How to Prevent Mold in Your Bathroom and Kitchen

Because of Colorado’s arid climate, we residents are pretty lucky when it comes to mold issues. Mold loves damp, dark places, and our dry environment can help to prevent these in the home. Mold does grow here, though, and if left untreated, it could become a problem.

Is your knowledge about this topic a little spotty? Pun intended. Let’s fix that.

Facts about Mold

Not only is mold an eye sore, it is a health concern. Breathing in these spores can exacerbate asthma, cause breathing difficulties (particularly in immunocompromised individuals and vulnerable people such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women), and induce allergy symptoms. So, it is important to minimize our exposure to mold as much as possible.

The “good” thing about mold is that it is pretty easy to see and to identify. It usually consists of dark, spotty areas that collect in a certain place. We often see mold as the spores form “clumps” on shower tiles, along the bottom edge of doors, or in the corners of wet linoleum. The most common places to look for mold in the home are those spaces that are consistently wet or exposed to moisture, like the bathtub, bathroom and kitchen tile, and areas around sinks, toilets, and windows.

Mold Prevention

A key way to prevent mold is to provide good ventilation to bathrooms and kitchens (and other areas that are susceptible to it, such as areas in the basement, garage, or crawl space). It is helpful to check for faulty seals on door frames and windows, and to keep surfaces dry. Think about areas in your home, big or small, where water can just sit. Where can it collect? Work to consistently dry out these spaces.

We often work with people who have installed bathtub liners for this purpose, thinking that they would provide a barrier against mold. Bathroom liners are not a good idea. Ironically, they trap moisture underneath and create the perfect condition for those spores! Rather than preventing mold, these liners allow it to thrive.

So, no bathtub liners.

The best way to treat and prevent mold is to be on the lookout for it, and most often the best way to clean it is just to clean it. Get rid of it. Then take steps to prevent it from coming back.

Cleaning Tips

When cleaning mold off of household surfaces, remember that these spores can spread easily. So, wear a mask and make sure there is good airflow in the room (you don’t want so much that the spores blow into other rooms). Use hot water, a clean rag, and a brush to remove and clean the area. Check out more mold cleaning tips here.

It’s tempting to think that harsh chemicals are the answer, but that’s not true. In fact, you probably already have the surprising secret weapon for cleaning your bathroom and kitchen areas.

In addition to cleaning up moldy areas, we can work to prevent the conditions that allow it in the first place. Consider some of these tips and tricks.

Tips for preventing mold:

Increase airflow and ventilation to areas that are often damp or wet
Control moisture levels by keeping humidity levels low
Look for damp, dark areas around your home
Remove any standing water from inside or outside your home
Promptly clean and dry out any area that has been wet (or flooded)

So, in with the clean and out with the mold!

This unsightly issue does not have to become a problem in your home. A few simple steps can make your bathroom and kitchen surfaces clean and mold free.

If you’re on a roll, we also offer a variety of care instructions for how to clean and protect many important surfaces in the home.

How to Install a Tub Grab Bar

Adding a grab bar to your bathtub and/or shower can make it easier – and safer – to get into and out of the tub and to balance while bathing. While you can have a professional install one of these bars for  you, it’s also possible to install them yourself.

Here’s a simple guide to help those DIYers:

1. Choose the spot for the grab bar. This should, ideally, be at least 30 inches above the floor and on an adjoining wall that is hollow (and not tiled).
   • Pro tip: Take note of the length of the grab bar as you are selecting a spot. This can facilitate the measuring process (and it may limit your choice in locations, depending on your current setup/décor).
2. Use a pencil to mark out the location, and use a level to ensure the marks are placed appropriately.
3. Drill the pilot holes. Then drill the bore holes, where the hollow wall fasteners will fit.
   • Pro tip: For the pilot holes, use a 3/16-in. carbide-tip bit. For the bore holes, use a 1 ¼ in. carbide-tip hole saw.
4. Remove the paper from the adhesive on the wall fasteners, and press the fasteners into the holes.
5. Turn the screw to the left to release the grab fingers, then tighten the screws into the fasteners.
6. Mount the grab bar on top of the fasteners.
7. Screw in the mounting screws, and cover them with the concealing parts (i.e., escutcheons).

