We all know that many household accidents occur in the bathroom, and most of us have done our best to avoid the slip-and-fall dangers that come to mind when we talk about bathroom perils. Whether you have a young family or are a Senior aging in place, there’s more to bathroom safety than just preventing falls!
Bathroom Perils to Watch for
You already know about the slip-and-fall dangers that lurk in the bathroom. But there are other perils too.
Bob Vila outlines 11 things to watch out for to maintain health and safety in that space.
They include:
- Mold — Proper ventilation –dehumidifiers, fans and open windows – can keep mold at bay, not only in obvious places like in grout between tiles, but also under walls, ceilings, floors and in ductwork.
- Soap scum — Soap scum makes the tub slippery and increases the chance for falls. In addition to cleaning up, also install grab bars and non-slip strips.
- Chemicals — That lemon-y fresh scent can be deceiving and may come from an unhealthy brew of chemicals. Stick to natural, inexpensive cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. And if you’re refinishing your tub, ventilate the bathroom for a couple days after it’s finished because the re-glazing process can off-gas chemicals that can be irritating and unhealthy.
- Hot, hot water — Set your water heater at 120 degrees to prevent burns and save on energy costs.
