Spring Clean for a Tidy Bathroom
By Jill Black

The bathroom as with any room in the home is best taken one step at a time in a logical order.

1. Create a blank Canvas with which to work.

Empty out all cabinets, drawers, medicine chests and linen storage areas and gather together soaps, bath oils, shampoos, conditioners, razors and toys from the shower and tub areas.

As you remove items, take the time to sort through and evaluate whether or not you really need each item. Toss any threadbare or frayed towels and bathroom linens or put aside to use when it comes time to clean the bathroom. Dispose of all expired, unused, leaking or empty medication bottles, lotions, perfumes, sample products and cosmetics that are old or the wrong colour. Take the time to review the relevancy of any decorative items you may keep in the bathroom. If you have outgrown your love for something replace it with something else (give it away or toss it altogether) and make room for something better.

Note 1: Out-of-date make-up products can grow bacteria's that lead to eye and skin infections. If you don't use it - toss it!

Note 2: If you keep medications and vitamin supplements in the bathroom transfer them to another area of the home. Heat and moisture in a bathroom can degrade their medicinal and nutritional value.

Remove any shower curtains, window coverings and rugs. Place them in the wash or replace if mouldy. Curtains are notorious for growing mould. For a few dollars it is easier to replace them with new ones that match the bathroom décor.

2. Now that the bathroom spaces are cleared, give them a thorough cleaning.

Work from the top down cleaning ceilings, walls, windows and mirrors. Wipe out drawers and cupboards and reline if necessary.

Clean mould from crevices especially tiled walls, around shower door openings, shower heads and basin edges where grime tends to accumulate.

Clean the toilet, counters, sink/s and faucets. Next vacuum sweep and mop over the floor.

3. A place for everything and everything in its place.

With your clean canvas it is time to evaluate your storage and organise your belongings back into the bathroom. Sort through the items you have collected in a way that makes sense to you. Start with the essential items used on a daily basis placing them in readily accessible locations. Store what you can under the counter and in the counter drawers if you have them (out of sight out of mind). Try to keep the actual counter top area clear if possible.

Next decide where you will keep your basic supply of spare towels, extra paper, feminine hygiene products, hair care and back-up supplies of soap and shampoo.

There are many storage solutions available to help keep the bathroom tidy in the future. Here are a few ideas to help make your bathroom tidy and functional for all the family.

- Baskets – Baskets are a popular and inexpensive way to add eye appeal. Give each household member a different coloured basket. Line "his" and "her" baskets with plastic coated material to store toiletries such as toothpaste, combs, brushes, shaving products, hair styling, makeup, nails, personal hygiene items etc.

- Wall mounted cabinets come in all shapes and sizes.

- Hooks on back of doors and cupboards

- Wall mount hair driers etc

- Shower and bath caddies keep shampoos and conditioners tidy

- Wall mounted Soap and shampoo dispensers avoid bottles being left around.

- Under sink storage shelves (two tier storage shelves can double the space)

- Drawer dividers or cutlery tray to keep make-up and small items tidy.

- Carts on wheels

- Small corner shelves that are meant to go on the wall fit into the corners of bathroom counters

- Plastic colour coded bins for each family member in a different colour.

- Bath toys can be stored out of sight in plastic pails or bins or kept in a mesh shopping bag where toys can drip dry.

- Use hooks instead of towel racks for children placed at the right height where they will more likely make use of them

- Small hamper or some sort of system for depositing used towels.

4. Finishing Touches.

Now you have done all this hard work why not give your bathroom a new updated look with a matching set of bathroom accessories
- soap dish, toothbrush holder, cup, liquid soap dispenser
-readily available in coordinating finishes to match your faucets for extra style and additional storage.

Complementary or contrasting coloured towels, bathmats and shower curtain along with a toilet surround and rug to match your colour scheme will complete the scene.

Here are three suggestions for a additional touch.

1.Monogrammed linens are not just for tablecloths and napkins or expensive towels and robes found in hotels. Start a tradition and embroider your family initials onto towels and face cloths.
2.Appliqué initials using scraps of satin of coloured cloth
3.Sew a contrasting band of colour onto the edges of towels to match the colour of the décor in your bathroom.
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Jill is a writer and photographer based in New Zealand. Visit her site for articles and ideas to to add beauty and value to your home and garden through art, home decorating, home improvement, gardening and much more online at http://www.netwrite-publish.com