How to Choose a Design Style for Your Bathroom Renovation

You'll find several styles to choose from when redesigning your bathroom. Consider using wood tones to add warmth to the space. Wood finish vanities and framed mirrors are great examples of such items. Similarly, you can complement earth tones with accessories. And don't forget to think about your bathroom's functionality.

Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point for your bathroom can make a big difference. While using a single, symmetrical feature to create a focal point can be tempting, this is not always good. Instead, choose the main feature that will add interest and unity to the room while maintaining a contemporary look. 

A company like Kingston Kitchen and Bath can offer more insight into creating a focal point for your space. Professionals have experience in all parts of the renovation process and can provide you with important information and tips. Choosing the suitable feature can help create the right look for your bathroom and ensure it stands out.

Focus on Lighting

Lighting is important. Opt for natural lighting whenever possible. Consider purchasing new bathroom accessories. Although small, these little accessories can add up quickly and make a big difference to the final bill. Make sure to choose the right colors for your space and keep them within a limited palette. Make sure to plan for lighting and ventilation in advance to avoid surprises. Remember that good lighting is crucial when choosing colors for your bathroom renovation. 

Declutter

Start by cleaning the bathroom countertops and closets. You can also organize the rest of the bathroom by using towel racks, door hangers, and soap holders. DIY organizers can be easy to make or purchase.

You can also keep a bucket or laundry bin to store towels and dirty clothes. Label your items and make specific spaces for them. These are easy ways to declutter a bathroom, and using a labeling system will help you find things quickly.

Chose Floral Patterns for Your Walls

Choose pastels or floral patterns to avoid overpowering the room with bright hues. These shades will show a more natural look, while darker colors accentuate more modern styles. Mixing light and dark tones can also create a relaxing atmosphere.

While there are many color schemes and ways to design a bathroom, make sure you choose the best one for your room that will stay in style. Have fun with it! As with anything new, take your time and don't feel pressured. Walk through the process with a good dose of introspection, keeping an open mind on where you are.

Removing Rust Stains from Toilets, Tubs, and Sink

Streaks of orange or yellow rust staining your toilets, tubs, and sinks can indicate a plumbing issue and are very unsightly. Preventing rust stain build-ups in your plumbing fixtures requires regular cleaning using the right products and tools. Although the tendency is to use all-purpose cleaners to remove the stain, it will not remove the rust permanently, and chlorine bleach can make it permanent.  

The best compound to use is acid-based cleaners and products such as:  

• Citric acid from lemon juice  

• Acetic acid from distilled white vinegar  

• Tartaric acid from cream of tartar  

• Hydrochloric and Sulfuric acid found in commercial rust removers    

Before you start removing stubborn rust stains, it would be better to identify the source of the rust to prevent them from appearing in your fixtures.    

What Causes Rust Stains  

The primary cause of rust stains on your bathroom fixtures is iron oxide—the oxide forms when iron and oxygen react to moisture on uncoated surfaces. The presence of iron oxide causes rust stains left on your razor blade, shaving cream can, or around the sink's edge.   

However, the cause of rust stains found near the sink, tub drains, and toilet bowls are from the water that contains high levels of iron particulates or bacteria. You can attribute the source of iron to metal plumbing pipes, rusty water tanks, or untreated metal components in toilet tanks.  

Rust stains are common in hard water areas, especially if your water source is from the well. The combination of iron fragments and minerals in the water allows rust particles to hold on to bathroom fixtures' exposed porcelain or enamel surfaces. Although rust from hard water areas may seem inevitable, you can install specific devices to protect your fixtures and external components, such as water softeners and steel insulated gasketed access doors.  

How to Remove Rust Stains from Toilets, Tubs, and Sinks  

Depending on the frequency and number of people using the bathroom, you should schedule regular weekly cleaning to ensure cleanliness and sanitation. Keep the shower area, tubs, and sinks dry to prevent rust from staining your fixtures.  

Here are the things you need to help you remove rust stains:  

Equipment / Tools  

• Scrub brush  

• Old toothbrush  

• Toilet bowl brush  

• Spray bottle  

• Microfiber cloth  

Materials  

• Lemon juice  

• Distilled white vinegar  

• Cleaning vinegar  

• Cream of tartar  

• Salt  

• Baking soda  

• Pumice powder or stick  

• Plastic food wrap  

• Commercial rust remover  

Cleaning Instructions:   

Here's a tip before you start cleaning. When removing rust stains, flush the toilet and immediately turn off the water supply to prevent the bowl from filling up with water. Doing so will make rust cleaning much more manageable and prevent the water from diluting the acidic solution.  

