There's nothing quite like taking a deep soak in your bathtub. However, if your tub is getting worse for wear, you may be hesitant to use it as regularly as you'd like. Luckily, a bathtub refinishing company can help restore your tub to its original beauty. To ensure that you stay safe and your fixtures stay beautiful and functioning for years to come, here are some safety tips to consider in your bathroom.

1. Use a Bath Mat Without Suction Cups

Getting clean should be a comfortable and relaxing part of your day rather than a nerve-wracking one. Are you putting yourself in a dangerous situation where you may slip and fall? When people think of slips and falls, they think of a wet bathroom floor. However, a slippery bathtub surface can also cause a slip, especially for someone with mobility issues. You can solve this situation by using a bath mat.

That said, be mindful of the bath mat you choose. If you want to use a mat, be sure it doesn’t have suction cups, and make sure you remove it after every use so the tub can dry out in between uses. Plus, having a bath mat that's removable means you can always ensure that you keep your refinished tub clean.

2. Keep a Touch-Up Kit

Even with the best installation, your bathtub refinishing may get chips or nicks over time. You may want to add a little touch-up here or there as needed. However, you should always leave significant repairs to the professionals.

3. Minimize Water Leakage

Leaks are the bane of any homeowner's existence. Be sure to prevent leaks throughout your bathroom, especially in your newly refinished bathtub. After you take a bath, shower, or wash your hands, make sure that you turn off the faucets completely. In addition, listen out for dripping sounds after you've completed your bath or shower. Even if the faucet is completely turned off, you may have a leaky fixture. It doesn't take much for a leak to waste gallons of water in your home. As a matter of fact, according to the EPA, the average family can waste 180 gallons per week due to leaks somewhere in the home.

Ongoing leaks in your bathtub and other parts of your bathroom aren't just a matter of wasting water. Leaks can eventually lead to damage to your tub. FEMA reports that it only takes mold 24 to 72 hours to sprout in a wet environment. Don't let your newly refinished tub become sullied by mold or mildew developing around it. Once mold begins to develop in your home, it can put your respiratory health in jeopardy. When mold spores are released into the air, they can latch onto your lungs. According to Healthline, lung problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and lung infections can result.

4. Install Handrails

Don't be afraid to install hand wells for additional safety. If you have older relatives or people with mobility issues living in your home, handrails can be key to their day-to-day safety. With hand rails near your refinished tub, it's easy for someone to safely step into the tub and lift themselves out. As a result, they're less likely to have an accident due to slippage.

5. Install Proper Ventilation

Ventilation is a must in any bathroom for a number of reasons. When your bathtub is going through the refinishing process, proper ventilation will help speed up the curing process faster. Maintaining high ventilation can also help if you need any retouching work done on that tub.

While people often associate ventilation with reducing smells in the bathroom, it can also prevent humidity from creeping in. After all, the bathroom is often the wettest room in the home. After you take a bath, you may not think about wiping your bathtub down, as you're likely to wait for the remaining water to evaporate. However, if you have a stuffy bathroom that's humid, it may never really dry, which once again creates a breeding ground for mold.

In addition to refinishing your tub, you should install an in-wall or in-ceiling ventilation fan. In addition to a ventilation fan, why not install a bathroom window if your home's design allows it? A bathroom window serves many purposes. You can quickly open it for fresh air and prevent humidity from seeping in. You can also relax in your tub as you enjoy the sunrise, sunset, or the evening moonlight as a bonus.

6. Consider the Young Kids

Do you have little kids? If so, you should always monitor them in the bathroom. While the bathtub refinishing company is at work, you should ensure the little kids are out of sight. After all, you don't want them getting in the mix or playing in the bathroom before the refinishing surface has cured. Plus, while those fumes are in the air, you don't want them breathing them in, so it may be a good opportunity to send them to the grandparents for a few days.

However, childhood safety in the bathroom doesn't just involve when you're making repairs, such as bathtub refinishing. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, children under five account for almost 30% of approximately 110,000 bathtub and shower-related accidents reported annually. Make sure very young children never bathe on their own. Additionally, be sure to monitor the water temperature to ensure they don't burn themselves or freeze.

7. Keep the Bathroom Clean

As any bathtub refinishing company will tell you, it's important to keep your bathroom clean. Of course, they want to see it clean when they arrive, as it makes it easier for them to work without having to bump into things. But you should maintain strong cleanliness levels long after your bathtub has been refinished. A clean bathroom is one that's not susceptible to mold or attracting pests. You can keep your refinished surface safe by ensuring it's not eventually worn down by dirt, mold, mildew, and grime. Just make sure that you use the proper cleaning tools and products for your refinished surface so that you don't wear it off.

8. Monitor for Chips

Last but not least, make sure you monitor any chips that begin to creep into your refinished tub. Call Bath Magic if chips begin to develop and get bigger.

As you can see, there are many ways to practice safety in your bathroom, especially regarding your refinished bathtub. Monitor young children to ensure their safety. For a bathtub refinishing company that's always available if you're having any issues with your tub, contact our team at Bath Magic today.