How to Clean Bathroom Tile Grout

 No matter how well you clean the bathroom, the grout between tiles is a magnet for mildew, soap scum and other gross things.  Instead of a remodel or spending loads of money on fancy toxic cleaners, give these ideas a try using products you probably already have:

1.  Mouthwash that has a tooth whitening additive.

Using a toothbrush (you can get packs of them from the dollar store just for these tiny areas to clean) and a small bowl of the mouthwash, scrub the grout and then rinse.

2.  Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Making a thin paste by combining the two ingredients, apply to the grout, and wait about 10-15 minutes then using your cleaning toothbrush give it a scrub.  Wipe clean with a damp cloth.  Repeat if needed.

3.  Lemon

Cut a lemon into quarters, and then rub the lemon into the grout, then using a toothbrush or even a old nail brush to lift the stains.  Wipe with a wet cloth to get rid of stains and the pulp from the lemon.

4.  Desperate Measures - Household Bleach

If for example the corners of the bathtub grout is showing the worst dirt and grime, then consider dipping cotton balls into bleach and then taping them to the grout with painters tape to let it soak in instead of simply running down the wall.  This hold the bleach in place longer, so that you can simply scrub and then rinse clean after.

The above 4 ideas, have been used by me, mostly depending on what I had in the house.  I found that most grout could be brought back to life and look brighter and cleaner.

There are some environmentally friendly cleaners on the market if you don't like to make your own, that are not so toxic.  Just check the ingredients especially when cleaning in a small space such as the bathroom.

It is amazing at what a difference a good tile and grout clean will do for your space, especially the bathroom.

Getting Out the Big Guns - Hard Surface Steam Cleaners

It is so expensive for a remodel.  So before you start ripping those tiles off the wall, consider some of these cleaning ideas, or you can also use things like a tile steam cleaner.  This uses pressurized steam to clean all the gunk off.

There are so many ideas for making that most popular room in the house a little cleaner and brighter.

How to Create Storage in a Tiny 2 Piece Bathroom

 Whether you are renting or have recently purchased a home with a tiny 2 piece bathroom, storage becomes an issue pretty much right away!

You don't want to run out of toilet paper knowing the rolls are stored in a closet in your bedroom! 

I have found some awesome products that will use the tiniest of spaces without construction or renovation for neat and tidy storage.  Getting creative is the key. 

1.  Beside the Toilet Storage 

Check out these tiny yet spacious storage cabinets for beside the toilet or small spaces.

These little cabinets are perfect for extra toilet rolls and personal items.  By using the vertical space available you can utilize every square inch without crowding the room.

2.  Over Toilet Storage

The biggest usable space of course is the space over the back of the toilet.  You could simple add some shelves to the wall, but if you are renting and don't want to do any damage, then you can get free standing units online.  Check out below for some ideas.

This assemble quicly and can house quite a few things for the bathroom. You could add baskets to the shelves for even more storage that still looks clean and organized.  I like the idea of the ones with cabinet doors to hide everything.

3.  Over the Bathroom Door Storage

Using the back of the door is another area where you can utilize the most space.  Check these units out.

This space could house your cosmetics, towels and more.

4.  Under the Pedestal Sink Storage

This is a little bit more of an investment, but does look good.  Many 2 piece bathrooms or powder rooms have a toilet and a pedestal sink making storage tricky.

These units below, simply slide under the sink.  No construction and you can take it with you when you move.

This is probably one of the easiest ways to store everything in one spot.

Have I Got You Inspired Yet?

As you can see by the above 4 ideas, you can create quite a bit of space even in the tiniest bathrooms.  If you use beside the toilet, over the door and toilet and under the sink, you will have plenty of space.  

You can totally change the look of this room instantly to a more user friendly space, where all the bathroom supplies actually live in the bathroom!

Simple Shower Storage Idea - Shower Curtain Pockets

If you have a small bathroom, especially the shower/tub area and you also have shower products that need a home, check this out!

We have the usual caddy that sits in the shower stall, but it takes up too much room and always gets knocked over.  Plus it gets hard to clean around it.

I went looking for some ideas, and came across these super cool affordable shower curtains with pockets!

