Toilet Cleaning is So Much Simpler with These 12 Bathroom Design Tips

So many other things we’d rather be doing.

Love or hate cleaning, it’ll definitely get exhausting scrubbing away grime and dirt weekly, especially in wet areas like the bathroom.

So, save yourself the backbreaking menial labour with these design tips for a bathroom that’s easy to clean, and use those hours on things that matter more.

1. Choose a flush mount sink over a vessel sink for a cleaner countertop

While some prefer vessel sinks for their classy look, keep in mind that they sit directly on the countertop. In other words, the spaces where the sink meets the countertop can be really hard to reach and clean.

That’s why a flush mount sink, which is installed underneath the countertop with the rim aligning with the countertop edge, just makes sense – you don’t have to clean the underside of the sink, and you can ‘sweep’ water from the countertop right into it.

Take it one step further with an integrated sink, wherein the sink and the countertop are made of one material, so you can minimise the joints where the dirt accumulates.

As an alternative, you might be considering a drop-in sink, but just remember that the lip sitting on the counter requires some extra cleaning as it’s easy for mould to accumulate there.

2. Opt for rounded sinks over rectangular ones to reduce grime build-up

It might be a trendy hotel look, but you might want to rethink getting flat, rectangular sinks where dirt and grime can accumulate at the sharp edges.

Stick with the tried and tested rounded sinks and you’ll find that the smooth curves are easier to clean in the long term.

3. Get a back-to-wall freestanding tub to avoid hard-to-clean gaps

Ah, freestanding tubs. While the glory of owning one outweighs all the potential cons at the start, you might end up feeling regretful if you don’t consider the ease of cleaning.

Pushing a freestanding tub right up against the wall to save space (especially in smaller spaces like HDB flats) sounds like the perfect formula for a tough time cleaning the gap between the bathtub and the wall.

Instead, consider getting a back-to-wall or corner tub where at least one edge perfectly fits against the wall, eliminating gaps.

A pro-tip if you can’t bear to part with a particular design: make sure to have at least a 20 cm gap between the tub and the wall for sufficient space to clean.

Of course, if you’re open to the idea, you could also get a built-in tub which saves space and eliminates gaps.

4. Keep an eye out for one-piece toilet bowls – there are less joints to clean

You might be seeing a pattern in this list of what makes things easy to clean. Here’s a hint: seamless and rounded.

Toilet bowls are either floor-mounted or wall-hung. If you’re considering a floor-mounted toilet bowl, opt for a one-piece toilet bowl because the cistern and bowl are one seamless unit, which makes it easier to clean.

Back-to-wall toilet bowls are even better since the cistern is concealed within the wall. The ultimate win for cleaning is a wall-hung toilet bowl, because the bowl is elevated above the floor.

Of course, do note that these models are costlier to install since the cistern needs to be concealed; maintenance may be more difficult if choking/clogging issues crop up.

Two more handy tips: get a rimless toilet bowl that’s smooth with no sharp turns. If the toilet seat cover is removable, you can easily reach narrow corners too.

Explore: 7 Questions You Didn’t Know You Need to Ask About Toilet Bowls

5. Avoid porous and high-maintenance natural materials for the walls/floor

Natural materials like wood and stone look absolutely charming, but can be more trouble than they’re worth in wet areas like the bathroom.

For instance, natural marble requires much more diligent care because it’s porous – that is, prone to staining and mould build-up.

Others like limewash paint tend to crack and you’ll see fissures over time because of water and soap scum.

Consider tiles instead, like porcelain or ceramic, and look out for anti-slip properties for safety.

On the bright side, there’s lots of options these days that recreate the textured feel of natural materials, so you can keep an eye out for them.

6. Get bathroom exhaust fans for a ventilated, mould-free space

Stuffy and icky sounds like us when we’re out on a terribly hot day – or a poorly ventilated bathroom.

In a humid climate like Singapore, proper ventilation helps prevent mould growth and keep the air fresh in the bathroom.

It’s no wonder exhaust fans have become increasingly popular among homeowners. If you are getting one, make sure to invest in quality.

A subpar fan could be noisy or worse, fail at its job: extracting the moisture.

7. Choose large-format tiles for less grout lines

Small tiles are perfect for intricate patterns and unique mosaic designs. That also means more grout lines, which provide more traction when used on the floor since it’s harder to slip.

The downside is that with more grout lines comes more room for dirt, mould and mildew to accumulate.

On the other hand, large-format tiles are easier to maintain. They look sleek and make the bathroom feel bigger too. Make sure to look out for anti-slip ones too, for safety.

If you’re reluctant to give up small tiles entirely, you could install them in a small area that’s less likely to get wet, like the vanity backsplash.

8. Consider water- and stain-resistant epoxy grout instead of regular grout

Speaking of grout lines, have you heard of epoxy grout? Unlike the usual cement-based grout, it’s made from epoxy resins and is water-resistant, making it perfect for wet areas like the bathroom.

It’s also non-porous, making it resistant to stains and mildew – a win for easier maintenance!

It is, however, much pricier than regular grout.

9. Ensure you have storage nooks to reduce visual clutter

No matter how small your bathroom, you’ll thank yourself for including some form of storage – whether vanity cabinets, vertical shelves, recessed storage nooks or even storage containers.

This keeps countertops clutter-free and makes cleaning easier too.

10. Try floating vanities for a cleaner floor

With a floating vanity, you get a visually bigger space and an easier-to-clean space since you can just mop or vacuum directly under it without having to scrub around the cabinet edges.

One drawback is that you get less storage space since you still need to cater for the sink’s drainage piping.

11. Stick with traditional floor trap covers that trap less hair

There are several aesthetic design choices you might regret down the road, like designer floor traps. Though stylish, they require regular cleaning since they tend to trap more hair underneath.

You’d also have to use an additional tool to remove the cover.

If that doesn’t sound like a commitment you want on your list, stick with the traditional floor trap covers.

12. Choose frameless glass dividers to simplify cleaning

Thinking of separating the wet and dry areas with a glass divider?

Go frameless so you can effortlessly scrub down the glass without having to worry about the grime that’ll collect along the edges.

12. Make sure your rain shower has a handheld shower head

If you love the idea of luxuriating with a rain shower, like in hotels, just make sure it comes with a handheld shower head in case your bidet isn’t long/powerful enough – or cleaning your shower area is about to become an ordeal of filling up buckets of water.

Besides, having a handheld shower gives you the flexibility to adjust water pressure settings and adjust direction.

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