Audrey
The modern bathroom is no longer just a utilitarian space but a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Among the various elements that contribute to creating an inviting and luxurious bathroom, the freestanding bathtub stands out as a symbol of elegance and functionality. These standalone fixtures have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. In this article we wrote with https://www.hanselstone.com/, we will explore the numerous advantages of freestanding bathtubs and why they are an excellent addition to any home.
1. Aesthetics and Style: Freestanding bathtubs are the epitome of sophistication and style. Their standalone nature adds an air of luxury and grandeur to any bathroom, creating a focal point that elevates the overall aesthetic of the space. These tubs come in a wide range of designs, from classic clawfoot tubs to sleek and modern shapes, offering homeowners the freedom to choose a style that complements their bathroom theme and personal taste.
2. Versatile Placement: One of the significant advantages of freestanding bathtubs is their flexibility in terms of placement. Unlike traditional built-in tubs, which require specific alcoves or corners, freestanding bathtubs can be positioned anywhere in the bathroom, as long as there is enough space around them for easy access and maintenance. This versatility allows homeowners to get creative with their bathroom layout and make the best use of available space.
3. Easy Installation: Installing freestanding bathtubs is relatively straightforward compared to built-in tubs, which often require more complex plumbing and construction work. With freestanding tubs, there is no need to build a surrounding frame or tile a bathtub enclosure. This not only simplifies the installation process but also reduces the overall cost of remodeling or building a bathroom.
4. Enhanced Comfort: Freestanding bathtubs are designed with comfort in mind. Their ergonomic shapes and deep basins provide ample room for stretching out and enjoying a truly immersive bathing experience. Some models even feature sloped backrests, further enhancing comfort during long, relaxing soaks. With no hard edges or corners to contend with, these tubs offer a seamless and comfortable bathing experience.
5. Visual Illusion of Space: Interestingly, freestanding bathtubs can create the illusion of a more spacious bathroom. Their standalone nature allows light to flow around the tub, making the area appear larger and more open. This can be particularly advantageous for smaller bathrooms, as the tub becomes a focal point that draws attention away from the limited square footage.
6. Easy Maintenance: The design simplicity of freestanding bathtubs extends to maintenance as well. Cleaning these tubs is hassle-free since there are no nooks or crevices where dirt and grime can accumulate. Access to the bathtub’s exterior and interior is unobstructed, making it easy to keep the tub looking pristine with regular cleaning.
7. Higher Resale Value: Installing a freestanding bathtub can significantly increase the value of a home. These luxurious fixtures are sought after by homebuyers who appreciate the added elegance and comfort they bring to the bathroom. As a result, having a freestanding bathtub can make a property more appealing in the real estate market and potentially lead to a higher resale value.
How to Choose A Free Standing Bath
Choosing a free-standing bath involves considering various factors to ensure that it suits your needs and fits well within your bathroom space. Here are some steps to help you make the right decision:
- Measure Your Space: Measure the available space in your bathroom where you plan to install the free-standing bath. Consider both the length and width of the area to ensure the tub will fit comfortably without obstructing other elements.
- Size and Shape: Free-standing baths come in various sizes and shapes. Consider how many people will use the bath and how much space you have. Smaller bathrooms might benefit from compact, space-saving designs, while larger bathrooms can accommodate more luxurious, larger tubs.
- Material: Free-standing baths are available in different materials such as acrylic, cast iron, stone, and fiberglass. Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of durability, weight, heat retention, and maintenance. Choose a material that suits your preferences and budget.
- Style and Design: Free-standing baths come in a wide range of styles and designs, from classic to modern. Select a design that complements the overall aesthetics of your bathroom and aligns with your personal taste.
- Comfort and Ergonomics: It’s essential to try sitting in the bath (if possible) to assess its comfort and ergonomics. Consider the angle of the backrest and the depth of the bath to ensure it provides a relaxing bathing experience.
- Water Capacity: Check the water capacity of the bath to ensure it is appropriate for your needs. Some larger free-standing baths may require more water to fill, which could impact your water usage.
- Weight and Installation: Free-standing baths can be heavy, especially those made of materials like cast iron or stone. Ensure that your bathroom floor can support the weight of the tub. Additionally, consider the installation process and any potential plumbing modifications that may be needed.
- Budget: Determine your budget before shopping for a free-standing bath. Prices can vary significantly depending on the material, brand, and features. Stick to your budget to avoid overspending.
- Warranty and After-sales Support: Look for products with a warranty to protect your investment. Also, check the after-sales support provided by the manufacturer or retailer in case you encounter any issues.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family who have purchased free-standing baths. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Bathtub for Longevity
After you get your new freestanding bathtub installed, you want to make sure that you regularly clean it so that it’s going to last long. Below are some basic steps on how you can properly do that.
The Basics of Cleaning Your Bathtub
Different equipment and chemicals work on specific materials. Once you know this, maintaining your bathtub will no longer be a hassle. Here are some tips that will allow you to create a routine for cleaning your bathtub.
1. Empty the Bathtub
Before you start cleaning the bathtub, ensure that you tidy it up first. With a lot of products lying around, it will be difficult to get started with the process. Empty all the contents and make space for cleaning.
Store them in a safe place, from shampoo bottles and loofahs to other bath accessories like non slip bath mats. While you remove these products, you will notice how there are residues of products in the bathtub. There may be leaky bottles of shampoos or conditioners that leave behind a sticky texture. To properly clean every inch of the bathtub, this is the very first step you need to follow.
2. Rinse and use Baking Soda
Take some hot water to rinse the bathtub. Hot water creates moisture which extracts debris of filth from the bathtub. Once it is done, flush the water.
Next, take a generous amount of baking soda and put it all over the bathtub. Do not forget the faucets and drains. If you find the bathtub extremely dirty and think baking soda will not work in this case, opt for a bathtub cleaner. Follow the instructions of the product to clean the bathtub.
3. Rub and Scrub
Take a bucket that is half full of lukewarm water. Take a few drops of mild dish soap and add to this. Once this soapy combination is ready, it is time to scrub the dirt away.
Take a sponge, dip it in this mixture, and use it on the bathtub. This cleaning solution may get finished midway if your bathtub is too dirty. You can always quickly prepare it and continue with the process.
Remember that vigorous cleaning is important, and you need to scrub the bathtub nicely to make it shine. Take your time with this process and see how your bathtub looks as good as new. Ensure that you throw away the soap scum, as it will harden again in the bathtub if left untreated.
4. Sanitization is Essential
For this step, use a mild and diluted bleach mixture or opt for a homemade bleach solution. Whatever you are using, it should not be too harsh. Take the spray bottle and be generous with sprinkling the solution on the bathtub. Turn on the fans in your bathroom for this step. This will get rid of any of the mould or germs that are present in the bathtub.
5. Clean it up!
The final step is to clean the faucets with a cleaning solution. Use a cloth for this and pay attention to the corners. Let the bathtub dry and give it a final sweep with a clean and damp cloth. Use this cloth to clean the other elements of the bathtub and make them shine instantly.
Conclusion
Freestanding bathtubs offer a winning combination of aesthetics, versatility, and comfort, making them a compelling choice for modern bathrooms. Their standalone nature adds a touch of luxury to the space, while their easy installation and maintenance make them practical for homeowners and a valuable investment in the long run. If you’re looking to transform your bathroom into a serene retreat, a freestanding bathtub might be just the piece you need to achieve that perfect balance of style and relaxation.
