Hello, we'll be moving into our almost completed new-build home at Jervis Bay (NSW South Coast) in about two weeks. Our intention is that this will be the 'forever' house, so we researched the Livable Housing Design Guidelines pretty carefully, aiming to design, as much as possible, for aging in place. Our end result is at the photos below. There's wide access, with no lip and shower space itself is huge at 1235mm x almost 2500mm. The tiled 'seat' is 465mm tall and 435mm deep, and the 'wedge' in the corner is 300mm above FFL. The heavy-duty grab rails are definitely strong enough and sufficiently solidly mounted that an adult leaning weight on to them won't be a problem. We made sure that the shower mixer is accessible from outside the wet area, to allow a future carer to control shower without getting wet, if needed. The 50mm set-down visible in two of the photos will be filled with 20mm river stones, and will feature a few tall-ish potted plants that should thrive with the humidity of the shower, and the light through the tall glazed door. The double-glazed tilt/turn door includes integrated Venetian blinds, which can be adjusted to restrict the view inwards from the adjacent first fairway of the golf course behind! While we're not in the house yet, we're pretty happy! Good luck with your design.

Introduction Restroom fixtures play a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in any home. From toilets and sinks to urinals and hand dryers, these fixtures require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure a pleasant and healthy restroom experience for all users. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and tips for maintaining and cleaning restroom fixtures, helping you create a welcoming and hygienic environment. Importance of Maintaining Restroom Fixtures Proper maintenance of restroom fixtures offers several benefits that go beyond just appearance. Let's delve into the key reasons why maintaining these fixtures should be a top priority: Hygiene and Health: Restroom fixtures can be breeding grounds for germs and bacteria if not properly maintained and cleaned. Regular upkeep helps minimize the risk of infections and illnesses, creating a healthier environment for restroom users. Functionality and Efficiency: Well-maintained fixtures are less prone to issues such as leaks, clogs, or malfunctioning mechanisms. Timely maintenance and inspections help identify and address any underlying problems, ensuring optimal functionality and reducing the need for costly repairs in the long run. User Satisfaction: Clean and well-maintained fixtures significantly contribute to a positive restroom experience. Users feel more comfortable, confident, and satisfied when they encounter hygienic fixtures that are in good working condition. Cleaning Restroom Fixtures: Best Practices Different restroom fixtures require specific cleaning techniques and products to ensure effective and safe results. Let's explore the best practices for cleaning common restroom fixtures: Toilets and Urinals: Start by wearing protective gloves and applying a toilet cleaner or disinfectant inside the bowl. Allow the product to sit for the recommended duration to ensure maximum effectiveness. Scrub the bowl with a toilet brush, paying extra attention to hard-to-reach areas and stains. Flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner. Clean the exterior surfaces of the toilet or urinal using a disinfecting solution, focusing on areas such as handles, flush buttons, and lids. Wipe down all surfaces with a clean cloth or disposable disinfecting wipes. Remember to sanitize the toilet brush after each use. Sinks and Countertops: Remove any items or debris from the sink and countertop area. Apply a mild cleaning solution or disinfectant to the surfaces, including faucets and handles. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to scrub the sink and countertop, removing any dirt or stains. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean cloth or paper towels. Polish metal fixtures to restore their shine. Mirrors: Spray a glass cleaner onto a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Wipe the mirror surface in a circular motion, ensuring to reach all corners and edges. Pay attention to any smudges or streaks and continue wiping until the mirror is clean and clear. Polish the mirror using a dry, lint-free cloth for a sparkling finish. Hand Dryers and Paper Towel Dispensers: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Wipe down the exterior surfaces with a disinfecting solution, paying attention to buttons, sensors, and hand-contact areas. Remove any accumulated dust or debris from air vents to ensure proper airflow. For paper towel dispensers, refill as needed and discard any empty rolls or used paper towels. Ongoing Maintenance Tips In addition to regular cleaning, incorporating these maintenance practices will help prolong the lifespan and efficiency of restroom fixtures: Inspections and Repairs: Conduct routine inspections to identify any issues such as leaks, loose connections, or damaged parts. Promptly address these problems to prevent further damage and ensure the fixtures continue to function properly. Regular Plumbing Maintenance: Schedule regular plumbing maintenance to check for any hidden leaks or clogs in the pipes. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs and minimize disruptions. Educate Users: Display clear signage and instructions on proper usage and care of restroom fixtures. Encourage users to report any issues they encounter promptly. Professional Services: Consider hiring professional cleaning services to ensure thorough and efficient maintenance of restroom fixtures. Professional cleaning company have the expertise, equipment, and cleaning products necessary to deliver exceptional results. Conclusion Maintaining and cleaning restroom fixtures is crucial for creating a hygienic, functional, and welcoming environment for restroom users. By following the best practices outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your home restroom fixtures remain clean, well-maintained, and in optimal working condition. Regular cleaning, proper maintenance, and occasional professional cleaning assistance will help you achieve a restroom experience that leaves a positive impression on users and contributes to their overall satisfaction.