Want to Make Your Tub Even Safer?

If so, consider adding a walk-in conversion that will prevent the need to have to step over the side of the tub. This can be a wonderful feature for:

• Children
• The elderly
• Anyone with balance and/or mobility impairments.

Contact Colorado Tub Repair Today for a Free Quote

Are you ready to enhance the safety of your bathroom via a walk-in conversion? Or do you want to refresh the look & life of your tub by refinishing it? If so, contact us for a free quote by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

Bath Safety Features that Can Be Installed after a Bathtub Refinish

For elderly people, people with mobility issues and children, adding certain safety features in and around bathtubs can be essential to reducing the risk of harmful slip and falls in the bathroom.

Here are some of the most useful bathroom safety features that our refinishing professionals can install during or after a tile or tub refinishing:

1. Conversion steps and doors – Adding conversion steps (with or without a door) to a newly refinished tub can eliminate the need to step over higher tub edges.
2. Grab bars – Installing grab bars in and outside of bathtubs (as well as around toilet areas) can provide some extra support for those who may need it when entering or exiting tubs.
3. No-slip linings – After refinishing a tub, our pros can also add no-slip linings to tubs, providing more traction during shower and bath time.
4. Safety seats in tubs – For individuals with weak or impaired leg muscles, adding safety seats in tubs and showers can be another option for enhancing bathroom safety and minimizing falling risks.

Other items that can promote bathroom safety by reducing the risk of slip and falls include (but are by no means limited to):

• No-slip rugs – Add these around tubs, toilets and sinks where water can pool up.
• New shower doors or curtains – If it’s been some time since you have replaced the door or curtain on your shower, doing so can help prevent water leakages from showers.

Contact Colorado Tub Repair Today for a Free Bathtub Refinishing Estimate

Are you ready to install some safety features in or around your tub? Or are you looking to update the look and feel of your tub via bathtub refinishing?

If so, contact the professionals at Colorado Tub Repair today for a free quote. You can call us at (303) 908-8764 or request an estimate by clicking here. You can also send us an email using the contact form located here.

Adding conversion steps to bathtubs can be an effective way to prevent dangerous slip and falls, especially for the elderly, people with mobility issues, and even small children.

Top Benefits of Conversion Steps & Doors for Tubs

If you are considering installing conversion steps for your home’s bathtubs, here are some of the top benefits you can enjoy if you move forward with this safety enhancement:

1. An easier time getting into/out of tubs – Instead of having to step over the high sides of bathtubs to get into the tub/shower, conversion steps and doors allow people to more easily enter and exit their bathing area. For people with balancing and/or mobility issues, this means added security, as the risk of losing their balance, slipping and falling (in or outside of the tub) can be significantly reduced.
2. No loss in functionality of the tub – Along with providing safety benefits, conversion steps and doors can also preserve the functionality of tubs themselves, allowing people to still enjoy baths (as the door can be closed, holding in water during bath time).
3. Cost savings – When comparing the costs of installing conversion steps and doors versus replacing tubs/surrounds with shower pans, conversion steps and doors are far more affordable, as the existing features can remain in place. This can allow people to invest in some additional safety features, like grab bars or shower seats, enhancing their overall bathtub and bathroom safety.
4. An updated look for the bathroom – Conversion steps and doors can be customized to match various colors and décor, and these features can be added during/after the bathtub refinishing process. This can end up meaning that, by investing in the safety of your bathroom, you also get the benefit of an updated, clean, refreshed look in your bathroom.

Contact Colorado Tub Repair Today for a Free Bathtub Refinishing Estimate

Are you ready to install conversions steps and doors in your bathroom? Or are you looking to update the look and feel of your tub via bathtub refinishing? If so, contact us today for a free quote by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

Biggest safety risks in bathrooms and how to avoid them

Accidents at home are fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Home Safety Council. And while accidents and injuries can occur anywhere in a home, kitchens, stairways and bathrooms tend to be the riskiest places for people.