Option 1: Use Citric Acid  

Applying citric acid from lemon, grapefruit, limes, or powdered citric acid is a highly effective way of removing rust stains from your bathroom fixtures. If you use a fresh slice of citrus fruit, dip the cut edge in salt or baking soda to gently abrasion when scrubbing the stained area.  

For heavily stained fixtures, form a paste using lemon juice and baking soda and apply it to the affected area. Cover the solution with cling wrap to maintain moisture and let it sit for an hour to break down the rust particles. If using citric powder, combine it with a few drops of water to form a paste and apply it directly to the rusty area. Use a brush or an old toothbrush with elbow grease to help remove the stubborn rust.    

Option 2: Use Distilled White Vinegar  

You can also successfully remove rust stains using the acetic acid found in distilled white vinegar. It is safe to apply the white vinegar solution to clean the stain and prevent it from becoming permanent, like citric acid.   

If you want better potency, purchase cleaning vinegar from your local hardware or home improvement stores since it has a higher acidic level for removing tough stains. However, avoid confusing it with industrial vinegar as it only applies to landscaping and eliminating weeds. Due to its 20% acetic acid level, using it indoors can be extremely hazardous and cause permanent damage to your fixtures.  

For the weekly cleaning of sinks, tubs, and shower walls, spray the vinegar solution on the rust stains and scrub the area using a brush. As for rusty toilet bowls, pour one to two cups of vinegar into the bowl and clean the stained areas using a toilet brush.   

Option 3: Use Cream of Tartar  

Cream of tartar is no longer exclusive to baking or cooking as it is surprisingly effective against rusty bathroom fixtures. Made from tartaric acid, it comes in powder form used in stabilizing egg whites and as a leavening agent in baked goods.  

Using cream of tartar on your plumbing fixtures is very easy. Sprinkle it directly on the rust-stained surface of sinks and tubs before scrubbing with a dampened nylon-bristled brush. Give it time to work and cover it with plastic wrap. If you need to apply it on shower walls and toilet bowls, create a paste by combining the tartar with a few drops of water.   

Option 4: Use Gentle Abrasives    

If you want a milder cleaning approach, use gentle abrasives such as pumice stone, baking soda, and table salt to remove rust stains. They are standalone cleaners that you can also use with acid cleaners. These abrasives are ideal for preventing surface damage on porcelain, fiberglass, or enamel surfaces. Remember to keep the area wet while brushing with the abrasive for best results.  

Option 5: Use Commercial Rust Removers  

You can also purchase a commercial rust cleaner if you don't have time to combine ingredients to create an anti-rust mixture. These rust cleaners are highly effective in removing stains due to their formulation and ease of use.   

It would help if you were careful when shopping for commercial rust removers because it is crucial to read the back label on each product. Some formulations may be more potent than others and may not suit delicate surfaces. Ensure that you follow product instructions and adequately store or dispose of the cleaner after use.  

Tips to Prevent Rust Stains on Bathroom Fixtures  

The best way to prevent rust stains is by preventing them from forming in the first place. Here are some practical ways of preventing rust stains from appearing in your tubs, sinks, and toilet bowls.  

• Rinse and wipe sinks and tubs after use. Doing so prevents the development of iron oxide since there is no water and moisture to reinforce the rust growth.  

• Remove metal canisters and containers with metal rings such as shaving creams, air fresheners, hair sprays, and cleaners, as they can easily create rust due to moisture inside your bathroom. Make sure to store these inside a cabinet and away from the tub and sink.  

• Pay attention to plumbing leaks on or near your bathroom fixtures since even a tiny continuous drip in your faucet can encourage rust growth.  

• Inspect toilet tanks as older models may contain metal components that are rusty and corrosive. Replace them with anti-corrosive PVC components.  

• Since moisture contributes to rust growth, make sure that your bathroom has enough ventilation to keep it dry and reduce the humidity in the air. If you only use a ventilation fan, keep it running for a few minutes after turning off the water.  