You can also get mesh hangers that hang on the same rod as the shower curtain if you prefer in addition to your present set up. 

I actually love the idea of the shower curtain with the pockets.  You could assign pockets to family members and this way the floor area or the sides of the tub do not fill up with bottles of products.

I got into a relatives shower at last visit and ended up kicking and almost slipping on all the bottles of shampoos, body washes, conditioners, razors etc that were on the shower floor.

Get Everything Off the Shower or Tub Floor

It can be a hazard and a super pain in the you know what, when it comes time to clean.  Now cleaning is a breeze!

Also, take this time to sort out those "almost empty and don't really use anymore" products and get rid of them.

Use the shower curtain rod to hang this curtain or those mesh pocket accessory hangers on the rod and you will be amazed at how much easier and organized things become without hanging anything off the shower head, corner of tub, or floor.

Under Pedestal Sink Storage Ideas for Renters Under 100 Dollars

\If you rent your space, and have a small bathroom with a pedestal sink, I found these awesome storage ideas that will not touch any walls or cause any damage.

Pedestal sinks are actually not the best use of space.  They may look good, sleek and slim, but there simply is no storage.

If you are a renter, then this compounds the situation as most landlords don't want as much as a nail hole in the walls, never mind re-plumbing the place with a vanity.  So I found these storage ideas are the next best thing.

You can also take it with you when you move.  WIN WIN!



This cabinet, simply sits up against the wall under the sink.  This creates instant storage for all the bathroom needs (especially toilet paper!)  It just keeps the bathroom tidy.  Many pedestal sinks are in small bathrooms, so this works!  Plus it is under 100 bucks on AMAZON.

If you don't like the idea of a closed cabinet, there is this chrome version with open shelves that actually hug the stem part of the sink.


This one is only 30 bucks!

This will give you that extra storage too.  I personally prefer closed cabinet storage so that you can also use the doors for hairdryer racks, and cleaning supplies as well as other bathroom supplies that are kept out of sight.

Need More Bathroom Storage in a Rental?

If you find there simply is not enough storage even by using the under pedestal sink cabinet or rack, I found this super skinny tall cabinet that can fit in the space between the toilet and the sink or the toilet and the wall.  Check it out:


This can store a few things to get them off the floors without having to add shelves etc.  Our landlord didn't want as much as a nail hole, so you sometimes have to get creative.

I was surprised at how affordable it was to outfit a tiny pedestal sink bathroom with storage that caused ZERO damage to walls or floors and still look good!

Don't Forget the Back of the Bathroom Door for Storage!

The back of the door is the perfect place to utilize for storage is a small rental bathroom.  This causes no damage and simply hangs over the door.

This gives you more storage!

The Above 3 Ways To Gain Storage with a Pedestal Sink Bathroom is Perfect for the Renter

...or actually anyone who doesn't want the fuss and mess of a DIY.  I use the Dollar Tree for storage baskets in the under pedestal sink cabinets, and toilet supplies in the tall skinny cabinet and everything else in this over the door storage!

I hope I have given you some ideas for creating a wonderful and relaxing bathroom!  You don't have to shred, renovate or a DIY to create a nice looking and yet useful room with plenty of storage.

How to Clean a Plastic Shower Curtain - Stop Throwing Them Away

Plastic shower curtains can become a magnet for soap scum, shampoo residue and then mildew.  But instead of replacing them, you can clean them.  Check this out!

Step 1 - Take down the curtain off the hooks

Step 2 - Place in your washing machine with 2 big bath towels (preferably used and ready for the wash so that you can two jobs done in one!)

Step 3 - Using warm and gentle setting, wash your towels and curtain together using your regular detergent.

Step 4 - Take the curtain out after the cycles are done.

Step 5 - Hang Back up in the Bathroom to drip dry into the tub.

Step 6 - Dry the towels in the dryer.  You now have a clean curtain and towels!

I was actually quite amazed at how easy this was.  I didn't think the plastic shower curtain would be able to go in the machine, but the trick is the towels.

The towels stop it from basically gluing itself to the sides of the machine and help to actually tumble and scrub the curtain clean.  As long as you keep the setting on warm and have added the towels this works!

