Cleaning the Bathroom Sink Made Easy

Cleaning the bathroom sink is as simple as tossing some powdered cleanser or spraying some all-purpose cleaner and give it a scrub, right? Think again. Cleaning the sink may seem straightforward, but there are any number of things you can do to ruin your sink just by making some simple cleaning mistakes. 

It all comes down to what your sink is made of. Here’s how to make sure your sink gets clean without any damage. 

What is your sink made of?

Before you start thinking about cleaning, determine the material of your sink. Ceramic and porcelain are common materials for the bathroom sink but you also might run into acrylic, cast iron, quartz, glass, or even wood. Each require different care and maintenance. 

Ceramic, Porcelain, Fireclay

All of similar composition, ceramic, porcelain, and Fireclay bathroom sinks should be cleaned with non-abrasive cleansers and soft cloths. Avoid acidic cleansers. There is a level of porosity to these materials, so it’s important to clean up stains quickly before they sink in. Daily maintenance is the best way to keep your ceramic, porcelain, or Fireclay sink looking its best.

For tough stains, line your sink with paper towels then spray the towels down with hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for a minimum of 30 minutes then remove towels and rinse. Oxygen bleach is another good option for tough stains. 

Acrylic

Acrylic bathroom sinks are a fan favorite for their nonporous nature. They don’t stain easily and are resistant to mold and mildew. They can be cleaned with warm water and dish soap. For tougher stains, fill the sink with warm water and add a splash of bleach and let sit for up to 5 minutes. Any stains that don’t come out, simply give them a rub with the water and bleach solution.

Stone, Composite Stone & Engineered Stone

Both stone, composite, and engineered stone are all considered natural products. They are easy to maintain when given the daily care and protection they need. 

Clean with mild detergent and warm water using a soft cloth. Rinse and thoroughly dry after cleaning. Keep acidic cleaners and makeup off the stone sink and clean up spills quickly. 

Metal

Much like stone, metal sinks like copper, brass, or stainless steel can be cleaned regularly with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth. Scrubbing or abrasive cleansers should be avoided as they can scratch the metal. 

If oxidation occurs on your brass or copper sink, make a mixture of salt and vinegar or lemon juice then rub it on the sink, let sit for 10 minutes then rinse clean. This will restore a lot of the shine and color of the sink.

Glass

Glass sinks, as you might know from the glass in your shower, are best cleaned directly after use. Warm water and simple soap or detergent with a soft cloth will do the trick. Vinegar is also an excellent glass cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Rinse and dry thoroughly and buff out any water spots since they will be visible from the outside as well as the inside of the sink.

Wood

Wood sinks should be cleaned daily after use with a simple wipe down with a towel. Clean them regularly with mild soap and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. You may want to refinish your wood sink occasionally or treat with a wood conditioner to keep the wood looking its best. 

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron sinks have been around for a long time and there many preferred ways to clean them. Simple non-abrasive cleaners and implements are best with mild detergents or cleaners. Some opt use bleach to restore an enameled cast iron sink to its full glory.

Vinegar is another time-tested cleaner for the sink. Many swear by Bar Keeper’s Friend cleanser to keep enameled sinks at their best. Others invest in enamel cleaning creams. Drying the sink out after each use is a great way to keep the sink cleaner and looking great!

Need to clean other items in the bathroom? Check out the best ways to clean the shower. 

Best Ways to Clean the Shower

6 Most Common Types of Bathroom Layouts

When you’re remodeling, buying, or selling a home, being aware of the different bathroom types is essential. Most homes (with the exception of apartments) usually have two or even three different types of bathrooms, such as a full bathroom, a half bathroom, and a quarter bathroom in various combinations.

For potential buyers, the types of bathrooms that a home has is one of the most important factors in making a purchase decision. For example, a family of five likely needs two full bathrooms and a half bath to comfortably accommodate everybody, whereas a couple would probably be satisfied with one full bathroom. 

Since we spend a lot of our time in our bathrooms, and their functionality can either make or break the overall harmony of your home, let’s explore the different types of bathroom layouts and which are most on-trend today.

