fixture to set the light to support your need,” Deschamps adds. “Shave or apply makeup under a crisp white light or turn on a very dim light to help you navigate to the bathroom at night.”

The Philips Hue Adore Flushmount Relax Lighting. Image courtesy of Philips Hue.

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Should You Use Hardwood Floors in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

Hardwood floors offer a number of benefits. They are both incredibly beautiful, and incredibly easy to clean. They are a great option for allergy sufferers as carpets can aggravate symptoms. Even homeowners without allergies can enjoy the seamless look of hardwood flooring.

However, water can easily damage or warp these types of materials. So, is it a good idea to install hardwood floors in kitchens and bathrooms? Freshome asked several experts, including designers, realtors and water damage restoration experts to weigh in on this topic.

Pros of hardwood floors

You can choose from a variety of hardwoods for your floors. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

Dave Murphy, the training director of N-Hance Wood Refinishing, believes that hardwood floors make an excellent choice in the kitchen. “Hardwood flooring is stylish and sustainable, comes in a variety of natural colors, and doesn’t absorb dust or debris, making it easy to clean and maintain,” he says. Murphy says it is also a good choice for the kitchen because you rarely need to replace hardwood flooring. “Most repairs can be easily refinished by a professional,” he notes.

Hardwood also comes in a variety of colors, ranging from light brown to gray. Image: contraaddict/Getty Images

Erin Davis of Mosaik Design and Remodeling in Portland Oregon, says hardwood in the kitchen is a very popular choice. “It is softer and warmer underfoot than tile and looks more upscale than vinyl or laminate flooring,” Davis says. “Wood also adds a comfortable, livable feel to a space due to its warmer color palettes and natural essence.”

She admits that liquids are the enemy of wood floors.  “If left too long, the wood can swell or stain so it is important that spills are cleaned up quickly.” Davis also recommends that you put a large floor mat in front of the sink.

Clean up any spills ASAP. Image: Hero Images/Getty Images

Susan Serra, certified kitchen designer at Susan Serra Associates, believes that hardwood floors, when properly finished, make an ideal choice for the kitchen. She agrees with Davis that you should wipe up spills as soon as you notice them. “Small spills, noticed later, will not damage a wood floor; however larger spills, such as a leaking icemaker in a refrigerator, or leaking dishwasher, most likely will damage the floor, especially since leaks often appear under the appliance,” Serra explains.

“The good news is that solid wood floors last for decades, even in the kitchen, as they can be refinished every 5 or so years and will look like new,” Serra says. “They give a warm look to the kitchen and it’s especially nice when the same flooring is connected to surrounding rooms for a nice visual flow.”

You can refinish solid wood floors.Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

There are sealants that can protect hardwood floors. But, according to Joan Slaughterbeck of Slaughterbeck Floors in Campbell, CA, there are limitations. “Sealants on hardwood floor – whether solid or engineered – are only sealed ‘finished’ on the top as a protective wear layer,” Slaughterbeck says. “Wood and water do not mix, so wood flooring cannot be 100% sealed –  it expands and contracts with heat, humidity and moisture.”

As a general rule, she says, hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom only face problems from leaks. “If you live in a house with a wood frame, you would have a problem regardless of the damage to the floors in an situation like this,” Slaughterbeck says. “Quite often the water from one of these types of fixtures or appliances gets under the wood and is not caught until the flooring has bucked or swollen.” By that time, she says, the leak would damage other types of flooring.

Cons of hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are susceptible to warping. Image: AdpePhoto/Getty Image

John Manning, manager broker at RE/MAX on Market in Seattle, WA, advises against hardwood, and even engineered wood flooring products. “They are prone to buckling and warping when exposed to moisture over time,” Manning says. He adds that drips and spills can penetrate even the best finished floors, especially around the dishwasher. “In addition, kitchens and bathrooms are high foot traffic areas and as the hardwoods wear and gets scratched, water can get under the finish, causing unsightly stains in the grain of the wood.”

Leaks are problematic. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

Tanya O’Coyne, owner at TSC Restoration, a water damage restoration company in San Diego, is totally against hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom. “If your dishwasher, toilet, refrigerator, sink or plumbing pipes leak, your flooring choice can have a huge impact on the extent of the damage,” she explains. “Wood floors can let water seep into their cracks, hide mold growth, and warp after even minimal exposure to water.”

In fact, O’Coyne says vinyl, tile or linoleum floors would make a lot of the water damage her company sees in kitchens and bathrooms less severe. “We’ve also had to rip out several rooms of interlocking hardwood floors because of damage to just a small half bathroom, since it’s not always possible to replace just a few hardwood planks,” she explains.

O’Coyne believes that hardwood floors are beautiful – but says she would never put one in her own kitchen or bathroom.

Hardwood floors may not be kid-friendly. Image: Imageflow/Shutterstock

Although Serra and Davis recommend hardwood floors in the kitchen, they do not suggest them for bathrooms.  “Hardwood floors can be used in bathrooms, but with all the water that we use in this small area, it’s probably best to pass on using them,” says Serra. “Kids splashing, leaks in fixtures, steam and other water issues are at the ready to damage wood, especially if the flooring has gaps.” However, she recommends ceramic or porcelain tiles. They look – although they might not feel – exactly like wood and come in a variety of styles and sizes.