Introduction: Maintaining a clean and tidy home is essential for our well-being and comfort. While hiring professional cleaning services is an option, there are numerous effective do-it-yourself (DIY) cleaning hacks that homeowners can use to keep their homes sparkling without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of DIY cleaning hacks that are easy to implement and can make a significant difference in your cleaning routine. From natural ingredients to clever techniques, these tips will help you achieve a clean and fresh home environment. All-Purpose Cleaning Solutions: Having an effective all-purpose cleaner is a game-changer when it comes to DIY cleaning. You can make your own by combining equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. This solution is versatile and can be used on various surfaces such as countertops, appliances, and glass. Alternatively, if you prefer a citrusy scent, mix water with lemon juice and a few drops of dish soap. It's a simple yet powerful cleaning solution that tackles grease and grime effectively. Baking Soda: A Multi-Purpose Cleaning Agent: Baking soda is a magical ingredient that can be used in numerous DIY cleaning hacks. It works as a gentle abrasive, deodorizer, and stain remover. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to eliminate odors. Create a paste with baking soda and water to scrub away stubborn stains on sinks, bathtubs, and grout. Baking soda also works wonders in cleaning and deodorizing cutting boards, refrigerators, and trash cans. Refresh Your Mattress: Over time, mattresses can accumulate dust, sweat, and odors. To refresh your mattress, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for a few hours. Then, vacuum it thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with any unwanted odors. This simple trick helps extend the lifespan of your mattress and creates a more hygienic sleeping environment. Lemon Power: Lemons are not only great for cooking but also for cleaning. Cut a lemon in half and use it to clean and deodorize cutting boards, faucets, and stainless steel surfaces. The natural acidity of lemons helps break down grease and stains while leaving a fresh citrus scent. Additionally, you can place a lemon peel in your garbage disposal to eliminate unpleasant odors. Microwave Deep-Cleaning: Cleaning the microwave can be a tedious task, especially when food splatters and stains cling to its interior. To make this chore easier, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and add a few slices of lemon or a tablespoon of vinegar. Microwave the mixture on high for a couple of minutes, allowing the steam to loosen the grime. Then, carefully remove the bowl and wipe down the interior with a cloth or sponge. The steam helps soften the dirt, making it much easier to clean. DIY Air Fresheners: Creating your own air fresheners is a fun and cost-effective way to keep your home smelling delightful. Fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus. Shake well and spritz the mixture in any room to freshen the air. You can also make natural potpourri by combining dried flowers, herbs, and spices in a bowl and placing it in a well-ventilated area. Vinegar for Hard Water Stains: Hard water stains can be a headache to remove, especially on faucets, showerheads, and glass surfaces. Vinegar comes to the rescue again! Soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then remove the cloth and wipe away the stains. The acidic DIY Grout Cleaner: Dirty grout lines can make your tiles look dull and unappealing. Create a simple DIY grout cleaner by combining baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grout lines and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the grout with a toothbrush or a grout brush. Rinse with water and enjoy the renewed look of your tiled surfaces. Remove Carpet Stains with Club Soda: Spills and stains on carpets can be a nightmare, but club soda can come to your rescue. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to remove any excess liquid. Then, pour club soda over the stain and continue blotting until the stain disappears. Club soda's carbonation helps lift the stain, making it easier to remove. Remember to test this method on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration. Deodorize Smelly Shoes: Nobody likes smelly shoes, but luckily, there's a simple DIY hack to freshen them up. Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit overnight to absorb any unpleasant odors. The next day, shake out the baking soda and enjoy the refreshed scent. For an extra boost, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before sprinkling it in the shoes. Conclusion: Maintaining a clean and fresh home environment doesn't always require expensiveprofessional cleaning products or professional services. With these effective DIY cleaning hacks, homeowners can tackle various cleaning tasks using common household items and natural ingredients. From all-purpose cleaners to lemon power, baking soda to vinegar, these simple and cost-effective solutions can make a significant difference in the cleanliness and hygiene of your home. Embrace these DIY cleaning hacks and enjoy a sparkling and inviting space that you can be proud of.