Full Bathrooms

In order to be considered a full bathroom, the layout must contain a sink, toilet, and shower/bathtub combination, or a separate bathtub and shower that are spaced apart. 

Most homes will have at least one full bathroom. In fact, you can almost guarantee that any low- to mid-priced home with two or more bedrooms will have one full bathroom. This type of bathroom is extremely versatile and adds value to a home, serving many functions and sometimes including a “his” and “her” design that features a spacious layout and two sinks.

Primary or Owner Bathrooms

A primary or owner bathroom is usually the biggest and most private bathroom in a home, incorporating all of the same features as a full bathroom. This type of bathroom is attached to or can be accessed from the home’s largest bedroom as an ensuite design. 

Besides their location, primary bathrooms often go above and beyond the traditional features of a full bathroom and include special amenities – such as double vanities, whirlpool tubs, walk-in showers, built-in shelving, heated towel racks, and semi-enclosed toilets for maximum privacy. Master bathrooms are seen by many to be a space for retreat and relaxation, which often means that they are the most high-end type of bathroom.

Three-Quarter Bathrooms

Three-quarter bathrooms have a layout that contains a sink, toilet, and either a separate shower or a separate bathtub. Since most new bathrooms or remodeling projects today aren’t being built with bathtubs, the third component in three-quarter baths tends to be a shower.

While not quite as spacious as a full bathroom, three-quarter bathrooms still offer plenty of benefits without taking up much square footage. It’s common to find this type of bathroom near a guest bedroom or as part of a finished basement, as it offers everything needed but is likely to be used less often by the residents. 

Powder Rooms or Half-Baths

Powder rooms, which are also called half-baths, feature only two of the standard four components of a full bathroom: a toilet and a sink. Thus, this is the smallest type of bathroom and takes up relatively little square footage.

Normally found by the entrance of a home or close to the kitchen, half-baths allow for more privacy for the homeowner, as visitors can use this smaller bathroom without entering the bedroom areas. Also, since full bathrooms tend to be more personal spaces with garments and medicines or hygiene products, half-bathrooms keep visitors from seeing these types of items.

Jack and Jill Bathrooms

The final type of bathroom that’s most commonly seen in homes is the Jack and Jill bathroom, or the shared bathroom. This type of bathroom is positioned between two bedrooms and has two doors, granting equal and easy access from either bedroom. 

Jack and Jill bathrooms usually feature one or two sinks, a toilet, and a shower or bathtub. Extremely fun for kids, this style is an ideal choice for larger families, where the bathroom might be occupied at any given time of day. Not only does this type of bathroom provide convenience for whoever occupies the adjoining bedrooms, but it also saves on space, as you won’t need to have one bathroom for every person or bedroom and can use that extra square footage for other purposes.

Which Type of Bathroom is Most On-Trend Today?

Since not every home can accommodate every type of bathroom, there isn’t necessarily one layout that is more on-trend than any other. However, there is a shared understanding that the ensuite bathroom is a must-have in home design. Buyers will look more favorably upon homes with ensuites, as this type of bathroom is something most people want.

Once considered a luxurious advantage, ensuite bathrooms are increasingly popular features in homes of all different shapes and sizes. This is because they offer a level of convenience that can’t be denied, and they add a huge amount of value to a home compared to standalone full baths. 

The ensuite isn’t just for the primary or owner bathroom anymore! You’ll find them in the other bedrooms of the house, making the bathroom more private and accessible. The more “suites” you have in your home the more valuable, and the more attractive. 

No matter what type of bathroom you have, these vanity and faucet pairings will go great with any interior style or aesthetic.

See Vanity & Faucet Pairings

How to Update Your Bathroom Hardware: 3 Fundamental Tips

Did you know remodeling your bathroom can add significant value to your home for resale? Some analysts claim that undergoing a bathroom remodel can boost a home’s value by as much as 53-58% of what is spent during the renovation.

Even if you aren’t planning a full-scale remodel, there are certain areas where you can focus your attention in the bathroom that will show potential buyers your good taste and modern sensibilities. After all, who doesn’t love a bathroom that’s been updated!? 

