bathroom bliss-discarded
Be ruthlessOnce you’ve decided to make the change, you need to be ruthless. Go through everything in your bathroom cupboard and work out whether you still need it. Throw out old cosmetics and medications, and check the use-by dates on everything in your bathroom cupboard. No doubt there will be numerous products that you haven’t used in the last year. If you are holding onto things ‘just in case,’ you will never achieve a tidy bathroom. Once you do a big clear-out, you’ll be amazed at how much space you free up and no doubt inspired to keep your bathroom clean.
Get organisedOnce you have thrown out all the unnecessary items and identified those products you use the most, it’s time to get organised. This might sound daunting, but it’s easy if you know what to do. “Savvy and multi-functional storage solutions are the key to any modern bathroom and there are plenty of clever options available,” says Daniela Santilli, business manager at bathroom company Reece.More stories about home organisation
Clear those surfacesThe next step in the process is analysing exactly how often you use each item. This will help you work out where products should be placed. “It makes sense to put your toothbrush in a nice caddy on the vanity bench as it’s used a couple of times a day,” says Cathy Player, expert organiser at Howards Storage World. “Things you use less often can go in lower drawers or in harder-to-reach parts of the cupboard. Always be careful to store sharp items and medicines out of reach of children, and keep electrical items away from hazards like water.”
Tidy your drawersClear drawer dividers are a great asset in a bathroom as they’ll keep everything organised and accessible, according to Anton Randall, director of home styling and organisation firm In the Closet. “There are some great shapes and sizes on the market to suit any type of drawer,” he says. “You can also ‘double decker’ organisers to get greater utility out of deeper drawers. Measuring items beforehand can help make the shopping process easier,” adds Player
Group things togetherOne of the easiest ways to keep everything in order is to group similar products together. Cathy from Howard’s Storage World suggests using caddies or containers to keep things sorted. “Keeping things grouped instantly adds order and makes it easier to locate it again. It’s worth keeping in mind the simple idea that ‘if you can see it, you’ll use it,’ explains Cathy. “That’s how you avoid having items go out of date because you simply lost them in the cupboard or drawer.”
Smart storageWhen it comes to storing your lotions and cosmetics, Randall suggests using a step storage systems, as this will help you find the products you are looking quickly. Step systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are an affordable way to keep things organised. Daniela from Reece Bathrooms suggests “organising your shelves, drawers and cupboards by corralling like-items into tumblers, boxes or baskets to keep everything easy to find.”Read how to work in extra bathroom storage
Clear those surfacesThe next step in the process is analysing exactly how often you use each item. This will help you work out where products should be placed. “It makes sense to put your toothbrush in a nice caddy on the vanity bench as its used a couple of times a day,” says Cathy Player, Marketing Communications Manager at Howard’s Storage World. “Things you use less often can go in lower drawers or in harder to reach parts of the cupboard. Always be wary of storing sharp items and medicines out of reach of children and try to keep electrical items away from hazards like water.”Tell usDid you enjoy this story? Like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts in the Comments section below. Join the conversation!MoreSee more stunning bathrooms
Use clever tricksOnce you start investigating the range of storage solutions on the market, you will be amazed at the vast array of items you will find. “The trick with shelves inside cupboards is to use simple organisers like Howard’s Mimi Separators to keep similar items grouped. This also makes it easier to pull the whole group out of the cupboard,” explains Cathy. “If you simply put your items on the shelf, you are effectively condemning the items at the back to a long term archive, as it’s simply too difficult to access them. Similar principles apply with drawers.”
Clear those surfacesThe next step in the process is analysing exactly how often you use each item. This will help you work out where products should be placed. “It makes sense to put your toothbrush in a nice caddy on the vanity bench as it’s used a couple of times a day,” says Cathy Player, expert organiser at Howards Storage World. “Things you use less often can go in lower drawers or in harder-to-reach parts of the cupboard. Always be careful to store sharp items and medicines out of reach of children, and keep electrical items away from hazards like water.”
Consider timber alternativesSolid timber is a beautiful option when it comes to making custom cabinetry, however it comes with a high price most of the time. If you are hoping to introduce a ‘natural’ feel to your cabinetry, timber veneer is a cheaper alternative or mixing a few different materials in the overall design (MDF painted cabinets with a timber bench top etc). Definitely go for the best materials you can afford that suit the space the cabinetry is going in. Higher priced materials don’t necessarily guarantee a better quality finish… that comes down to the joiner having excellent craftsmanship skills!
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Miele with microwave
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Are they smaller than regular ovens?Most combi and steam-only ovens are what’s called ‘compact’ appliances, usually around 45 centimetres high, compared to 60 centimetres for a regular wall oven. Some manufacturers have released full-sized combi steam ovens, which offer a larger cavity for so you can cook more. Almost all steam ovens require installation as part of a ‘wall stack’, rather than going under a kitchen bench. They will ideally be installed at around the user’s head-height. This is a safety precaution to avoid the risk of steam burns when moisture rushes upwards as the oven door is opened.
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Make it easy to pack awayWhen putting in any new toy storage systems, organise it so that it’s quick and easy for the children to pack their things away at the end of the day. If your children are toddler-aged, make sure that’s is simple enough for them to use too. Toys should have dedicated storage spaces, with regularly used toys stored at the right height for your child, and clearly labelled with words or pictures.
Gather your suppliesStart by gathering your cleaning and deodorising supplies. There are plenty of pet odour removers available at pet supply stores. In my experience, it’s best to choose an enzyme-based cleaner over an ammonia-based one as they are better at removing scents. For a more natural solution, a little baking soda mixed with apple cider vinegar will work wonders. HOW MUCH?Focus on those areas where your pet spends most of their time. And keep an eye out for hidden messes – they can often be the culprits behind stubborn, lingering odours.
Wash soft furnishingsTo remove pet odours from bedding, cushion covers and blankets, pop them in your machine with a normal amount of detergent and a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar.
Refresh beds and carpetsWhile your washing machine is running, sprinkle a little baking soda on your carpet and mattress, and spread it around with a cleaning brush. Let it sit for about an hour, so the baking soda has a chance to absorb the odours.During this time, grab your vacuum cleaner and go over all your floors. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach places such as furniture crevices, under beds and in corners where hair balls tends to gather.
Spritz the airTo make your home smell fresh and inviting, spray the air with an air freshener. Opt for a non-toxic freshener as dogs can be sensitive to the chemicals in commercial products. Or, if you prefer natural products, mix 1/4 cup baking soda with a couple of drops of essential oil and water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray.
Tell usHow do you keep your pet-friendly home clean and fresh? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation. MoreGet more cleaning tips
In vino veritasIn wine is truth, and the truth is that we’re often too partied out to face washing glasses when the last guest leaves. With sticky, oily finger-food and rich creamy dishes on offer, glasses soon start to lose their brilliance. Hosts often wake up to glassware smeared with lipstick marks, fingerprints and other reminders of an occasion well celebrated.
Here’s a time-saving tip. Rinsing before you go to bed does very little to solve the problem as water alone is ineffective against oil. Tackling it in the morning, whether packing the dishwasher or handwashing, also avoids accidental breakages when you’re feeling a little uncoordinated. If you have the energy, rinse out red wine dregs, then flee the scene and let detergents do their job next day.
Get motivatedThe bathroom is the one room that is used every day. It’s the place where you get ready to face the world and deal with the stresses of life. Walking into a messy, cluttered bathroom first thing in the morning can have a huge impact on how you start your day. If you can’t find what you need or find yourself tripping over things on the floor, you will leave the house feeling stressed. An organised, clutter-free bathroom will help you start your day on a positive note.
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