Sweethome Bathrooms

Bathtub: Benefits and Advantages

admin — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:29:33 +0000

Bathtub design has moved on in leaps and bounds over the last few years, and thankfully there are some fabulous solutions for you to choose from here at Sweethome. A new bathtub can offer a fresh new look or completely transform your bathroom if chosen carefully.

Bathtubs are available in a variety of sizes allowing them to fit in any bathroom space. You can choose from different shapes and dimensions to take less room and afford you more space. With new designs being introduced, you would be hard pressed to not find a bathtub that can fit just about any bathroom you have. Let us go over a few of the benefits

Health and Wellness Benefits

Soaking provides many great health and wellness benefits. The combination of warm water over long periods of time can help to reduce stress which simultaneously relaxes your muscles. High stress can lead to an increase in muscle tension and other unhealthy side-effects such as weight gain, so a nice soaking bath can be the answer for a positive change for your health. This can further be enhanced by adding scented oils and aromatherapy to your bath.

Can control the amount of water used

The water bill at the end of the month can be quite large depending on your shower use. Bathtubs allow you to greatly control the amount of water you use which can help you save a great deal of money over time.

Bathing can improve heart health

Although bathing in high temperatures can put unnecessary strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition, taking a warm bath will make your heart beat faster and can give it a healthy workout.

Increases the resale value of your home

Your bathtub can have a significant impact on the resale value of your home. Generally, the more expensive and difficult to install a bathtub is, the more valuable it is to a potential buyer. And although freestanding bathtubs are easy to install, they are considerably more valuable to homeowners than drop-in bathtubs due to their attractive aesthetic.

Your brain and nervous system can benefit from bathing

Submergence in water can reduce pain and inflammation and also calm the nervous system, reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in the body and improving your mood. Hydrotherapy can help people who suffer from multiple sclerosis as the temperature and pressure of the water gently relieve the spine of pain and discomfort.

Take care of your blood and immunity with a bath

Not only does a warm bath make the blood flow easier, it also makes it more oxygenated by allowing you to breath

Evidence has shown that bathing, whether in cold or hot water; at home in a vessel or out in a natural body of water can have many health benefits without adverse effects. Bathtubs bring a host of different advantages to any home. From comfort, aesthetic to monetary value, bathtubs are a key component to any home

Why Handwashing is Important

admin — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:59:53 +0000

As simple as it may seem, proper handwashing remains the most effective way of removing germs and harmful bacteria from our hands.

This prevents the spread of diseases and keeps your environment safe, fresh, and clean.

There are many easy ways to keep your hands clean. The common methods used in many workplaces include the use of sufficient soap and water or good alcohol-based sanitizers when water is not easily accessible.

It will be easier to take hand washing more seriously when we know the benefits of keeping the hands clean as much as possible and also keeping the environment properly sanitised.

When to wash your hands

You should wash your hands thoroughly:

after using the toilet
after changing nappies
before, during and after preparing food
between handling raw and cooked or ready-to-eat food
before eating
after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
after using a tissue or handkerchief
before and after attending to sick children or other family members
after smoking
after handling rubbish or working in the garden
after handling animals
when you get home, arrive at other people’s homes, at venues or at work.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

If you feel a cough or sneeze is coming on, make sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away and wash your hands.

If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. It’s a part of your body less likely to touch other surfaces and will help stop the spread of nasty germs.

How to wash your hands properly

To wash hands properly:

Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap.
Apply soap and lather well for 20 seconds (or longer if the dirt is ingrained).
Rub hands together rapidly across all surfaces of your hands and wrists.
Don’t forget the backs of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
If possible, remove rings and watches before you wash your hands, or ensure you move the rings to wash under them, as microorganisms can exist.
Rinse well under running water and make sure all traces of soap are removed.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
It is best to use paper towels (or single-use cloth towel).
Dry under any rings, as they can be a source of future contamination if they remain moist.
Hot air driers can be used.