One of the main features that plays an important role in the overall look and feel of a bathroom is the hardware or fixtures. From sink faucets and towel bars to soap dispensers and cabinet hardware, these small details are not something to be overlooked. Giving your hardware an update and choosing fixtures that are high quality, stylish, and match the bathroom’s design scheme is essential to a high-end space.

Here are 3 fundamental tips for choosing the perfect bathroom hardware during a renovation.

1. Opt for eco-friendly faucets

More and more homeowners are growing concerned with the environmental impact of the materials and furnishings in their living spaces – and this of course applies to the bathroom. A great way to make sure your bathroom sinks are sustainable is to opt for faucets that conserve water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing old faucets can save homeowners nearly 700 gallons of water per year!

To ensure you’re choosing the most water-efficient option, look for WaterSense-labeled faucets, like this Delta model. The WaterSense label certifies the faucet uses at least 20% less water than the industry standard, all without compromising on performance. Additionally, it’s best if the faucet has a flow rate of under 1.5 gallons per minute, which you can confirm with the manufacturer.

2. Choose the right faucet based on your vanity’s design

The design of your bathroom sink or vanity will help to immediately eliminate fixtures that are too high, too big, or are simply the wrong style. Depending on the layout and dimensions of your overall sink, you’ll need to make sure the new faucet not only fits the allotted space but also fits with the bathroom design you’re hoping to achieve.

For example, at Decor Planet, we offer faucets in several different categories including widespread vessel faucets, single hole faucets, wall mount faucets, and center set faucets for smaller vanities. If you’re planning on remodeling your vanity or sink entirely, you’ll have more freedom in choosing a faucet fixture that’s different from your current model – such as a wall mount faucet for a modernized design. However, if you’re sticking with your existing vanity, you should know straightaway which faucet category you’re limited to.

3. Make sure all of the fixtures are cohesive

As we mentioned earlier, there are numerous fixtures that all play a part in creating a functional bathroom – including larger, more obvious features like towel racks and smaller intricacies like cabinet hardware. From an interior design perspective, it’s best to opt for the same type of finish for all of your bathroom hardware. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of the space looking overly eclectic or even badly disjointed.

Some of the most popular finishes for bathrooms include brushed, satin, polished, antique, and satin metal. Whichever finish you choose is purely a matter of personal choice, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure the hardware matches with permanent fittings like the showerhead or toilet handle. Remember: harmony is the key to pulling the look together!

Now that you’re ready to update your bathroom hardware, you can turn your focus to other leading style trends that combine luxury and functionality. Here are some of the hottest bathroom trends as picked by design pros.

Check Out Bathroom Trends

Trusted Cleaning Hacks to Make Your Shower Sparkle

Showers and tubs do a great job of keeping us clean – but what about the reverse? So that your shower is always on standby, it’s essential to regularly clean your shower.

4 out of 10 Americans admit to cleaning their bathrooms once a month or less. The shower curtain or door is the most overlooked element when it comes to sanitation. 

Don’t be among those 40% of people who rarely scour their bathroom toilets and sinks! Cleaning a shower is a necessary household chore that helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew. It also maintains the appearance of your bathroom. 

How often you clean the shower depends on how much you use your shower. A good rule of thumb is to aim for once per week. You can probably clean the shower about every two weeks if you spend a minute or two on maintenance each time you use the shower. This might involve squeegeeing the walls or door so soap scum doesn’t proliferate.

As you think about developing a good cleaning routine, there are several hacks to be aware of based on the type of material of your shower. Whether stone, ceramic, or fiberglass, here’s some shower cleaning hacks to make your shower truly sparkle and save yourself time.

Bathroom Organization Hacks

How to Clean Stone Showers

Cleaning a stone shower requires some extra care and attention, as certain cleaning products and methods can damage or discolor the stone. Whether your shower is granite, marble, or another type of stone, here are some helpful cleaning tips:

• Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for stone surfaces. Avoid using harsh and acidic cleaners, such as vinegar or lemon juice, which can etch the stone’s surface.
  
