Congratulations on your newly renovated bathroom!
At Renovare we want to ensure your bathroom looks and feels new and fresh for as long as possible. There are several tips and tricks which will help to increase the longevity of your newly renovated bathroom.
Cleaning your bathroom
This may seem basic; however, it is important to clean your bathroom regularly. This will help to clean away dirt and scum and avoid staining on glass and surfaces increasing not only the lifespan of the products, but also the appearance.
Keeping your wet area dry
After each shower it is recommended that you dry it down with a microfiber cloth to avoid mould growth (this will also help to keep your shower clean and reduce cleaning time). We understand this may not be practical for everyone, so by simply using a squeegee this will assist in a similar way.
Reduce condensation
By simply ensuring you use your exhaust fan each time someone is in the shower or bath, this will help to reduce condensation forming, which is important to prevent any mould growth. It is also recommended to shower with the bathroom door open (if possible) and windows slightly ajar to also assist with prevention of condensation.
Be aware of cleaning products
It is not recommended to use any citrus-based essential oils or cleaning products. The d-limonene in these can penetrate through the grout and compromise the waterproof membrane in your bathroom, leading to water damage.
All that is required to effectively clean a bathroom is baking (bicarb) soda, and a non-citrus based dishwashing liquid. Bleach and harsh cleaning products should also be avoided as they do not ‘kill’ mould or microbial growth (they only strip the melanin/colouring) and can also be used as a food source for mould. They are also chemical toxicants and can have negative impacts on human health.
Silicone and grout replacement and cleaning
It is recommended that every 12-24 months the silicone in your wet areas is replaced by a licensed builder. Silicone has a relatively short life span and can crack and peel, if this happens it becomes an ineffective barrier, and can lead to water damage.
If your shower is wet for longer then 48 hours, this is ideal for mould spores to proliferate and mould growth to occur. Once this happens, mould cannot be ‘cleaned’ from silicone – it must be replaced! Grout, on the other hand, can be cleaned if you notice minimal mould growth by simply scrubbing it with equal parts bicarb soda and a non-citrus based dishwashing liquid.
