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Note that tile for the shower floor is a separate rating from tile for the shower wall. - Check the specs on your tile to make sure it is rated for wet applications. - Select different tiles for the floor and walls of your shower or a single tile for both that is appropriate for the shower floor.
- Shower Niche
A shower niche should generally be no wider than the studs...
- Shower Niche
- Non-Toxic Showers
- Non-Toxic Bathtubs
- Zero-VOC Shower Curtains and Bathmats
- Water Filtration For The Bathroom
- Non-Toxic Medicine Cabinets
- Organic Towels
- Preventing Mold in The Bathroom
- Monitoring Humidity Levels and Leaks
- Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Safe Tiles
1. Ceramictiles are good if they do not contain lead. They can also contain radioactive minerals. 2. Porcelain– a type of ceramic, this does not have chemical offgassing. You may want to avoid tiles with Microban fungicide added to them. I prefer tiles that come sealed. 1. Slate and Marble – have a sealer on them already, and marble has a resin (which is applied to most marble before it hits stores). I have not been able to pick up an offgassing odor from it, the resin appears to be cured and...
Chemical-Free Mortar, Grout and Caulk
For non-toxic thin-set and grout see my postdevoted to this topic. The post covers brands of thin-set and grout as well as tile sealers. Be sure to seal well between the sink and the wall, the bathtub, and floor, around the toilet (if using a toilet with water) with caulk. I have a postthat outlines safe caulking compounds.
Shower Pans
I had to make a custom stainless pan for my tiny house because we did not plan the bathroom size around the ready-made ones. Shower pans typically come in acrylic which would be tolerable for most people. They also come in fiberglass (it does offgas and scratches easier), cultured stone (most brands are 0-VOC), stone (sometimes with PVC under), solid surface plastics such as Corian and Durat (minimal offgassing if any), and cast iron (very expensive but inert).
Enameled Steel
Typical tubs are made of enameled steel which is safe and tolerable for most people. There have been concerns about lead in the enamel glaze. It was common in the past. Some companies like Kohler have stated they do not use lead in the glaze of their tubs. The lead would only leach when the enamel is damaged and it’s not a form that is absorbed through the skin. Though still, tubs, especially older ones can be checked for lead. Tubs can be installed with mortar instead of glue.
Cast Iron
Cast iron tubs are the tub of choice for many people. New cast iron tubs, especially if made in the US, Canada, and Europe should not contain lead. You should check that the company claims no lead. The same questions and concerns stand as with enameled steel. Some people like a cast iron tub with claw feet so that no leaks can go undiscovered behind the tub.
Acrylic and Fiberglass
Just like shower surrounds, tubs can be made of acrylic or fiberglass. For the extremely sensitive these are not usually one of the top choices due to slight offgassing in the beginning. Though with time these become acceptable. I have heard from very sensitive folks who have done well with acrylic tubs and did not feel there was a problem with leaching or offgassing. American Standard acrylic tubs are one brand that was reported to feel like it was a healthy material. They have freestanding...
Shower Curtains
For a non-toxic shower curtain, I think EVAis the best material. Polyester will work just fine for many people, though it’s usually coated with polyurethane (just like camping tent material). You may need to wash and air it out before use. Those wanting to avoid plastic can use a hemp shower curtain, I like those from Rawganique. Make sure it can dry out fully between showers and that your humidity is not too high in the house. You may put it in the washing machine to help keep it clean. If y...
Non-Toxic Bathmats
Natural rubber (which is a latex and will have some rubber odor) works well for me. I bought this OTHWAY natural rubber mat(pictured left in pink) because it had a good non-slip surface on top and also stayed in place with the good suction cups. I am happy with it. It did have a natural rubber odor at first and I left it outside for a day (others might need to leave it for a few days). If you don’t lay it out to dry after each use it does tend to grow mold. TPE plasticis non-toxic and close t...
Shower Water Filter
This Culligan shower filteris NSF-certified. It contains activated granule carbon. This Waterchef shower filteruses carbon block which is a step up. It is also NSF-certified. While the NSF certification only addresses chlorine, we know the carbon block is especially effective at filtering out a wide range of contaminants from chemicals/VOCs to metals like lead. I like NSF-certified filters and prefer carbon over other options. Spriteis a Chlorgon filter material that is NSF-certified and like...