At home, give each family member their own towel and wash the towels often.

ACCESSORIES

Clean, Tidy Kitchen? Yes please!

admin — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 08:04:22 +0000

1 – Keep it minimal

A few years ago, my counters were lined end to end with appliances, jars, utensils, etc. I was perfectly content with that, and felt that my kitchen was tidy.

Someone commented on my blog mentioning that I had SO much stuff on my counters. I didn’t think much of it because I liked my stuff displayed and within easy reach. Then I read an article about how it’s much better to put everything away in a cupboard so your counters are completely clear. That sounded extreme to me. Besides, there was NO way I could fit everything on my counters into my cupboards.

But then I tried it. And it was heavenly.

Without a bunch of junk cluttering up your counters, you have so much more room for prep work. Plus you’re more motivated to actually wipe down your counters if you don’t have to move everything first. And if anything is out of place, it’s super obvious.

I know this isn’t for everyone, but the more things you can put away in your cupboards, the better. If you don’t have room in your cupboards, throw out, donate, or sell things that you never use.

I personally like to keep out appliances that we use every day (for example, we usually use our blender 1-2 times a day), or ones that are so heavy that it would be a major pain to haul out when I need it (like my stand mixer). I also like to keep my cooking utensils (spatulas, whisks, spoons, tongs, etc.) out on my counter because there just isn’t a good spot for them in my cupboards.

Find what works for you!

2 – Start with a clean kitchen

If at all possible, don’t start cooking until your kitchen is relatively clean. If you start cooking and your kitchen is already a disaster, you’ll just get depressed and throw up your hands in despair after cooking a meal.

If you start with a clean slate, you’ll be more motivated to keep it clean.

3 – Clean while you wait

If you find yourself with some free time in the kitchen, use it wisely! For example, if you’re waiting for a pot of water to come to a boil, instead of standing around, do a bit of cleaning. Start unloading the dishwasher. Put away cooking utensils that you’re done using. Wipe down the counters. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done during the in-between times of cooking.

4 – Let the water out of the sink right away

I know this sounds super basic, but it really makes a difference. It’s so gross when I forget to let the water out, and have to stick my hands in cold, greasy water. If you do it right after you wash dishes, it’s way easier to wipe out the sink. Which brings me to my next tip …

5 – Wipe out the sink after washing dishes

I know it’s super gross, but I used to leave all the little chunks of food from washing dishes in the sink when I was done. If you take 2 minutes to dump out the food scraps and wipe down the surfaces, your sink will be ready to go the next time you need to wash dishes. #worthit

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6 – Clean up spills ASAP

This is another one that we all know we should do, but neglect when we are in a hurry. The reality is, if you get to a spill as soon as possible, it will be so much easier to clean up. Dried-on gunk has to be soaked or scraped first, when it could have been cleaned up with a simple wipe.

7 – Clean as you go

Along those same lines, it’s a good idea to put things away as you go when you cook (my mom tried to teach me this one). Instead of leaving everything out on your counter, put things away as you use them.

Now, if you’re really in a rush to get something in the oven, it can be handy to mix it together as fast as you can, and clean up the mess while it bakes. Just make sure you actually do clean up after yourself…

8 – Have a compost/trash bowl

Instead of throwing your food scraps onto the counter, it’s much more efficient to place them in a dedicated compost bowl. This way you don’t have to wipe up the food juice, and you can quickly dump the scraps all at once. You can even peel carrots, potatoes, cucumbers, etc. directly into the bowl to save time.

9 – A place for everything

Have a place for everything, and everyth–you know what I mean!

Instead of having things scattered here and there about your kitchen, it’s much better to have similar things all in one spot. For example, I have a large plate on which I keep all of my non-refrigerated fruit. I also like to keep all of my cooking utensils on one end of my kitchen. That gives me a long expanse of counter with nothing on it. Glorious!