Prevention is Also the Key

Now that you have given the shower curtain a new lease on life and saved yourself a couple of bucks, hopefully all the nasty stuff is gone, trying to prevent this goes a long way.

Use a Shower Spray

You keep a bottle of this in the shower area, so that when you are done, you simply give the curtain and shower area a quick spray with this natural cleaner.

This will prevent the buildup between cleaning sessions not only on the curtain but on the rest of the tub and shower area too.  This makes cleaning day a whole lot easier.

Keep the Plastic Out of the Landfill

This is one way you can do your part to keep these out of the landfills and dumps.  Instead of replacing the plastic shower curtains, try washing them.  It really doesn't take much extra time to throw them in the wash with a couple of towels you just used after your own shower.

Don't Put in the Dryer

Plastic can take the heat of your hot shower but not the dryer.  The towels can go in the dryer but that is it.

I personally love the clear plastic curtains with bold designs on them, but after a few months the clear part is not so clear.  This method works!

Tiny Bathroom Storage - 2 Instant Storage Ideas for That Small Space Without DIY and Under 200 Bucks

If you have a tiny bathroom, whether rented or owned, trying to find storage can be an issue.  If like me, you want everything you need in the bathroom to stay in there, then check out some of these two awesome ideas I came across.

Beside the Toilet Storage

Yes!  You know that little space between the toilet and the wall?  It can be utilized!  I found this cabinet that can house a lot of things, especially the toilet paper an other incidentals you may need while visiting this room.

Beside the Toilet Bathroom Storage - Only 6 Inches Wide!

At only 6 inches wide it can fit into some pretty tight spots and house a lot of supplies.  It is 24 inches tall and 16 inches deep.

This will get many things off the floor or the back of the toilet.  Looks slim and neat.  No DIY or damage required.  I found this one online with Amazon.


Over the Door Shelves

This is one of the easiest ways to create a ton of room, by utilizing the back of the door if you can.  You can get pocket style ones and others, but I especially like the idea of these shelves to house products, bottles and more.




Over the Door Baskets

There are 6 baskets in this unit and it fits over any standard door. Totally cool space saving idea, rather than those plastic pockets which can be awkward for bottles and awkward sized products.

The above two items will instantly create a lot of storage for your tiny bathroom, without damage or any DIY.

So if your tiny bathroom is looking "full" or you have to "plan" your visit based on supplies you may need from the hall closet, then consider investing in these 2 items..

For under 100 bucks you will have storage that makes life easier, and keeps bathroom supplies where they belong.

Start Thinking About Other Doors As Well?

This got me thinking about closet doors too!  This would be great in a bedroom or even a kitchen pantry or laundry area.

If Your Living Space is Tiny Beyond the Bathroom...

If your living space is tight, then take a look at any room doors, closet doors and such as a way to utilize vertical storage and get organized this year!

How to Unclog a Toilet - 3 Ways to Try Without a Plunger

So you are at your friends house for a party, and "nature" calls and next thing you know the water is rising in the toilet.

WHAT DO YOU DO??

Step 1 - STOP the water from rising first, by taking the back lid off the toilet and closing the flapper in the bottom.  Don't worry the water in here is clean even if the tank may look rusty, it is clean, so roll up your sleeve and stop the water from rising.

Once you have accomplished this, then try these 3 methods before pushing the PANIC button.

Operation Unclog Toilet

Number 1 - Hot Water - If there is no bucket in this bathroom, then empty the waste basket or find a cup if you can.  Run the tap water until super hot.  Fill the bucket, can or cup with hot water and dump in the toilet.  Do this a few times.

The hot water will quite often get a clogged toilet moving again as it helps to break up.. ehmm you know? business.

If this doesn't work...

Number 2 - Baking Soda and Vinegar - At this point, you may have to alert your friend of the situation if the hot water didn't work, and in which case, offer to clear the clog and ask for a:

Cup of baking soda
Cup of white vinegar

Hopefully your friend has this on hand, or hopefully you do if this is in your house.  It is always a good idea to keep both baking soda and vinegar on hand for many cleaning issues.  You may have one in your fridge for odors if you just can't place your hands on some.