Bath Water Filter
There are not too many bath faucet filters. The Cuznpictured, and all the others that I see online right now use KDF filtration. KDF is explained above.
Lead-Free Faucets
It’s difficult to find 100% lead-free faucets for the bathroom sink, tub, and shower. MGSan Italian company makes faucets including showerheads that they claim are 100% lead-free. But they are pricey and need to be special ordered. Nivito and in Canada Bay Castlemakes 100% stainless faucets, though I have not been able to get through to Bay Castle about their bathroom faucets. Waterstonehas some stainless steel options and those ones are 100% stainless. American Standardmakes bathroom faucets...
You can custom-make medicine cabinets with safer materials, or you can buy all-aluminum models like this Kohler cabinet via Amazon or via their website. IKEA sometimes has metal options as well. Check to see if metal is the only component or if there is particleboard. It’s not too difficult to find all-metal versions.
I recommend these organic towelsfrom Amazon (vetted by my most extremely sensitive friend), or Coyuchi towels which are made for the chemically sensitive.
Tile Backing Systems
Don’t lay tiles over particle board, or mold-prone green board. Always use a cementitious board behind tiles or the Kerdi and Wedi boards. The Kerdi shower system can be used with cement backer boards. Make sure to test out the whole system including Kerdi Fix caulking(which claims 0-VOC). Though most people do not use the Kerdi thin-set. There are also waterproof boards that are tile backer boards/waterproofing in one: Kerdi Board and Wedi Panels are recommended to produce the most mold-proo...
Bathroom Exhaust Fans
A bathroom exhaust fan is absolutely vital to reducing moisture and therefore mold. I would splurge on this item. If your fan is within a ceiling cavity like mine is, use an external mount fan like this Fantech one. Otherwise, the fan can leak moist air into the ceiling. In some cases, it might be preferable to have an ERV (air exchange) in the bathroom. This Panasonic WhisperComfort is the most popular among builders. It’s always good to have a window too, to air things out.
Monitor Humidity
I use this Extech humidity meterin the bathroom and the rest of the house to make sure the humidity is within a safe range of around 50% or lower. Use the meter to check your everyday humidity levels as well as how long it takes the bathroom fan to bring back the indoor humidity level to ~50%. Check different rooms, comparing their humidity levels, to see if one room has a higher level. This could be a sign of an unseen problem. You can also use the humidity meter to check the outdoor humidit...
Check for Leaks
Keep an inexpensive moisture meter around to test the moisture content behind walls. I use this General Tools meter. Every tiled shower should be checked for moisture, as most showers are not detailed right. Meters with pins work well on drywall and wood (but not bamboo), for professional purposes like measuring the moisture content of the framing before finishing the house, more expensive meters are necessary. For your own investigations, you can use the General Tools brand or if you want so...
Now that you have gone through all the trouble to pick non-toxic materials, and taken steps to prevent mold growth, make sure your cleaning and personal care products are safe. Going with natural cleaning products vastly reduces the chemicals you breathe in in the bathroom. These are the onesI use and recommend. For air fresheners suitable for the ...
4 days ago · While picking out a waterproof flooring for the bathroom or the kitchen, the following points should be kept in mind: a) The Essential Qualities of the Materials: Durability & Wear Resistance In order to choose a floor material, which can be subjected to regular usage including footfalls, wear and tear when choosing for bathrooms and kitchens.
Waterproof Shower Method 3: Hybrid Approach. Staying within the Laticrete Hydro Ban family of products, I combined foam wallboard and joint sealant, sheet membrane for the mud-bed pan, and a liquid-applied membrane on seams and corners. This created a very flat wall substrate, perfect for the large-slab tile in this master bath. Pros
Sep 20, 2024 · Finally, shower floor tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. You can quickly clean most tiles with a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. However, it’s important to note that not all types of tiles are suitable for shower floors. Some types of tiles can be slippery when wet, making them a safety hazard. Others may require ...
Jun 11, 2023 · There are numerous options, from ceramic and porcelain tiles to even bamboo. We'll discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each material, helping you make an informed choice for your bathroom floor renovation. With the right knowledge, you can create a safe bathroom that reflects your personal style and is your private oasis.
People also ask
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Jan 11, 2023 · Shower mats can help prevent slips and falls: Up to 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, and a nonslip shower mat can decrease the likelihood of a fall on a wet surface.
