Bathrooms are the place where we relax, bathe, groom, and get ready. But it’s hard to relax into your daily care routine when your space feels… less than fresh. Even the most diligent cleaning enthusiasts will run into stubborn issues in the bathroom—they simply come with the territory.
Because a bathroom is often damp and humid, there are a handful of common problems that tend to crop up. Ahead, we’re running through three issues most bathrooms encounter, and what to do to fix them.
Issue #1: Limescale Build-up
Familiar with that white, chalky residue that covers your showerhead in a gross, gunky film? Yep, that’s limescale, and it forms as a result of hard water. In addition to showerheads, limescale can build up on faucets, drains, and plugholes. To fight this unsightly stuff, there are a couple of routes you can take:
- Vinegar solution: equal parts vinegar and water. Apply and let soak for a few minutes. Scrub gently with a sponge and rinse thoroughly.
- Limescale remover products: Find a range of products designed specifically for the bathroom at your local hardware store. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and slide on some protective gloves before you get started.
- Install a water softener: As a preventative measure, consider installing a water softener or using water treatment systems. Though this is more of an upfront investment, it can save you trouble down the road. Bonus: A water softener makes water more gentle on sensitive skin and hair, too!
Issue #2: Too much mold
From hot, steamy showers to accidental splashes out of the tub, moisture and water seem to seep in everywhere. Your biggest battle, however, is going to be condensation. Condensation occurs when warm, damp air contacts cold surfaces, like a countertop, window, mirror, or tub. It can then keep those surface areas moist, ultimately contributing to mold growth.
To minimize mold, the goal is to keep your bathroom as clear and dry as possible. A few things that will make that easier:
- Keep the room properly ventilated by running your exhaust fan and/or ceiling fan during your shower and afterward for about fifteen minutes.
- Use a dehumidifier, especially if you live in an older home.
- Give everything a quick wipe-down after your steamy shower. From the mirrors to the floors and countertops, wiping up standing water will reduce moisture in the air and stunt mold growth.
Mold is tough to eliminate altogether in a bathroom, so a regular cleaning routine is a smart idea. A homemade bleach solution (using one part bleach to four parts water) will get the job done, or you can go with a natural solution of vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide.
RELATED READ: What to Know About Bathroom Moisture (And 3 Ways to Beat It)
Issue #3: Desilvering on Mirrors
Ever noticed a bit of black on the edge of your mirror? That’s called desilvering, and it occurs to most mirrors over time. That desilvering you see—sometimes called “mirror rot”—is a result of the mirror’s protective coating becoming damaged with age, exposing the silver nitrate underneath. That silver nitrate reacts with particles in the air, moisture, or even mirror cleaning products. The result can make your mirror look dingy and damaged.
Here’s the good news: Black edges don’t spell the end of your mirror’s life. Since the desilvering doesn’t typically advance further than a few inches from the edge of the mirror, it’s not difficult to cover it up. Easily (and economically) give your mirror a second life by using Add A Frame®. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
- Select from 80+ frame styles to find one that suits your bathroom decor.
- Enter your custom measurements so the frame will fit your specific mirror.
- Adhere directly to the mirror, even if it's resting on a backsplash. Installation couldn't be more simple!
Learn more about the science behind the desilvering process here, and get started selecting your favorite frame styles here.