Cleaning Plan – Step 6 – Easy, green and DIY ways to organize and update your bathroom

If your bathroom is cluttered with cosmetics, half-full bottles, and grooming tools from various family members, it’s time to clean, clean, and turn it into a fresh, green, and rejuvenating space!

First, clear the room and edit all your belongings. That means you’ll need to sort things together and get rid of duplicates, products no one uses, and expired medications and makeup. Be determined to remove everything but the items you’ll actually use.

Before you load up all the stuff you need to keep in your space, give it a facelift. You can create a healthy, functional, and enjoyable bathroom with color, smart storage, and easy-to-clean surfaces. Start at the top and work your way down to ground level.

1. The ceiling – While you may not spend a lot of time staring at the ceiling, don’t overlook it.

• to paint – If it’s been a while since you’ve painted this space, update it with a fresh coat of VOC-free interior ceiling paint. And, if you have roof vents that look a little dirty, take them out, wash them, and refinish them with low-VOC spray paint.
• Ventilation – A fan in the bathroom will remove odors and moisture that can lead to mold. So make sure your fan is in good working order. Remove the cover, clean it and apply low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) spray paint if necessary.

Walls – One of the most dramatic yet inexpensive changes you can make to your space is to refresh the walls.

• patch – If you have nicks or small holes in your wall, apply some putty paste to create a smooth surface for painting.
• Major – If there are stains, crayon marks, or dark paint on the walls, you’ll want to apply a good quality primer before painting. Special low VOC stain-removing primers will ensure that stains do not bleed through the topcoat. Additionally, they will provide a more even finish and reduce the number of topcoats required. Smart Tip: Primer typically costs less than paint, so use it to lower your overall paint cost.
• to paint – Choosing a color for your walls is where you can express your individual style. That said, it’s a good idea to avoid a dark color, as it can distort reflections in the mirror and cause you to apply too much makeup. Another important consideration is the type of paint to use. Select a semi-gloss or kitchen and bath paint. This type of paint is easy to clean and resists mildew. As a final point, there are many low VOC or no VOC color options available.

cabinets – Hidden storage is a must for every bathroom. To determine how much you need, measure the volume of materials you want to hide, measure the available space, and then shop for a unit that fits your style and budget.

• vanity – A spacious dressing table is a real bonus. You can store the toiletries of each member of the family in a practical organizer, keep clean towels and nobody will know. Smart Tip: Turning an old dresser into a dresser is a smart way to go green. If buying a new vanity isn’t in your plans, apply a fresh coat of paint to your existing vanity and add new hardware for an updated look.
• Medicine – First-aid kits are the ideal space to corner current medications and remedies for: headaches, cuts, burns, coughs, colds, etc. Modern medicine cabinets aren’t just functional, they’re almost wall art. They are available in a variety of styles and shapes and you can even get one with fog proof mirrors. If you want to use your existing medicine cabinet and it has a wood or laminate door, update it by painting it the same calming color you use on the walls.

Water Hugging Devices – Almost 60% of water consumption inside homes takes place in the bathroom. Here are some things you can do to curb your consumption and save a few bucks.

• Toilet – You can buy a low flow toilet for around $200.00 or if you need to work with your current model, put a 1 liter plastic bottle (filled with rocks) in the tank and you will get the same results. Smart Tip: Make sure your toilet doesn’t leak and avoid using it as a trash can, both of which are a huge waste of water.
• shower head – Convert your shower head to a low flow model; prices range from $10.00 to $50.00. This change will reduce the amount of water you use without affecting performance. Smart tip: a bath uses more water than a short shower.
• Faucet – Get a low flow faucet aerator, they are easy to install and can be purchased for $3.00 to $10.00. The device mixes air with water to reduce the amount of water used. Look for one that is rated at 2.75 gpm (gallons per minute) or less.

Turning on – Whether you’re upgrading your lighting fixture or keeping the one you have, be sure to switch to energy efficient light bulbs. FYI, according to energystar.gov, “If every American household replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light over 3 million homes for a year, over $600 million in annual energy costs.” , and avoid greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars”.

flat – If your bathroom floor has stains, tears, or worn vinyl, fix it now.

• Linoleum – One of the most durable, economical and environmentally friendly flooring options is linoleum. It’s made primarily from flaxseed oil and comes in hundreds of color options. While it’s available in both tile and sheet, stick with sheet linoleum as the tiles can show up in the corners.
• Vinyl – A cost-effective way to give your floor an updated look is to purchase some of the newer peel and stick vinyl. It is easy to install, you can do it yourself and save on labor costs. Additionally, it can be placed over a variety of existing materials. This product is available in 12-inch and 18-inch squares, allowing for color and pattern mixing. Cleaning is a breeze, just wipe it down with a damp cloth or mop.
• roof tile – This product is beautiful, durable and easy to care for. If you decide to buy it, be sure to select a tile that is moisture-proof and non-slip. Installation ranges from easy to challenging, so keep that in mind when making your decision.

Organizers and Accessories – Keeping your bathroom clean, tidy and organized will be easier if you use some of the devices below.

• wall hooks – Assemble one for each member of the family so they can hang their wet robe or towel after the shower. Even the little ones will be able to use this tool without help.
• Shelving – When cabinet storage isn’t enough, go vertical and install wall shelves. If possible, reuse old wood that you have in the garage. Then buy a basket for each person, label it with their name, and put away their toiletries.
• coat rack over the door – This handy organizer comes with up to 6 hooks. Simply slide it over the door; will not interfere with door closing. This device easily captures any type of clothing.
• pocket shower curtain – This ingenious device does double duty. It is a shower curtain and has pockets for storage. The shower curtain can be used as a liner or as a stand-alone curtain, and the pockets can face in or out of the shower. This item is ideal for keeping beauty products and bath toys within easy reach. Smart Tip: If you’re planning to buy a decorative shower curtain, look for one made from hemp, as it resists mildew.
• adjustable shower basket – Simplehuman makes an ingenious unit that fits over your shower head and has two shelves that move up and down and side to side to accommodate tall bottles. This cart holds a large amount of product, plus the bottles can be stored upside down for easier dispensing.

Follow the tips above and you’ll find that a serene and tidy bathroom with energy saving devices doesn’t have to be a dream.