A properly fitted bathroom should look beautiful for 20+ years. Here's the maintenance that keeps it that way — none of it complicated.

Ventilation is everything

The single biggest cause of bathroom failure is moisture trapped in the room — failed silicone, moldy grout, peeling paint, swollen vanity units. Run the extractor fan during and for 20+ minutes after every shower.

A humidistat-controlled fan does this automatically and is worth the £150 upgrade if your current fan is basic.

Leave doors slightly open after showering when practical to let moisture disperse.

Silicone care

Silicone is the only part of a bathroom designed to be replaced periodically — typically every 5–8 years, sooner if it discolours or pulls away from edges.

Wipe silicone dry after showering when possible. Avoid harsh cleaners with bleach concentrations above household level — they degrade the silicone bond.

If you spot mold, treat with a mild bleach solution and a soft brush. Persistent black staining usually means the silicone has reached end of life and needs replacing.

Tiles and grout

Porcelain and ceramic tiles need almost no care. Wipe with a mild detergent. Avoid abrasive scourers on polished finishes.

Grout can discolour over time, especially on shower floors. An annual scrub with a grout brush and a mild grout cleaner keeps it looking fresh.

Natural stone tiles need sealing every 1–2 years with a proprietary stone sealer — don't skip this or staining becomes permanent.

Brassware and chrome

Quality brassware should last decades. Wipe dry after use to prevent water marks. Avoid limescale removers on brushed finishes — they pit the surface.

For limescale build-up on chrome, soak a cloth in white vinegar and wrap around the tap for 30 minutes, then wipe clean. Never use harsh acid cleaners.