To help you stay safe and avoid a home or bathroom accident, here’s a list of the things in bathrooms that tend to create the most prominent safety threats, along with tips on how to mitigate and avoid these risks.

Top Bathroom Safety Risks

1. Water – While flowing water is an essential feature of bathrooms (in showers/tubs, sinks and toilets), it is also one of the leading dangers, as water can easily get to places where it should not be. And this can create serious falling hazards. For instance, leaky pipes, poorly fitting shower doors and even the buildup on condensation (following a hot shower, for example) can all cause water to pool up on floors, increasing the risk of slipping and falling.
   • Safety tip: Add nonskid rugs outside of the shower/tub, as well as around the sink and toilet. If water regularly leaks from the shower or tub, consider replacing features that are contributing to the leaks (such as the poorly fitting shower door or the older curtain).
2. Soap residue – Body washes, shampoos, conditioners and other products are commonly used during shower and bath time. These products, however, can leave behind residues (i.e., soap scum) that can create a dangerous, slippery layer in tubs. And this slippery layer can, again, increase the risk of slip and falls.
   • Safety tip: After every shower or bath, be sure to rinse the tub area so that slippery soap scum won’t build up. On a regular basis, do a more thorough cleaning of your tub (with non-caustic cleansers that won’t eat away at the tub’s lining). If slipping the tub is a big concern, consider having a no-slip liner installed by the professionals at Colorado Tub Repair.
3. Lights and glares – Although bright lights and white, glittering surfaces in a bathroom can be the picture of clean and perfection, they can also create a safety hazard for some people, especially those who may have vision or balancing issues.
   • Safety tip: Soften up the lighting and/or color scheme in your bathroom if lights/glares present a risk to anyone in your home. You can also install additional safety features like grab bars to assist those who may have mobility issues and/or balancing problems.

Contact Colorado Tub Repair Today for a Free Bathtub Refinishing Estimate

Are you ready to add some safety features – like conversion steps or grab bars – to your bathroom? Or is it time to update your bathtub via refinishing? If so, contact us for a free estimate by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

Each year, more than 230,000 people go to the emergency room after bathroom slip and fall accidents. While the vast majority of these slip and fall injuries are sustained in and around bathtubs, as people age, these slip and falls are far more likely to result in severe injuries – like broken bones and head injuries.

To reduce the risks of a bathroom slip and fall and keep your family safe, below are some bathroom safety basics to review and keep in mind.

Bathroom Safety Basics

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  When you want to keep your bathroom safe for the family, here are some bathroom safety basics to keep in mind. Contact us for affordable bathtub refinishing services.

  Never leave any water sitting in your tub – Of course, water will be in your tub when you shower, draw a bath and/or bathe. Once these tasks are done, however, never leave water sitting in your tub. Sitting water not only presents a drowning hazard for little ones, but it also will etch your tub’s lining, damaging your tub. If your tub is slow to drain, it may be time for a drain cleaning (or drain repair).

• Place a mat outside of your tub or shower – Getting in and out of the shower can be risky for anyone, especially if their balance is slightly off. You can reduce this risk by simply putting a carpeted mat outside of your tub/shower. You may even consider installing a grip outside of your tub/shower so that your family members have something to hold onto, helping them maintain their balance as they get into and out of the tub/shower unit.
• Consider installing a non-slip liner in your tub – If you have a few small children or aging loved ones who regularly use your bathtub, having a professional install a non-slip liner can be a smart move, as it will provide further traction in the tub, enhancing shower time safety for everyone.
• Childproof your bathroom if necessary – This can include plugging outlets with flat, plastic outlet protectors, putting cabinet-locking mechanisms inside of lower bathroom cabinets and/or adding a faucet cover to the faucets in your bathroom. These are all relatively affordable fixes that can be easily removed later – and that can keep your curious little ones out of trouble in the bathroom.

Ready to Install a Non-Slip Liner in Your Tub and/or Get Your Bathtub Refinished?