  
• Gently scrub the stone with a soft cloth or sponge, taking care not to scrub too hard or use a scouring pad.
  
  
• If you need to remove tough stains or soap scum, you can use a small amount of a mild abrasive cleaner, such as baking soda.
  
  
• Rinse the stone thoroughly with water to remove all traces of cleaner.
  
  
• Dry the stone with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
  
  
• To maintain the appearance of the stone over time, you can apply a stone sealer twice a year, which will help to protect it from stains and make cleaning easier in the future.

Bathroom Sink Cleaning Hacks

How to Clean Ceramic Showers

The biggest burden of keeping ceramic-tile showers clean is they are privy to mildew spores that form in the grout. To make sure there’s no buildup of mold or mildew, here are our tricks for cleaning a ceramic shower:

• Empty the shower of any bathroom products. 
  
  
• Use a dry scrubber to loosen any soap scum. Plastic or mesh non-scratch scrubbers are usually best for tile.
  
  
• Pre-treat the entire shower with a tub and tile cleaner and let this soak for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the cleaner to penetrate into the grout and start breaking down any mildew or mold (making your eventual scrubbing job even easier!)
  
  
• Use an all-purpose scouring pad to scrub the shower until the surface appears clean. Never use a metal or hard-bristle scrubber, which will scratch the tile.
  
  
• Rinse the walls with water and squeegee them until they are dry to avoid any water spots.

Are Sliding Shower Doors Outdated?

How to Clean Fiberglass Showers

Maintaining the sparkly white surface of a fiberglass shower can feel like a challenge, but it’s actually quite easy to clean if you use the right tools and products. Here are several tips to clean and disinfect your fiberglass shower:

• Remove any clutter from around the shower and fill a bucket with warm water. 
  
  
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the bucket so the water becomes bubbly.
  
  
• Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and use it to scrub the walls and floor of the shower. Be sure to pay extra attention to any buildup of soap scum or hard water stains.
  
  
• Rinse the shower thoroughly with clean water to remove the soap.
  
  
• Dry the shower with a towel or squeegee to prevent water spots.
  
  
• Adding a protective coating of fiberglass boat wax to the shower walls will allow water to run right off without spotting, which will make cleaning easier. Just be sure not to wax the floor, because it will leave a slippery and dangerous finish!

With these tips in mind, you can adopt a foolproof cleaning routine that keeps your shower looking pristine and shiny, regardless of its material. Need to start fresh? Shop new showers here.

Shop New Showers

5 Easy Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Calm and Cozy

Are you tired of your cold, clinical bathroom and ready to transform it into a warm and inviting space? 

From warm and natural materials to comfortable seating and spa-like features, you'll find all the inspiration you need to turn your bathroom into a calming retreat. So grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's get started on creating your dream cozy bathroom with these 5 design ideas!

1. Add cozy textures like plush towels and bath mats

The first step in achieving a cozy bathroom design is to, of course, integrate materials and textiles that are luxuriously soft to touch. After all, what’s better than stepping out of the shower and having your toes warmed by a plush and fluffy bath mat? By thinking carefully about the quality of the materials in your bathroom and choosing towels, robes, slippers, or rugs that are made with only the coziest fabrics, your space will drive home the lush, comfortable vibe you’re aiming for. 

2. Choose furnishings with extra charm like pedestal sinks

Features like the shower, sink, and toilet are essential to any bathroom – but who says you have to stick to traditional models? Opting for appliances and furnishings that make an eye-catching statement and align with a particular design style is a great way to make sure everything in the space complements a cozy look. For instance, pedestal sinks are largely seen as one of the most charming bathroom features, along with clawfoot tubs. Perfect for smaller spaces, pedestal sinks are inherently cozy by nature of their size, shape, and simplicity. 

3. Focus on fixtures and hardware with warm tones

Since it’s usually quite typical to have limited space in your bathroom, focusing on the small details is all the more important – starting with the fixtures and hardware. If your fixtures don’t feel cozy to you, you can easily swap them out for ones that are finished in warmer tones like brushed nickel. One idea is to install this curvy Virage Single Handle Faucet, which can be finished in several different warm colors. You really can’t go wrong with a faucet that’s finished in gold for the ultimate cozy (yet luxe) feel!

