Human Scale:
8. Cleaning and Organisation in the Bathroom

03/25

    In a recent survey* of over 3,000 bathroom users conducted by the German Sanitary Industry Association (VDS), 93% of respondents said that they would look for hygienic and easy-care fittings when redesigning their bathroom. 

    Even the arrangement of sanitary products and easy-care surfaces can make cleaning easier. Bathroom furniture should also have water-resistant and easy-to-clean surfaces. Rimless WCs reduce the need for cleaning agents and removable WC lids facilitate access to every corner. An important aspect of maintaining hygiene is a cleaning routine that removes minor soiling (such as soap and toothpaste residue) and water droplets on the glass partition more frequently than a weekly cleaning routine, for example. Open storage space and cluttered surfaces increase the cleaning effort considerably. The fact is: Only a clean bathroom is fun. A bathroom that is easy to clean makes life easier.

    Activity

    Realisation

    Bathroom planning

    Cleaning mirrors

    Smooth, accessible mirror surface

    No shelf for tall bottles or flacons in front of mirror; mirror heating

    Caution: Do not bring mirror edges into contact with glass cleaner

    Cleaning the washbasin

    Easy to clean surface

    Use easy-to-clean drain

    Various sanitary ceramic manufacturers offer easy-clean surfaces for an additional charge 

    Cleaning the shower

    Shower with glass partition; integrated storage for wipers

    Use easy-to-clean drain, glass partition with lotus effect

    Keep glass squeegee to hand; regular cleaning prevents limescale stains

    Checking the drain strainer of floor-level showers

    Use easy-to-clean drain

    Provide inspection opening for bathtubs

     

    Scrubbing the bathtub

    Bathtub

    Describe material advantages and disadvantages

    Effort: Bath additives leave marks

    Clean toilet, bidet

    WC

    Rimless WC, removable WC seat

    Avoid extensive use of aggressive cleaning agents

    Change towels

    Storage space

    Bathroom furniture, open shelves

     

    Shake out the bath mat

    Washable accessories and bathroom textiles

    An accessible window is ideal

     

    Tidy up shelves

     

    Sufficient storage space

     

    Sorting cosmetic products

    Washbasin with compartment drawer, mirror cabinet

    Sufficiently structured storage space

    Luxury plus: special wardrobes with vanity mirror, suitcase door wardrobe, etc.

    Organising cupboards

    Bathroom furniture with partitions

    Tall units, sideboards, display cabinets, drawers with organiser systems

    Space-saving siphon in the washbasin increases storage capacity

    Cleaning the drain/siphon

    Maintenance-friendly siphon

    Inspection opening, easy access, maintenance-friendly

    Always looking for the latest solutions

    Clean the litter tray

    Easy access and disposal in household waste

     

    Does not belong here

    *Source: VDS bathroom baseline study #germanbathrooms 2024

      Human Scale: 
      1. Body Care in the Bathroom

      03/25

      The line between personal hygiene and personal care is blurred, and much of both is part of our everyday routine. Nevertheless, the decisive criterion for personal hygiene is probably the extent of the care activities that we give our bodies over and above the necessary basics - for health care, beauty care or simply because it does us good.

      more

        Human Scale:
        4. Mental Activities in the Bathroom

        03/25

        How many great ideas have you had during a revitalising shower? How relaxing can a bath in a free-standing bathtub be? And where better for people to be alone and retreat to a quiet place to think in peace?

        more

          Human Scale:
          10. Act Sustainably in the Bathroom

          03/25

          Water is a scarce and increasingly expensive resource, and energy prices are likely to remain high in the long term. Regardless of the size of the household, one of the greatest potential savings lies in the day-to-day use of the bathroom.

          more