Add the cup of baking soda to the toilet and then slowly add the vinegar.  It will fizz and create quite the creepy science project, but if the clog is "natural" it should start the breaking up process and once the fizzing stops at about the 20 minute mark.  ...  Try and flush.

Number 3 - Dish Washing Soap - IF you don't have baking soda or vinegar, then try this...  Pour about 1/2 a cup of your dish washing soap into the toilet.  Since it is heavier than water, it will sink to the bottom.

Leave it there for 20-30 minutes

Fill a bucket with super hot tap water and pour into the toilet.  The water level should drop.  If it does, then fill the bucket a second time with super hot tap water and pour into the toilet, and then flush.

The soap will lubricate the pipes and area around the "clog" and move it along as it creates a slippery surface.

Get out the Big Guns

If none of the above natural ways worked on this clog, then it may be time to get out the big guns with some chemical warfare!!  It doesn't hurt to keep a bottle of emergency toilet or sink unclogger.

Plumber Time - If none of the ideas above work, you can try a plunger, or the chemical.  Usually if the clog is "organic" it will disintegrate with the above methods, but if it is a toy or some other hard materials that were flushed by accident, then a plumber may be needed.

But try the above steps first, especially if you know what clogged it!

How to Survive a Small Bathroom - On the Cheap - Perfect for Renters

Whether you own your home or rent, small bathrooms can be a huge source of stress especially first thing in the morning.

But what do you do when renovations are not in the budget? Or if you rent and your landlord doesn't want any DIY?

There are creative ways to create space even in this tiny space by utilizing every square inch.  Below are just a few examples of how you can do just that.

Toilet Paper Storage and Such

I wanted to keep toilet paper in the bathroom.  I was getting sick of yelling for someone to get it for me from the hall closet or other personal items.

 I came across this cool little skinny cabinet that will fit in that space between the toilet and the wall or the toilet and the vanity or sink.

Using vertical space is the best way in any small room but especially the bathroom.

Shower Curtain Storage

Yes you can even store things in the shower curtains!

This one has pockets on the inside to make it easy to grab the product you want without shelves or anything else taking up space.

They drain... so no worries about them filling with water.  This is an awesome use of space.

Get all those bottles off the floor or the corners and find exactly what you are looking for.  This is a small investment to keep things organized, and they are not in the way when not using them.

Over the Door Storage

The back of the door can house a lot of items for your bathroom.  Everything from towels to products to whatever you need.

These fit over the door and do not interfere with the opening and closing the door and do not cause any damage, which is important if you are renting.

Online is the perfect place to shop for over the door storage ideas.  You just have to decide the type of things you need to store and decide whether you want plastic pocket, or actual shelves for towels or what you need.

But this one below is a great affordable option.


  Back of the Door Cabinet

This one is more extensive in its storage abilities and actually works with the door hinges instead of over the door.

But you can see from the picture this would work wonders in a small bathroom.  It is also mirrored.  But because it doesn't take drilling or DIY damage, you can take it with you when you leave, this is especially good if you are renting your space.

Think of all the storage you would have?  This one is more of an investment but could house a lot of your things.

All your cosmetics, and a mirror in one place.

Over Cabinet Hair Tools

These tend to get tangled everywhere, especially in the morning.  If you do not have much space on your vanity you could use this to hold them when not in use.

Easy to grab and safer for letting cool down.

Pedestal Sink Storage

If your small bathroom came equipped with a pedestal sink, don't despair! You can still use the space under the sink for storage with this slide in metal shelf. 

I found this online and though it was a wonderful way to store thing you would normally sit on a vanity top.

It comes with two shelves and you can use the front bit for a hand towel bar.  It is good looking and would be handy.  Plus the added benefit of taking it away when you move.


Cabinet Style Under the Sink Storage

Maybe you don't have a pedestal style sink but a single sink coming right out of the wall.

Either way this cabinet can simply slide in underneath creating all kinds of storage especially if you prefer it to not be on show.

If you need to store personal items, using this cabinet system that simply slides in under the sink will create all kinds of space for towels and many other items.

The beauty of this, is it can simply be moved with you when you leave.


Surviving a Small Bathroom - Bit of Creativity and Use of Vertical Space 

Since you may not have the width for using all the floor space, then use that dead space under things, such as the sink and behind the door.

