How to Make Your New Bathroom Easy to Clean by Design

Having a big, beautiful bathroom is one thing, but keeping it clean is another. Cleaning a bathroom isn’t anyone’s favorite chore. In fact, it was the second most dreaded spring cleaning chore (38%) in ACI’s survey, along with vents and basements.

We get it! The bathroom is one of the filthy places in your house, with dirt and grime sneaking in corners, on the grout, around toilet and shower fixtures, and underneath the sink. But what if you could make your bathroom easier to clean by designing it the right way? Is that even possible? 

We hear this at Lifespan Bath Remodel often, and you’ll be happy to know that designing an easy-to-clean bathroom is possible. You can make this dreadful chore quick and simple with just a few structural changes.

Let’s walk you through 11 easy-to-clean bathroom remodel ideas.

Go for Seamless Surfaces

Start your easy-to-clean bathroom remodel with a seamless surface to cut your cleaning chores in half. A polished, smooth surface means less grout, fewer crevices, and no awkward corners, which makes cleaning faster and easier.

• Shower Walls: Instead of traditional tiles, consider laser-etched tiles with smoother surfaces and fewer pores. You can also find tiles designed to improve water flow and reduce the risk of attracting grime and mold. 
• Large Tiles: If you prefer tiles, go big. Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines, and that’s a huge plus. Use a high-quality grout sealer to keep dirt and stains away. But first, ask your remodel contractor if this would be a good fit for your bathroom. Large tiles are a great choice for small bathrooms as they can make your space look bigger.

Pick the Right Flooring

The next step in designing an easy-to-clean bathroom is picking up the right flooring. Since bathroom floors take a lot of beating, choosing the right material makes all the difference.

• Smooth and Water-Resistant: Porcelain or ceramic tiles with a smooth finish are easier to clean than textured ones. They resist stains and are tough enough to handle daily wear and tear.
• Luxury Vinyl: If you want something softer underfoot, luxury vinyl is waterproof and easy to mop up. However, avoid materials like natural stone as they need constant sealing and can absorb stains.

Choose Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Wall-mounted sinks, toilets, and vanities make cleaning the floor a breeze. With this easy-to-clean bathroom remodel, you won’t have to deal with dust bunnies or grime building up around the base.

• Floating Vanities: These not only look sleek but also give you more room to sweep and mop.
• Wall-Hung Toilets: They sit off the floor, so you can clean underneath them without bending into weird angles.

Simplify Your Shower Design

If you plan to convert your bathtub into a shower, be sure the new design helps you clean it quickly and easily.

• Frameless Shower Doors: Avoid using metal frames as they often collect gunk. Frameless glass is easier to wipe down and gives your bathroom a modern touch.
• Curbless Showers: This easy-to-clean bathroom remodel eliminates edges where dirt can hide. Plus, curbless showers are accessible and stylish.
• Handheld Showerheads: They make rinsing off soap scum (and cleaning the shower itself) much easier.

Select the Right Materials

Choosing the right materials can work in your favor when it comes to counters, walls, and fixtures.

• Quartz Countertops: Quartz is non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb stains. A quick wipe is all you need to keep it clean.
• Antibacterial Metals: Choose fixtures made of copper, brass, or stainless steel. These naturally resist bacteria and are easy to maintain.
• Glass or Acrylic Panels: Clear or frosted glass panels are low-maintenance and look great on walls or shower enclosures.

Keep Storage Simple

Another easy-to-clean bathroom design​ hack is to keep your storage simple. The less clutter you have, the easier your bathroom cleaning will be. A simple, well-designed storage means you can leave less stuff out and need to dust and wipe down fewer.

• Built-In Cabinets: Cabinets with doors hide your toiletries, so you won’t have to clean around them constantly.
• Shower Niches: Built-in wall niches hold your shampoo and soap without extra shelves that gather grime.
• Minimal Open Shelving: If you love the look of open shelving, keep it minimal and use baskets to avoid clutter and cleaning around it.

Pick Easy-to-Clean Toilets and Sinks

Some toilets and sinks are just plain hard to clean. Avoid those with too many grooves, ridges, or tricky spots. Instead, your easy-to-clean bathroom design​ should include the following.

• One-Piece Toilets: These have fewer seams than two-piece models, so dirt has fewer places to hide.
• Rounded Sink Bowls: Sinks with sharp angles tend to collect grime in the corners. A rounded design is much easier to wipe out.
• Self-Cleaning Toilets: Some modern toilets have self-cleaning features like built-in bidets and UV light technology.

Use Proper Ventilation

Think about ventilation when designing an easy-to-clean bathroom. Good airflow keeps mold and mildew away, which means less scrubbing.

• High-Quality Exhaust Fans: Invest in a powerful exhaust that removes moisture quickly. Make sure it’s sized right for your bathroom.
• Windows and Skylights: If possible, add a window or skylight for natural ventilation and light. This also helps dry out bathroom floors and walls faster.

Opt for Durable Paint and Finishes

The wrong paint can make your bathroom walls a magnet for stains and mold. So, when designing an easy-to-clean bathroom, think about the following.

• Mold-Resistant Paint: Look for bathroom-specific paints with mold-resistant properties.
• Satin or Semi-Gloss Finish: These finishes are easier to wipe down than flat or matte paint.

Add Small Details That Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, it’s the little things that save you time. When redoing your bath, keep the following clean bathroom design ideas​ in mind.

• Hair Traps in Drains: They prevent clogs and make drain cleaning easier.
• Automatic Faucets: These reduce water spots and are more hygienic.
• Matching Grout and Tiles: Using grout that matches your tile color hides dirt better.

Plan for the Future

Your bathroom should work for you today and years from now. That means designing for both convenience and accessibility.

• Accessible Design: Curbless showers, grab bars, and wider doorways make your bathroom safe and easy to clean for all ages.
• Durable Materials: Spend a little extra upfront on high-quality finishes that last longer and require less upkeep.

The Bottom Line

Designing an easy-to-clean bathroom is possible, and that too, without breaking the bank or sacrificing the look or functionality of your bath. Just be sure to focus on seamless surfaces, smart storage, and materials that resist dirt and stains. These simple clean bathroom design ideas​ will save you time, energy, and even a little sanity in the long run.

If you are ready, talk to our professional bathroom remodelers. Lifespan Bath Remodel has been a go-to for all bath-related upgrades in Salt Lake City. We can help you turn these ideas into a reality.

Schedule your consultation today to get the ball rolling!