8 Bathroom Storage Designs That Actually Make Cleaning Harder

Small bathrooms have limited space. If storage solutions aren’t designed correctly, not only will you struggle to find things, but they can also become breeding grounds for bacteria due to difficult cleaning. Today, we’re sharing 8 seemingly practical designs that actually skyrocket cleaning difficulty, helping you avoid these pitfalls before your renovation.

1. Fully Enclosed Shower Walls (No Threshold)

Many opt for all-glass shower enclosures for a clean look, eliminating the traditional water threshold. While this design is minimalist, the seams between the glass and the floor are prone to grime buildup and mold. After every shower, you’ll need to squeegee the floor and glass thoroughly. Any oversight will lead to soap scum and bacteria accumulating in the crevices.

2. Traditional Shower Curtain Tracks Under Waterproofing

To protect the ceiling, some homeowners install a ‘waterproof curtain’ above the shower curtain. In a consistently damp environment, this layer not only becomes moldy itself but also conceals the true condition of the ceiling. When it’s time to replace or clean this curtain, there’s a high chance of finding accumulated water and mold underneath, making removal and cleaning a nightmare.

3. Shag Carpet Flooring

To add warmth and texture to a cold bathroom, installing a shag carpet is a common choice. However, bathrooms are high in humidity and prone to water splashes, causing carpet fibers to easily absorb moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. Bacteria and dirt hidden deep within the fibers are impossible to remove with a standard vacuum, requiring regular deep cleaning, which is highly inconvenient.

4. Tiered Wet/Dry Area Design

For visual separation and easier drainage, some people design shower areas with tiered levels. The cleaning challenge with this design lies in the corners and crevices of the steps. Water and soap suds flow down the tiers, accumulating in the corners over time to form stubborn soap scum and mold that requires specialized brushes to clean.

5. Niches Fully Tiled with Wall Panels

To increase storage, many install niches in shower areas. However, if the entire niche is tiled with the same material and fitted with a full-width anti-fog glass door for aesthetic reasons, ventilation becomes extremely difficult. Moisture struggles to dissipate, and it’s hard to completely dry the corners during cleaning, leading to rapid mold growth inside the niche.

6. Tile Cover for Floor Drains

For aesthetic appeal, many designers use tile matching the floor as a cover for drain openings. While this creates excellent visual continuity, water often pools beneath these covers, and the gaps are extremely narrow. Hair, dust, and soap scum get trapped in these crevices, requiring the entire cover to be removed for cleaning. However, the removal process can easily damage the original drainage structure.

7. Sealed Bathroom Window Sills and Frames

For moisture resistance and ease of cleaning, some opt for completely sealed bathroom window frames and integrated waterproof materials for the sills. While this reduces seams, water spots still accumulate on the window itself. If the sealant strips inside the window frame age, moisture can seep into the walls, causing them to mold. In such cases, cleaning the exterior window won’t solve the problem, and internal repairs are extremely difficult.

8. Excessive Non-Removable Wall-Mounted Cabinets

To maximize overhead space, some design full-wall mounted cabinets. However, if these cabinets are permanently fixed and cannot be removed, the seams between the cabinet and the wall, the back of the cabinet, and the area underneath will become inaccessible cleaning dead zones. This is especially problematic if wall pipes require inspection or repair, as these cabinets become a major obstruction.

In summary, storage and cleaning in small bathrooms must strike a balance. While pursuing design aesthetics, always prioritize ‘cleanability’ and ‘ventilation’ to avoid facing difficult-to-manage dirty corners in the future.