When you are ready to take the next step in safety by having a non-slip liner installed on your tub – or when you want to update the look and feel of your tub via bathtub refinishing, it’s time to contact the experienced professionals at Colorado Tub Repair.

Get a free quote from us today for our various affordable services by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

In theme with our bathtub safety focus this month, in this blog, we’ll highlight some safety tips for bathing toddlers.

How to Keep Your Toddler Safe during Bath Time

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   Keep bath time safe and fun for your toddler with these safety tips. Contact us when you are ready to revitalize your tub via our affordable bathtub refinishing services.

   Prepare the tub before bath time starts – Make sure that you have everything necessary for bath time before your child is in the tub so that you never have to be more than arm’s reach from your child once bath time begins. So, be sure that the soap, washcloths, bath toys and even drying towel are all by the tub before you even start to fill it up.

2. Put away all possibly hazardous items – Do you have glass containers by the tub? Or do you keep things like hairdryers (or other electronics) near the tub? If so, make sure all of these items are put away – far from the tub – so that they won’t tempt your curious little one during bath time.
3. Have your safety items ready – If your toddler is smaller in size or you simply feel better about using certain safety items during bath time, then have these ready before filling up the bath tub also. Such items can include (but may not be limited to) plastic tubs or seats for your little one or even a removable grip for him or her to hold onto.
4. Test the waters – As you fill the bathtub, be sure that the temperature is just right for your little one. Also, never fill the tub higher than about waist high on your child (when (s)he would be sitting in the water).
5. Get ready for bath time play – Now you are ready for a safe and fun bath time with your toddler! Stay engaged the entire time your child is in the tub, playing with him or her and not leaving the tub/bathroom until bath time is over (and the tub is completed drained).

Ready to Revitalize Your Tub? Contact Us for a Free Bathtub Refinishing Quote

Is your tub showing signs of damage and age? If so, it may be time for bathtub refinishing to revitalize your tub (before you consider replacing it). Contact us for a free bathtub refinishing estimate by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

Bath time can be a fun time for small children, but a tub full of water may not always be the safest place for them. While you can go out and buy some safety items, as we pointed out in our last blog, you may also be able to use some common items you already have in your home to keep your kids safe as they bathe.

Try These Items to Keep Kids Safe during Bath Time

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  Try using these common household items to keep you kids safe during bath time. When you need the best bathtub refinishing services, however, contact us.

  For infants – Place infants in a smaller plastic tub with some hand towels added on one side for back and head support. While you can place these smaller tubs in your bathtub, you may also be able to use them in your sink, which can be a better option for newborns/smaller babies.

• For toddlers – When smaller children are able to sit upright on their own, place them in a laundry basket with lower sides. This will keep them sitting up while allowing them to still splash around and play with toys. It will prevent them from lying down/falling backwards in the tub. When choosing a laundry basket to use for bath time, be sure to select one that is more heavy duty, as flimsy one won’t offer any support/protections (and, instead, will more likely fall over).
• For children – As children grow out of the toddler stage and start learning how to shower on their own, use hand towels in the tub to prevent slipping – and to help them learn how to safely bathe. Avoid using non-slip appliques or stay-in-tub bathmats, as these will trap water and soap on the lining of your tub, etching away at its surface and damaging your tub.

If you do use any of these household items to promote bath safety for your children, be sure to do the following once bath time is over so that your tub isn’t unnecessarily damaged:

• Remove the items from the tub after bath time.
• Rinse the tub out, particularly in the area where the item was sitting during the bath.
• Let the tub fully dry out.

Bath Safety for Teens

When children turn into teenagers, instead of using common household items to prevent tub accidents, it may be time to install a non-slip lining in a bathtub for some extra traction.

Tub Already Damaged? Get a Free Bathtub Refinishing Quote from Us Today

If your tub is already damaged, bathtub refinishing may be your best option for updating the look and feel of your tub. Contact us today to get a free quote for bathtub refinishing – or for installing a non-slip lining in your tub. You can call us at (303) 908-8764 or click here for an estimate. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

A slip and fall in a full tub can hurt nearly anyone – but it can be deadly to children, especially younger and smaller children. This is scary to think about, but the good news is that there are a number of products out there that can keep your kids safe in the tub, prevent falls and make bath time a fun, stress-free ritual for everyone.