4. Create a dedicated seating area 

Similar to a window seat in a bedroom or a banquette in a kitchen, having a special area for seating in any room adds immediate charm and coziness. In the bathroom, incorporating comfortable seating like a plush bench or armchair will create a relaxing spot for you to unwind. You’ll be surprised how much you use this extra sitting area while waiting for your bubble bath to fill up or to make self care activities like painting nails or applying lotion much easier!

5. Install soft lighting to set the mood

Last but not least, a final way to make your bathroom feel much cozier is to install soft and warm lighting that will help create a calming atmosphere. Candles, simple string lights, and floor lamps are all great options. Of course, you want to make sure that there is adequate lighting that makes it easy to get ready each morning, but you can still achieve this with soft white or even vintage bulbs. Accent lighting is generally softer than overhead lighting, especially if you add the option of dimming the bulbs for those middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. 

Looking for more ideas to create the dream bathroom you’ve always wanted? Check out these additional ideas for cozy and indulgent bathroom design.

Get More Cozy Design Ideas

How to Prep Your Home for Winter Weather

Wintertime is one of the most magical times of the year. It’s also one of the most problematic.  

While a delightful snowfall is great for pictures, heavy snowstorms alongside sleet, ice, and wind chills are more frightening than festive. Frozen pipes, heating problems, and power outages are nightmares for homes.  

But there’s no need to be frozen in fear. There are several ways you can keep your home safe, warm, and winter-ready.

Invest in a Backup Generator 

Keeping a generator handy is a good idea no matter what season it is, but especially in the wintertime.  

In recent years, unseasonably cold temperatures combined with an influx of energy demand have led to strategic blackouts and all-out grid failures in the worst-case scenarios. Even in regions where cold temperatures are common, power lines are susceptible to ice and damage from wind and fallen trees leading to a loss of power. 

The Red Cross has a generator safety guide that goes more in-depth on which generator to choose, how to use it, and other safety tips. 

 

Check for Under-Door Drafts 

According to the Department of Energy, space heating alone accounts for 45% of the average American’s energy bill. But without the proper air sealing protections, your heat and hard-earned money are leaking out your door.  

Energy Star estimates that sealing and insulating your doors—and other vulnerable areas like windows—can save 15% on energy bills year-round. Typically, that means calling a qualified contractor, but you can DIY if you’d like. Another alternative is a door draft stopper, which you can purchase online or in-person at your nearest home improvement store. 

Protect Your Pipes 

Frozen pipes are a common wintertime problem. The most vulnerable pipes are those in unheated areas—like your basement or outside your home—but pipes that run in exterior walls and those without adequate insulation are also at risk. 

Thankfully, there are steps you can take before the temperature drops. According to the Red Cross, preventative measures include: 

• Adding insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces 
• Checking water supply lines in unheated areas 
• Relocating exposed pipes to insulated areas 
• Installing insulated products around the pipes themselves 

Other preventative tips include keeping the faucet at a trickle and opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. The Red Cross’ full list of tips and tricks can be found here. 

Keep Your Gutters Clean 

Just like your pipes, gutters can easily freeze over in the winter. But unlike your pipes, gutters and the corresponding downspouts are confined to tight, highly secured spaces. Clogged gutters with an excess of ice will become overweight and can fall, leading to exterior damage. 

Before the winter season, clean out any leaves, sticks, and dirt so water can flow unabated. You should also be on the lookout for damage, like cracks and punctures, and replace any damaged components as necessary. 

Get Your Furnace and Chimney Inspected 

Ready to gather around your fireplace with friends and family? While a wood-burning fireplace is one of winter’s cozy delights, it’s also a lurking hazard. Unexpected fires, excess smoke, and carbon monoxide are ever-present risks, especially if you use your fireplace frequently. 