If you did any of the above, you would have storage space between your toilet and your wall, the shower curtain, the back of the door, and under the sink.  There are so many ways to create just that little bit of extra space so that bathroom supplies can stay in the bathroom and not down the hall!

Budget Buster Small Bathroom Storage Ideas

If your budget is super tight, there are other options that are just as creative if you can do a bit of DIY.

A sink skirt will create instant under the sink storage that doesn't have to be seen and will instantly clean up and unsightly mess you keep under there.  For under 10 bucks you can get one of these skirts in many colors.


Over the Toilet Storage that Holds Everything!

For under 40 bucks, you can get this over the toilet wire storage set that holds literally everything you will need in the bathroom.

Shelves, hooks for towels, toilet paper holder and more.

Depending on your storage needs, this could be the only purchase you need to make.  No DIY, simply put it in place and you have access to everything.  It is not as bulky as cabinet styled ones, and will still look light and airy in a small bathroom.

I have one of these.  Best things ever, and my advice is to go to the dollar store and get little plastic baskets to hold small cosmetic items or other smaller items that would fall through the shelves.  This will also add some color to your space and look tidy.

There are many DIY projects that will work in a small bathroom too, especially Mason Jar Storage Ideas for the bathroom as a way to store your things and also look cool. CLICK HERE to see a bathroom mason jar storage idea you could make.

Hopefully the ideas above have got your imagination running on high.  Everyone is different in what they need to store in this space.  So make a list, and get working on creative ways to use those little bits of space.  My favorite is the shower curtain with pockets!

Certainly makes cleaning the bathroom much easier now that you don't have to move all those bottles!

You can survive a small bathroom!

Under the Bathroom Sink Storage - A Place for Everything on the Cheap

Organizing under a small bathroom sink can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be.  Utilizing every square inch without causing clutter is the trick.  Depending on your style of bathroom sink, there are ways to use that space to your advantage!

Dollar Store - Can Be Your Best Friend - If the budget is down to a few bucks, you can head to the dollar store, and purchase stackable bins that will fit under the bathroom sink especially if you have a small vanity with doors.  Using the vertical space is the best way to store things so that you can find them.  So check out the dollar store once you have decided on the items you need to store.

Then Check Online - This is where I got the most creative, especially if you are dealing with a pedestal sink or simply a regular sink attached to the wall.  Create your own instant shelves for under 100 bucks in many cases!

Instant Bathroom Under Sink Storage

 ✅This is the most awesome and quickest way to gain storage. No need for nails, screws or glue, it simply slides in around the pedestal sink to create instant hidden storage. Add a few dollar store stacking bins and you are set. You will be surprised at just how much products and supplies you can fit behind these doors and in a way that is easily accessible.  The prices vary but you can check here for this full page of pedestal sink cabinets.

Rolling Under Sink Storage Solutions

 ✅This one is under 60 bucks, check current price here, but is a more open display of shelves. It simply rolls in around the pedestal and gives you instant storage. This works if you don't mind your things on display. It does cost a bit more for the cabinet door one but this one works too. It is good looking and everything is accessible.

Expandable Shelf Organizer for Under Bathroom Sink

 ✅If you say "well that is great and everything and I love the idea of these roll in units for under pedestal sinks but mine is a wall sink and I can't spend more than 30 bucks", then check out this expandable shelves on wheels.

As you can see by the picture they fit around the sink plumbing and are adjustable. This will give you instant shelves for storage. Use cute dollar store bins for tiny things and this will look awesome. Check the current price here and you will find this an affordable online option. I have not seen this style of unit in stores before.

Stackable Metal Sliding Basket for Under Sink Storage

 ✅This unit has over 2000 positive reviews as a great way to create under bathroom sink storage. Tend to be a bit more robust that the plastic dollar store versions, but it all depends on the things you need to store. This is skinny enough to fit under most vanities and has a slide out shelf and a stationary one.

Small Bathroom Sink Solutions

✅ If the budget is super tight then you can either make or purchase a sink curtain. This way you can hide things behind this curtain with dollar store bins, or simply right on the floor. You need to use some velcro on the sink and the curtain to keep it in place.