Consider Using these Items to Keep Your Kids Safe as They Bathe

1 – Removable handles

Worried about your kids slipping and falling in the tub? Try out these products that can keep kids safe without ruining your tub. And contact us for a free bathtub refinishing quote if you’re ready to revitalize your tub.

The great thing about these handles is that they can be applied exactly where your little ones (or bigger kids) can safely reach them. This allows your kids to hold onto these handles as necessary when bathing or showering. These grips can help kids keep their balance, especially as they close their eyes to rinse their hair/faces.

Another great thing about these handles is that you can remove them after use so they won’t trap water on your tub (and so you can clean beneath them, etc.).

2 – Removable non-slip mats

These mats can be placed in tubs for kids to sit or stand on as they bathe. As with removable grips/handles, these non-slip mats can be taken out of tubs after use, preventing water from getting trapped on the surface of the tub (and starting to damage it).

Here, we want to point out, however, that if these mats will not be taken out of the tub, they should NOT be used. This is because leaving them in tubs day in and day out WILL damage your tub.

3 – Non-slip liners

If you want a more permanent solution to preventing falls in your tub, a good option is to install a nonslip liner over the surface of your tub. Having a professional do this can be key to ensuring that the liner is properly laid down so that it will really protect your tub – and look nice – for years to come.

Is Your Tub Already Damaged? Contact Us for a Free Bathtub Refinishing Quote…

If your tub is already damaged or is older, don’t replace it just yet! Contact us for a free bathtub refinishing estimate. You can get this quote today by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.

Are you considering converting your bathtub into a walk-in tub? Or do you have family members who regularly have accidents getting in and out of a traditional bathtub/shower unit?

If so, here are some facts you should know about walk-in tub conversions.

Walk-In Tub Conversions: Here’s What You Should Know

1 – Walk-in tubs are ideal for those with mobility limitations.

Walk-in tub conversions can offer various benefits, including possibly increasing the value of your home. Contact us today for a free quote on converting your tub to a walk-in unit.

In fact, walk-in tubs eliminate the need to lift one’s leg to have to step over the edge of a tub or shower unit. For those with mobility issues, including people with physical impairments and/or the elderly, this can be crucial to prevent falling accidents and potentially serious injuries.

2 – Walk-in tubs tend to come with anti-slip features.

Another way important feature of walk-in tubs is the anti-slip features they tend to come with. This is because the risk of falling for some people may not end once they are in the tub; moving around and trying to bathe oneself can end up causing people to slip and fall (and this, again, could be very risky to some, especially those who are aging and are more fragile).

Common anti-slip features in walk-in tubs include (but are by no means limited to):

• Handrails
• Textured pads
• Seats within tubs.

3 – Walk-in tubs eliminate the need for potentially dangerous sliding shower doors.

With walk-in tubs, a swinging, sturdy door typically replaces the traditional sliding shower door. This can be essential for people who may lean on these doors for support and stability while bathing (as the sturdy door of a walk-in tub can stand up to some leaning while a sliding shower door usually won’t).

4 – Walk-in tubs can come with fast-draining features.

This, in turn, means that less water ends up on the floor around these tubs, further reducing the risk of dangerous slip and falls for those with mobility issues.

5 – Walk-in tubs can increase the value of a home.

Depending on where your home is situated, replacing a traditional bathtub/shower unit with a walk-in tub may end up adding value to your home. For instance, walk-in tub conversions can be especially appealing (and more valuable) when homes are located near or in retirement communities.

Contact Colorado Tub Repair Today for a Free Estimate

Are you ready to get a free quote on converting your tub to a walk-in unit? Or are you ready to refinish the tubs and tile in your home? If so, contact us today for a free estimate by calling (303) 908-8764 or by clicking here. You can also email us using the contact form located here.