• If your property has a hard water supply, installing a water softener to eliminate the minerals that cause the rust stains in your tub would be best. A water softener is a great alternative when you don't want to switch to a soft water supply. You must attach the softener to your water heater or supply to filter the minerals and other water deposits.   

The Bottomline  

There are various ways to remove and prevent rust from staining your tubs, sinks, and toilet bowls. Your bathroom keeps you clean and fresh, and having rusty fixtures can quickly look disturbing and filthy. By following these simple and practical tips, you can enjoy a clean bathroom and avoid the inconvenience of constantly scrubbing rust from your fixtures. 

4 Tips for Converting Your Old Tub Into a Shower

Whether you just enjoy the convenience of taking a shower or are finding it harder and harder to climb in and out of your bathtub, you may be like many people today and have a desire to convert your old tub into a shower. However, since there are many approaches you can take to this home improvement project, you may be wondering what will be best for your needs. If so, here are four tips you should keep in mind during the transition from tub to shower.

Don't Move the Plumbing

When you decide to go from a tub to a shower, one tip that will make the project easier and much more affordable will be to leave the existing plumbing in place. When you start moving pipes and other plumbing components, this takes time, is more expensive, and can lead to unexpected problems and delays. Therefore, always consider installing your new shower exactly where your old tub is located.

Use a One-Piece Shower Pan

In many showers today, homeowners decide to have a tile floor. While there is no doubt this can look beautiful, it can also add plenty of dollars to your tub to shower conversion. To get a look that will be very similar but come at a much reduced cost, choose to use a one-piece shower pan. In many cases, a professional installer can get you a shower pan that looks almost exactly like a tile floor.

Shop Around

If you will be relying on professionals to do away with your old tub and give you a wonderful new shower, be willing to shop around to get the best deal and the best contractors. As these conversions have become more popular in recent years, more and more businesses are now offering this service. Therefore, always get several estimates before making your final decision.

Use Standard-Sized Glass Doors

If you have a basic bathtub, chances are it is 60 inches wide. If so, make sure you choose standard-sized glass doors for your shower. Should you decide to make your shower area larger than your tub's width, you will then need to use custom doors, which will be much more expensive.

Since bathroom renovations are some of the hottest trends in home improvement today, converting your old tub into a shower makes perfect sense for many reasons. By asking questions of and getting estimates from multiple contractors and doing what you can to keep the project's costs reasonable, you will soon have a new shower you'll love.

4 Tips to Adding Comfort to Your Guest Bathroom

If you are someone who has guests visit your home often, you want to ensure they are always comfortable during their stay. It is hard enough to use a bedroom and bathroom outside their personal space. The key is to create the vibe of a luxurious hotel while providing the comforts of home. You can start by checking out these four tips for adding comfort to your guest bathroom.

Create a Clutter-Free Space

It is important to get rid of any clutter that may have accumulated in your guest bathroom and bedroom. You may have been using the guest bedroom for other purposes. However, your guest room needs to be clean and free of clutter for those who will be staying with you. This way, your guests have more space for their belongings. Remember, you want your guests to feel comfortable.

Provide a Basket of Toiletries

Sometimes you may have to make some last-minute preparations for unexpected visits. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that guests have what they need in the bathroom that they will be using. This can be very helpful if they have traveled a long distance because they do not have to worry about packing their own toiletries. The basket may include body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. You may even decide to include their favorite scented candle. It is best to talk to your guests about what their needs are to ensure they are not allergic to anything in their toiletry basket.

Provide Soft, High-Quality Towels

You should also provide soft, high-quality towels in the guest bathroom. For example, you may want to look into soft, quality towels from businesses like Rikumo. The best towels for bathrooms tend to be very soft and absorbent to create a comfortable shower experience. You can also look into buying extra bath towels to keep on hand for your guests. Do not forget to include face towels, hand towels, and even microfiber hair towels in the guest bathroom. Make sure that all towels are regularly cleaned to avoid irritating the skin.

Offer A Robe and Slippers

Another way to create the vibe of a luxurious hotel is to offer a robe and slippers to your guests. This is a great way to make your guests feel valued and comfortable. If you need to keep these items on hand after your guests use them, be sure to wash and dry them before your next guests arrive.

You always want your overnight guests to feel comfortable and right at home. The best way to create a comfortable guest bathroom is to keep the above tips in mind.