Weigh the pros and cons of hardwood floors before you install. Image: Caiaimage Charlie Dean/Getty Images

Davis does not recommend wood flooring in bathrooms with tubs and showers. He says they’re fine in powder rooms, however. “Installing the same flooring in the powder bath as the kitchen is usually a designer’s first choice due to proximity of the two spaces,” Davis says.

For homeowners who want a wood appearance without moisture issues, Slaughterbeck recommends waterproof flooring. “We have installed many from our hybrid fusion line, and there are also other notable brands that make waterproof floors,” she says.

What are your thoughts on hardwood floors in the kitchen or bathroom? Let us know in the comments.

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7 Tips for a Relaxing Feng Shui Bathroom Retreat

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We love the spa retreat experience, especially when we can recreate it at home. Creating a relaxing vibe in your bathroom is about more than just candles and a fluffy robe. You can also embrace the soothing energy of feng shui with your favorite decorating style and color palette. Using these simple principals is an easy and beautiful way to create a soothing feng shui bathroom retreat.

1. Choose the right feng shui bathroom color scheme

The white Birch Lane Heritage Aurelia Bathroom Vanity Set within a neutral color scheme, warms up the cool feng shui water energy in this relaxing bathroom. Courtesy of  Birch Lane

It may surprise you to know that the best feng shui colors for your bathroom are not just blues and greens. While these cool colors can have a place in your color palette, in feng shui they represent water which is already abundant in your bathroom.  The glass, metal, and water, of your bathroom represent water, too. The simplest way to decorate your bathroom with feng shui principals is through balance, especially through color. Your goal in choosing the right bathroom colors is to balance the strong water elements with warm hues and wood accents. Blue and green can be a part of your beautiful color palette, but you’ll want to mix it up with natural accessories and colors.

2. Declutter and simplify for a relaxing bathroom retreat

A single vanity can still provide ample storage, like the Davis Single Sink Vanity. Shelves and baskets can make bathroom storage beautiful. Courtesy of Pottery Barn

It’s hard to be relaxed when we’re faced with clutter. For a small room, like a bathroom, clutter is an even bigger problem. Feng shui is all about energy, or Chi. The movement of energy can get trapped in pockets of clutter, making your bathroom a place to escape from, not to.

Start by tackling bathroom counter clutter. In our rush to get ready each morning, we stop seeing the clutter we leave behind every day. By using drawer organizers and pretty storage on top of the counter, you can hide the clutter that creates stress as you begin your day. Assess your storage needs and make clearing the counter a priority. Also reassess your bathroom trash can.  If it it seems to overflow faster than you can empty it, you might need to upgrade. This is a big source of clutter stress in the bathroom.

3. Update your lighting for a feng shui bathroom

The right lighting can make your bathroom much more relaxing. Think of your bathroom lighting as layers of design. The Pottery Barn Ultimate Double Sink Storage Vanity provides unique options for lighting your bathroom.  Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Bathroom lighting is almost as important to feng shui as your color palette. How your colors (and you) appear in your bathroom can make or break your morning. Think beyond just the typical overhead light or vanity light. Look for ways to “layer” your lighting for a relaxed ambience. With the focus on feng shui energy, the right lighting is essential to your bathroom retreat, as too-bright lighting can be too energetic for a relaxing space.

If you’re not getting the look you want from your morning makeup routine, the latest LED lighted mirrors can illuminate you and your vanity beautifully. The quickest way to change your bathroom lighting is through your light bulbs. Make sure that your light bulbs are right for your bathroom by experimenting with warm, daylight and soft lightbulbs, until you get the perfect look.

4. Choose the right bathroom linens

For a soothing spa-like retreat, your linens should be enjoyable to use and look at like Williams Sonoma Home, Chambers® Heritage 800-Gram Solid Towels. Courtesy of William Sonoma Home

The softest linens are a must in your feng shui bathroom retreat. Fluffy towels and robes invite you to linger and let go of stress at the end of the day. White or neutral gray and beige are the perfect colors for bathroom linens because it encourages you to be creative with your color scheme.

5. Add the perfect feng shui bathroom accents

Natural elements and deep colors enhance the feng shui elements of the Wildon Home Freestanding Soaking Bathtub. Courtesy of Wayfair

Whatever bathroom color scheme you choose, you can improve your soothing feng shui energy with the right accessories. Of course, you’ll want to keep your accessories simple to keep your clutter to a minimum. If your bathroom color palette is filled with “water colors,” your decorative accents will be the most balanced if they’re warm and natural. Teak boxes or a small bench can balance too many cool colors in your bathroom. For a dark bathroom color palette, accessories made of driftwood or whitewashed wood are the perfect touch to lighten things up.

6. Don’t forget to add soothing scents to your bathroom

Candles are a great way to add relaxing scents to your bathroom, and create soft lighting for the perfect soak behind the Willa Arlo Rieke Shower Curtain. Courtesy of Wayfair

Like the perfect spa experience, the scents you choose for your bathroom are an important part of your feng shui transformation. The elements of a retreat bathroom should engage all of your senses, and choosing natural scents is an authentic way to bring them all together.