Under the bathroom sink storage sometimes means you have to be creative especially if funds are low and maybe you rent your space so don't want to cause any damage.  You can store things in plain view with open storage or behind curtains and slide in vanity doors.  Don't forget to check the dollar store for stacking bins, this can make life easier especially for smaller items.

Behind Door Storage Cabinet

Another option, if your budget can afford it, is to utilize the space behind the door. If you like the idea of a closed cabinet, this cabinet actually fits into the hinges of the door, and can be easily accessed in any room including the bathroom.

If you click on this link there is a video to show you just how well this can work. Sometimes there simply is not enough room under the sink, but if floor space is at a premium, then check this idea out. It is a very tasteful addition to the bathroom.

Organizing a Small Apartment Bathroom - Without any DIY or Damage

It always amazes me that it is said that the bathroom and the kitchen are the heart of any home, yet in apartments these seem to be the tiniest rooms!

If you are trying to figure out small apartment bathroom storage ideas, then check out some of these ideas that will hopefully get your creativity going! It all depends on how much storage you need, but there is always a way!

Pedestal Sink Organizer

Since most small apartment bathrooms use a pedestal sink to save space, this cabinet can give you instant storage.  Click on the above picture to see just how it is used.  There is no DIY, no destruction of rental property, no screws or nails.  You simply slide this in under your present pedestal sink and you have instant storage for all your bathroom supplies without taking up room.

✅Like This Idea??  Check out this Full Page of Pedestal Sink Cabinets for Different Styles

This should take care of many things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies etc. You could purchase clear stack-able tubs from the dollar store to even utilize the space behind the cabinet doors even more for smaller items. But at least you can keep the toilet paper in the bathroom out of sight rather than down the hall! Not very helpful in emergencies!  Stack your towels too!

Try Utilizing the Bathroom Door for More Storage

This unit actually fits right into the hinges.  There is no screws or nails into the wall.  It becomes the back part of your door, but it can hold a lot of supplies.  Integrate this unit with the above pedestal sink storage and you have already found room in your small apartment bathroom.

Behind the Door Cabinet

This one needs to be integrated into the hinges of the bathroom door, but this will not cause destruction. You could easily take it with you when you move.

If you are not a fan of messing with the hinges, for the above cabinet idea, you can go for a more soft pocket storage by simply using over the door storage such as the one below:  This does not affect the door closing at all, you can have it hooked on the door instantly.

Over the Door Storage Pockets

These are softer pocket storage, but would be awesome for different things you would need in the shower, or at the sink or even for storing your hairdryer and supplies.

Makeup Organizer for Small Bathroom

What I love about this makeup organizer is that it is rotating, so you have tons of storage at your finger tips. This will not take up much room but actually utilizing height instead of width. No DIY, just instant storage for your tiny bathroom storage ideas. This will take all those loose things off the vanity and make it easier to clean too.

Over the Toilet Storage

If nothing else, there should be some room above the toilet. As long as you don't have a window in this space, as most small apartments do not have windows in the bathroom, you can totally take advantage of this vertical space for storage.

✅Check Out Different Styles of Over the Toilet Storage HERE!

This cause no damage and can be taken with you when you move. Keeping things portable in rental spaces makes it easier to personalize it, and not cause grief for your landlord. As a landlord I have dealt with many tenants who have hammered all kinds of things to my bathroom walls, I usually urge them to use portable ideas.

Tension Rod with Shelves for Shower or Tub

Using a tension rod causes no damage to the ceiling or tub corner.  This is also portable and holds a lot of products.  They don't rust and it has 4 shelves making it easy to find your product.

✅Check out this page of Shower Storage Ideas!

Free Standing Corner Shelves

This corner unit is free standing and would work also in the bathroom itself, possible behind the door or near the shower or actually in the shower stall.  Below is another great idea if you are really having trouble with product storage.

Shower Curtain Storage Pockets

Everything fits in the pockets on the inside of this shower curtain. This is an awesome idea as once you get in your shower and close the curtain everything becomes available to you. If you simple don't have the room for shower shelves, this is one way of taking advantage of the room you do have.

Organizing a Small Apartment Bathroom and Making it More Personalized for You without DIY!