Introduction: Maintaining a spotless home is a continuous task, and while professional cleaning are essential, it's equally important to keep up with day-to-day cleaning routines. In this blog post, we will share ten effective cleaning hacks to help you keep your home consistently clean and tidy between professional cleanings. These simple yet effective tips will make your cleaning tasks more manageable and ensure your home stays sparkling in-between scheduled deep cleans. Create a Cleaning Schedule: Establish a cleaning schedule that suits your lifestyle and allows you to tackle different tasks throughout the week. Breaking down cleaning duties into manageable chunks helps prevent overwhelm and ensures that no area of your home is neglected. Assign specific days or time slots for tasks like dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom cleaning. Daily Surface Wiping: Take a few minutes each day to wipe down surfaces in high-traffic areas, such as kitchen countertops, dining tables, and bathroom sinks. Use a microfiber cloth and a mild cleaning solution to quickly remove dust, spills, and fingerprints. This habit will maintain the cleanliness and appearance of these surfaces in-between deeper cleanings. Embrace the Power of Baking Soda: Baking soda is a versatile and affordable cleaning agent that works wonders in various areas of your home. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery before vacuuming to neutralize odors. Create a paste with baking soda and water to scrub away stubborn stains in sinks, tubs, and tile grout. Its gentle abrasive properties make it an excellent natural cleaning solution. Use vinegar for glass and mirrors. Vinegar is an effective and eco-friendly alternative for cleaning glass surfaces and mirrors. Mix equal parts distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and use this solution with a lint-free cloth to achieve streak-free shine. Avoid using vinegar on porous surfaces like natural stone, as it can cause damage. Utilize the Power of Lemons: Lemons are natural deodorizers and disinfectants that can freshen up your home. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on cutting boards to remove stains and odors. Mix lemon juice with water to clean and deodorize your microwave. You can also use lemon peels to eliminate unpleasant odors from your garbage disposal by running them through it. Banish Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves: If you have furry pets, removing their hair from furniture and carpets can be challenging. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, dampen them slightly, and run your hands over surfaces. The hair will cling to the gloves, making it easier to gather and dispose of it. Rinse the gloves under running water and repeat as needed. Vacuum regularly: Regular vacuuming is crucial to preventing the buildup of dirt, dust, and allergens in your carpets and rugs. Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with strong suction power and use it at least once a week. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and areas where dust tends to accumulate, such as around furniture legs and under beds. Microfiber Magic: Microfiber cleaning cloths are a must-have for maintaining a spotless home. These super-absorbent and lint-free cloths trap dust and dirt effectively. Use them dry for dusting furniture, blinds, and electronics. When slightly dampened, they work wonders for cleaning glass, stainless steel appliances, and other smooth surfaces without leaving streaks. Organize and Declutter Regularly: Keeping your home clean is easier when everything has its place. Regularly declutter and organize your belongings to minimize dust accumulation and make cleaning more efficient. Implement systems such as designated storage containers, shelving, or baskets to keep items organized and reduce clutter in your living spaces. Involve the whole family: Cleaning shouldn't be a one-person task. Involve your family members in maintaining the cleanliness of your home. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member and establish a cleaning routine that everyone follows. This not only lightens the workload but also instills a sense of responsibility and pride in maintaining a clean and organized home. Conclusion: By incorporating these ten cleaning hacks into your routine, you can keep your home spotless and fresh between professional cleanings. Establishing a cleaning schedule, utilizing natural cleaning agents, and involving your family in the process will make cleaning more manageable and help maintain a clean and inviting home environment. With these simple yet effective tips, you'll enjoy aconsistently clean home that you can take pride in.