Guide · Home care
Bathroom Care
A friendly, practical guide to keeping the bathroom fresh, dry and safe, from the exhaust fan and grout to slow drains, slippery floors and what to report.
Where to start
- Water leaking or overflowing?
If a toilet is overflowing, turn the small valve on the wall behind it clockwise. See if water leaks or overflows.
- Is your fan doing its job?
Try the toilet paper test. It takes a few seconds.
- Just want good habits?
Start with the checklist. Run the fan, every shower.
The short version
The bathroom works harder than almost any room, and most bathroom problems start with moisture that never quite leaves.
Run the exhaust fan during every shower and for a while after, dry what gets wet, and keep the shower curtain spread open.
Share cracked grout or caulk, loose tiles, slow drains and leaks early, and never mix cleaning products like bleach and ammonia.
If water leaks, turn off the valve, soak up the water, take photos and share it right away so it can be dried quickly.
Rules about repairs and mold differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Run the fan, every shower
Turn the exhaust fan on during every shower or bath and leave it running for a while after.
- 2Dry what gets wet
Squeegee or wipe the shower, hang towels to dry and keep the shower curtain spread open.
- 3Seal the gaps
Cracked grout or caulk lets water behind walls and floors. Share it early so it can be resealed.
- 4Safety first on wet floors
Non-slip mats, good lighting and a grab bar where needed help prevent falls.
Your bathroom care checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your bathroom may need others.
All done. Fresh, dry and safe.
The toilet paper test
- Turn on the exhaust fan.
- Hold a single square of toilet paper up to the fan while it runs.
- If the fan holds it in place, it is pulling air well.
- If the paper falls, please share it so the fan can be checked.
If water leaks or overflows
- Take a breath. If a toilet is overflowing, turn the small valve on the wall behind it clockwise to stop the water.
- If water is near outlets or cords, stay out of it and keep everyone away.
- Soak up water with towels so it does not seep under the flooring or into the ceiling below.
- If it is safe, look for the source: the toilet, a supply line, the tub, the sink or the shower.
- Take photos of the water, the source and any stains on the ceiling below.
- Share what happened right away, in writing, so it can be repaired and dried.
You did exactly the right thing.
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Go deeper with The Perfect Seasonal Home Care Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in, one topic at a time, to help any home stay warm, safe and dry through every season.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
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This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal, medical or safety-code advice. Please use a qualified professional for plumbing, electrical or larger mold concerns. Bunklow does not inspect properties or make repairs.