10 – Have set days and times for doing things

I have found that forgetfulness is one of my main reasons for not getting certain chores done. When you have set days for doing certain things, it’s much easier to actually remember to do them!

For example, my stove used to get so grimy because I never remembered to wipe it down. Now that I have a set day for doing it, it’s much more likely to get done. I don’t always get to it on exactly the right day, but just knowing that it needs to be done once a week really helps.

You can also have certain times of the day for specific chores. For example, I like to unload the dishwasher after breakfast. That way, it’s ready to be filled throughout the day. And I like to wash dishes right after supper whenever possible. Then I can wake up to a clean kitchen!

So there you have it: my favorite tips for keeping your kitchen clean. I hope these inspired you to make the effort to keep your kitchen neat and tidy.

10 Reasons to Take a Hot Bath or Shower

admin — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 07:46:22 +0000

Are you considering if you should buy one of our electric instant water heaters? Well Here are 10 reasons to relax and take a long hot bath or shower:

Lowers blood sugar. Forget walking. A hot bath may be just what you need to lower your blood sugar and burn calories. In a recent study done by Loughborough University, scientists investigated the effect a hot bath has on blood sugar control (an important measure of metabolic fitness) and on energy expenditure (number of calories burned). They recruited 14 men to take part in the study, who each soaked in a hot bath for one hour. They then compared how many calories were burned in each session, as well as measured their blood sugar for 24 hours after each trial. Bathing resulted in about as many calories being burned as a half-hour walk (around 140 calories). The overall blood sugar response to both conditions was similar. Goodbye, gym.
Fall asleep faster. Hot water relaxes the body and better prepares us for falling asleep. When a tense body enters a warm bath, the hot water increases the body temperature and relaxes the muscles. Relaxing the muscles not only soothes us physically but also mentally. That being said, only 20 minutes is needed, and be careful not to fall asleep in the bath!
Lowers blood pressure. Studies have shown that soaking in a hot bath can lower your blood pressure. This is a great system for those with heart conditions and even those who don’t. But first, consult your doctor if you do have a heart condition because a hot bath will also raise the rate of your heartbeat. If the doc says it’s OK, then it’s a great way of bringing down your blood pressure.
Relieves muscle tension. Hot showers can relieve tension and soothe stiff muscles. If you have a powerful shower head, even better! Let the hot water work like a mini massage on your shoulders, neck, and back.
Have cleaner, healthier skin. A good soak in hot water, be it a bath or shower, can open up the pores in our skin. And if the water is clean then it can wash some of the dirt and toxins from our skin. The result is fresher and cleaner skin.
Moisturizes our skin. We may not like the wrinkled skin we get after a hot bath, but it actually has a good effect on it. The warm water leaves the skin moist for longer and prevents it from drying up and getting those little cracks that often appear when it’s dry.
Improves blood circulation. Dipping the body in hot water to the neck is kind of an exercise for your blood vessels. This is because water creates physical pressure on the body and so it increases the capacity of our heart. In other words, when we’re inside the water, the heart works faster and stronger. Consider this more like a light exercise and just a few dips a week is an excellent work out for your heart.
Helps relieve cold/flu symptoms. A hot shower also acts as a natural decongestant to relieve cold symptoms, since the hot steam moisturizes nasal passages. Taking a 10-15 minute hot-soak-break can also really help you feel better while your body is trying to get better.
Reduces headaches. Most types of headaches are caused by the narrowing of blood vessels in the head. The positive effect of the hot water on our blood vessels can be used to alleviate the pressure on those blood vessels and cure our headache.
Helps us feel better about ourselves. After a stressful day, take a nice warm shower and try to relax, as it’s known that when we feel better physically, we get more confident in ourselves, the more convinced we are up to the challenges ahead. A hot bath is also a great way to reduce daily anxiety as well and make us feel good all around.

As you can see, there are clearly many benefits to taking a hot shower