7. Bring your feng shui design into the master bedroom

Flow that amazing feng shui bathroom vibe into your master bedroom with neutral Hilda Embroidered Bedding. Courtesy of Williams Sonoma Home

Love your new feng shui bathroom vibe? Carry that same spa-style into your master bedroom. In feng shui practice, the colors and elements are different for a bedroom, but you can still achieve a soothing atmosphere. The easiest way to add comfort to your bedroom is through luxurious linens, and soft scents. Just adding a soft throw and scented candles can totally transform your bedroom and create that feng shui retreat feeling.

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These Bathtubs Will Make You Want to Soak for Hours

While most people prefer to take showers, there’s something about being able to soak in a bathtub that’s downright therapeutic. You can just sit and relax in a tub in a way that’s not possible when you take a shower. Being submerged in water can actually relieve stress and soothe aching muscles. And when you add bubble bath – well, that’s another level of relaxation.

If you’re a shower person, these bathtubs might change your mind. Here’s what you need to know.

The Most Popular Bathtub

A white, freestanding bathtub is the runaway favorite. Image: ArchiViz/Getty Images

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2018 Design Trends report, 87 percent of professionals (designers, remodelers, architects, dealers and manufacturers) list freestanding tubs as their favorite. White is the dominant fixture color, with 78 percent of respondents choosing it over silver/gray or beige tones.

Get a Room with a View

The view doesn’t get better than this. Image: TMSK/Getty Images

A bathtub with a scenic view allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while submerged in one of the world’s most precious resources.

Use Natural Light and Materials

Natural light brings the outdoors inside. Image: Runna10/Getty Images

Even if you can’t get a spectacular view, natural light can help to make your soaking time more enjoyable. However, exercise caution to ensure that your bathtub isn’t visible to your neighbors.

Consider Practicality

“Everyone loves a beautiful, freestanding soaking tub, and they are now one of the most commonly requested items when it comes to a master bath remodel,” says Mina Fies, the creator of the Renovation Roadmap and Founder & CEO of Synergy Design & Construction.

A light and airy bathtub. Image: Synergy Design & Construction

However, she says that bathtubs shouldn’t just be beautiful to look at – they should also be used. “Good design takes usage into consideration. This freestanding Victoria + Albert bathtub is made of volcanic limestone and is a beautiful focal point and refuge for relaxation,” she says. “A linear wall niche accented in glass and stone mosaic tile adds a convenient spot to store bathing essentials – or a glass of wine.”

Choose Flooring Carefully

Flooring should be durable and waterproof. Image: Asbe/Getty Images

Bathtubs are heavy and, when filled with water and the weight of your body, they’re even heavier, which puts a lot of weight on your floor. Proper floor joists and framing can ensure that your subfloor doesn’t sag, which could damage your floor and cost a significant amount of money to repair or replace.

Also, you need a durable floor that is water resistant (and, preferably, water proof), like tile.

Consider Hot Water Needs

Make sure you have hot water when you need it. Image: Kooogle/Getty Images

“The biggest mistake people make when finally getting their dream bathtub is overlooking whether or not their current hot water system is capable of producing enough hot water to fill some of these tubs,” explains Jarret Acevedo, a master plumber and owner of Jarret Acevedo Plumbing and Heating. “Always have a qualified plumber come in and size up your system to make sure it meets the demands of your new tub. Otherwise, you’re in for a lot of cold showers and baths.”

Water Conservation

There are several views from this bathtub. Image: Runna10/Getty Images

Your bathtub can hold a lot of water and it’s tempting to try to fill it with as much water as possible. While this may sound relaxing, it’s also wasting a lot of water. The City of San Diego’s Water Conservation site actually recommends shallow baths with no more than three inches of water in a bathtub. You’re probably not going to do that, but you should try to conserve water, which will also help you save money on your water and electricity bills.

Care and Cleaning

Nibble and sip while relaxing in the bathtub. Image: Katherine Zenteno/Getty Images

“Many homeowners are concerned about the maintenance and cleaning required in hard-to-get places behind the tub,” Fies says. “However, there are new designs on the market that look like they are freestanding but are actually attached to the wall, which makes them easy to clean.”

When cleaning your bathtub, a soft, damp sponge or cloth and a small amount of dishwashing liquid are usually enough. Don’t use brushes, steel wool, scouring pads or other abrasive materials that can scratch or chip the finish.

Resale Value

What buyer wouldn’t want this bathtub? Image: onurdongel/Getty Images

According to Jennifer Baldinger, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty in Scarsdale, NY, “Bathtubs are one of those things that buyers want to have but rarely use once they have them.” Baldinger says sellers believe they must have a bathtub for resale value. “I’m not sure who is right or wrong, but a new bathtub is certainly beautiful to look at in a bathroom.”

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Sweet Vintage Warm Bathroom

Loving the warmth in this bathroom from the accent wall color and the shaded wall sconces. The double-faucet sink gives the functionality of a double sink with much less space needed.