If you use even a couple of these ideas you should be able to put things in order even in your tiny space without and DIY, nail holes, or screws.  If your landlord has given you strict instructions not to attach anything to the bathroom walls of your apartment, then get creative with portable storage that you can take with you when you move.

It will make a huge difference to the look of this tiny apartment bathroom too.  More personal.

I personally love the idea of the pedestal sink cabinets that simply slide in, or the over the toilet storage too.  If you do have a tiny vanity, get some tiny stacking tubs from the dollar store and use the vertical space in these cabinets.  There is always a way!

Try to keep bathroom supplies in the bathroom, this will make the bathroom lean and mean and ready for action at any time.

Small Bathroom Makeover Ideas on the Cheap – Quick DIY for this Tiny Space

Bathrooms technically are the smallest room in the house and yet they can drain your bank account fast if you do a gut renovation.  I was stunned at just how much it can cost to get someone in to renovate this tiny room.

On top of all of that is the construction mess, and if this is your only bathroom then this creates another set of problems.  Hopefully this article helps you with your small space.

In a hurry? (bathroom organizers and ideas) to get you started.

Small Bathroom Ideas for Cheap

After surviving a few bathroom makeovers, I decided that was not going to happen in this house.  I simply did not want the cost or the mess but this bathroom was so boring and dated I needed to do something!

Get out Your Clipboard and Get Inspired with Some of These Ideas:

Start by writing a few issues down. Get a clipboard or whatever you have handy and stand in your bathroom and write down the things that bother you. Create a checklist and work your way down with these questions:

Wall Colour? – do you prefer bright or dark colours

Sink Clutter? – do you struggle with sink clutter in the mornings or anytime when getting ready.

Storage? – Can you store toilet supplies and linens in the bathroom? 

Lighting? – Can you see to do your makeup or whatever?

Flooring?  – Is the floor in good shape?  Colour?

Mirror? – Has yours seen better days?  Is it a medicine chest for storage? Or Just a plain mirror?

Tub/Shower? – Is the grout discoloured?  Is the area overflowing with your products? 

Renter? – Do you want to personalize this space without any injury to walls as you are a tenant?

Small Bathroom Fixes

Start with the list of questions above, and you are likely to come up with a good list of the things that bother you the most.  Not only do you want a nice bathroom for cheap, you want things to run smoothly while in there. 

My bathroom didn’t have storage so if you were in there and you ran out of toilet paper it was down the hall in the closet!  Not a good scenario!  Things for this small space should stay in this space if at all possible.

Gather Your List and Now Write Down Your Budget.

Before you hit the back button with this part, you will be amazed at what you can do for even just a few dollars at the dollar store to make life a bit easier in this room.

If you have to break this down into manageable bites, like I did, then making a list is a great place to start.  It gets you in the frame of mind to do something with this room, instead of simply thinking these thoughts every time you use this room and then forgetting about them when you leave.

Question 1 – Wall Color

Paint is the cheapest and quickest way to change the look of a small bathroom.  Even the tiniest of spaces can look totally different with a good coat of paint.  Head to the hardware store and get some colour chips to see which would look best.  Keep the ceiling white to open up the space.  You can get environmentally friendly paints specifically designed for this room.  Get a gallon tin, as you will want to put on a couple of coats.

You can paint this room for under 100 dollars even cheaper depending on the size and how much wall space you have to paint.

This alone might be all you need to do to change it.  Don’t forget topatch any little holes dents first.   Bathrooms can be a bit awkward to paint as you need to get around fixtures, so be patient.  But paint dries fast.  If you are tenant, talk to your landlord first.  They are usually OK with any improvements.

Question 2 – Sink Clutter

If you have a vanity, it may be simple task of using a vanity storage system such as this carousel that houses way more than it looks.  This gets smaller items off the surface and corals them in an orderly fashion.  You know your bathroom personality, so find one that is easy to use.  If not you can get dollars store tiny baskets that will work too.

Over the sink shelves, allow you to utilize this space.  In a tiny bathroom you need to make every square inch work.  These are another awesome way to get things off the surface.  You could use one of these and the carousel idea to deal with your clutter.