To mitigate the dangers of a fire, the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends a chimney inspection once a year. The typical chimney inspection checks for: 

• Creosote buildup 
• Flue blockages 
• Leaks 
• Cracks 
• General damage 

Other factors like new appliances or fireplace fuel types, home inspections, and the aftermath of severe storms may prompt a chimney inspection.  

Do you use central heating? Furnaces are prone to the same risks if left unchecked. A professional HVAC inspection—including your furnace—is another annual staple that’ll keep your home safe during the winter. 

Change the Batteries in Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors 

As we just discussed, your heating system of choice is prone to fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide leaks. Before it’s time to settle inside for the winter, go ahead and change the batteries in your smoke AND carbon monoxide detectors.  

While smoke and flames are easy to see and smell, carbon monoxide has been deemed “the silent killer” due to its odorless, colorless, and tasteless properties. With an uptick in heating system usage and appliances like ovens and stoves during the winter, early detection of carbon monoxide is essential for your safety and well-being. 

Safety and warmth are especially important during the winter season. Want even more tips on staying warm this winter? 

How to Keep Your Bathroom Warm without Running Up the Bill

Best Houseplants for the Bathroom & Their Benefits

When we think about the defining qualities of a spa-like oasis, one of the first things that comes to mind is undoubtedly plants. Incorporating houseplants into your bathroom is a surefire way to make it feel more relaxed, tranquil, and in touch with nature. 

But beyond the aesthetic appeal, there is actually a wide range of benefits – some that are even backed by science – to having plants in your bathroom. 

Here are just a few of those benefits according to Healthline.

Reduces stress levels

Thanks to their calming effect, houseplants were found to be a source of reduced stress levels in one recorded study. The study found that the act of repotting plants resulted in lower blood pressure and heart rate levels among the participants. Much like taking a back, tending to bathroom houseplants is a perfect low-stress activity after a long day.

Improves indoor air quality 

Since bathrooms are already one of the most humid rooms in the house, adding a few plants known to purify the air quality can be highly beneficial. Studies have shown that houseplants can help to reduce harmful gasses like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can even clean the air in closed or limited spaces.

Supports cognitive health and well-being

A study by Rutgers found that houseplants also reduced mental fatigue, with a group of dementia patients experiencing better short-term memory after spending time in a Japanese garden. In general, exposure to indoor houseplants often leads to improved feelings of well-being overall.

Beyond these benefits and many others, houseplants are – at their root – an excellent design choice for the bathroom, which is one of the spaces most commonly used for boosting our health and wellness.

So, which types of plants are best for the bathroom? Let’s explore some of the top houseplants that can thrive in humid environments and create a relaxing bathroom oasis!

1. Boston Fern

Boston Fern is not only one of the easiest fern variants to care for, but it is also adaptable to high humidity since its natural environment is a damp forest floor. Whether nestled on the side of your sink or displayed in a hanging pot, the Boston Fern’s lush fronds will transform any bathroom into a nature-inspired retreat. Just be sure to keep your Boston Fern out of direct sunlight and to water it once weekly. (Fun fact: this plant is also pet-friendly!)

2. Pothos

Also known as Devil’s Ivy, Pothos is an attractive, trailing plant that has heart-shaped leaves. This plant loves to hang and climb tall, making it a perfect addition to your shower curtain rod or as a framing device for a window. Pothos prefer moderate to indirect light and require minimal watering, meaning they are extremely low maintenance and will grow well in bathrooms of any size – so long as they have the room to stretch out their vines!

3. Air Plants 

Futuristic-looking Air Plants (or Tillandsia) are another excellent choice for the bathroom, as they can soak up the humidity from your bath or shower. This is because Air Plants don’t use roots to absorb nutrients or water; they simply grab both things right from the air. Without any need for a pot or planter, Air Plants give you more room for creativity in their display and can fit smaller spaces easily – like atop a toilet bowl or even within a built-in shower shelf. Keep in mind these plants prefer indirect sunlight and like to be soaked in room-temperature water for ten minutes every one to two weeks.

Want to learn more about how to make your bathroom feel like a serene, spa-like oasis? Check out our recent post about doing hydrotherapy at home.

Get More Spa at Home