Old mason jars can also be used to create storage and look awesome on the wall if you have the space.  Check out instructions for mason jar storageideas and crafts.

Question 3 – Storage

If you have a pedestal sink, you are suffering from lack of storage options.  As pretty as a pedestal sink is, it is awkward if this is a main bathroom.   Here is a totally quick fix for storage in this small space.   

Pedestal Sink Storage Cabinet! – Yes, these are super awesome and they do not require construction or destruction.  They simply work with your sink and slide right in.  Instant storage.  You can get these online… check them out!  Quick and easy way to create instant space for towels, toiletries and more and these are landlord friendly, can be taken with you and look good.

At only 5.5 inches wide, you can really utilize that space between the toilet and the wall!

Beside the Toilet Storage

I was amazed that there was such a thing until I was researching my own small bathroom décor ideas.  Perfect place to store toilet paper etc., if you purchase a pedestal storage cabinet and a beside the toilet storage you will have solved a lot of problems in your small bathroom.  Once again renter friendly.  

Question 4 – Lighting.

You could try to renovate the present fixture with new shades or brighter bulbs, but you can also get some really awesome looking vanity fixtures online.  I personally love the industrial look, and I found this site that covers industrial lighting with the Edison style bulbs for a real authentic look.  Check it out.  Here are some examples. 

Small Bathroom Ideas DIY

I find that sometimes just the paint, and the light fixtures can totally change the look on the cheap. I personally have not be able to find the huge assortment of light fixtures that I like in my local lighting store. If you want something different, take a look online with Amazon.

Question 5 – Flooring

We can’t all afford to rip it out and start over, but you can maybe cover it up?  Invest in some really cool eye catching bathroom floor mats that will take your eye away from the old flooring beneath.  

Question 6 -  Mirrors! 

Plain or fancy, these definitely spruce up a wall.  A larger mirror will give the illusion of more space.  Plus with the right lighting you can see properly without casting shadows, which can make a small bathroom seem dingy and uninviting.

You can get creative and find an old large picture frame from the thrift store and decorate it and then add a mirror.  Or you can take the present mirror and spruce up the frame.  I took a dated mirror with a gold frame around it and taped off the glass and then painted the gold with black acrylic paint.  It really updated it and saved me a bundle. These are definitely small bathroom fixes that work like a charm.  If you don't want to renovate your own mirror, check out this page of mirrors for ideas and prices.

Question 7 – Tub/Shower?

If it has seen better days, but you can’t afford to rip it all out, think outside the box.  I my house the old tiles looked really dated and old because the grout had discoloured over the years.  I purchased a kit that brightens the grout.  Worked like a charm.

Start by give the tiles a super good clean with CLR or some kind of grime remover and then follow the instructions for the instant grout brightener.  Now the tiles look good.

Small bathroom designs with tub or shower must incorporate a place for everything such as soap, shampoo etc.  If you have a few people using this room, it can get crowded with products.

These instant shelves create lots of storage room in the shower or tub for all the family products.  Also makes cleaning much easier.

Start with the floor to ceiling instant corner shelves for tubs or showers, or the shower curtain storage idea.  I thought this was really cool with all the pockets.  This gets everything off the floor making it easier to clean as well as feel organized.

Small Bathroom Ideas Rental

There are so many portable options to add to this small space that you don’t even touch the walls.  If you want to paint then ask the landlord, but chances are the walls are pretty neutral at present, so with a few portable fixtures and fresh colorful linens you can personalize this space and still take it all with you when you move.

Portable storage options such as the pedestal sink cabinet on wheels, beside the toilet storage, and some spring loaded shower/tub accessories and you will not have done any harm to the rental space but at least it will feel more like your own.

Small Bathroom Décor Ideas – the DIY way on the Cheap

I hope this article has inspired you to think outside the box especially if you are watching your budget like me.

I figured I had to work with what was there. I originally thought well no point in doing any DIY until we save up to rip it apart, but I realized you have to live with it right now, why not invest in a few little pieces that can make this space inviting and more useful.

Utilizing wasted space with these really cool ideas is the key. Look online to get ideas. Amazon is a great place to start. Turn a small bathroom into a cool space and enjoy!