While many of us love the satisfaction of a sparkling bathroom, most of us would agree that we don’t want to spend hours cleaning it (unless you’re Mrs Hinch, of course). We’re all looking for ways to make cleaning the bathroom a quicker and easier task.
So, if you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, why not use the opportunity to your advantage? With some clever design decisions, you can cut down your cleaning time to a minimum.
On that note, let’s talk through how you can design an easy-clean bathroom!
Wall tiles can get dirty very quickly, especially in your shower enclosure. Dirt and soap scum builds up on tiles and in grout lines, and it can be a time-consuming task to get things looking clean again. The solution? Swap out the wall tiles for waterproof wall panels.
Wall panels are low-maintenance, grout-free and incredibly easy to clean; just wipe them down with warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner. Our best-selling wall panels are available in a variety of designs and colours, so you don’t have to sacrifice on style. You could even choose wall panels with a tile-effect design to get the best of both worlds.
The bathroom floor can be one of the most tedious areas of the bathroom to clean. With such regular footfall, dirt and grime can accumulate quickly. That’s why it’s useful to choose flooring that needs minimal maintenance.
If you’re going for floor tiles, choose a style with a matte finish. This texture tends to be more forgiving on imperfections like dirt, smudges and water spots. They generally don’t need to be cleaned as frequently as glossy tiles; no more mopping daily just to keep the floor looking presentable.
Another helpful tip is to choose larger floor tiles; larger tiles mean fewer grout lines to clean.
While we’re on the topic of grout, a great idea is to choose grout in a dark colour, like black or dark grey. Dirt is less visible on darker coloured grout, so it won’t require as much upkeep to maintain its appearance.
Alternatively, you could ditch the tiles altogether and choose vinyl flooring instead. Multipanel Vinyl Flooring is grout-free and easy to clean. It also comes in a variety of stylish designs, so you can find the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Some might say that all toilets are much alike. However, this isn’t true when it comes to cleaning. Standard close coupled toilets can be tricky to clean. With lots of curves and tiny crevices, it’s easy for dirt to build up.
Back to wall toilets are a great option for easy cleaning. With a concealed cistern and fully back to wall design, there are no awkward crevices for grime to accumulate, making cleaning quick and easy. Our Forth Back to Wall Toilet is a great option; with a sleek and modern design, this toilet wipes clean with ease.
Cleaning the bathroom floor can be an annoying task when you have lots of bulky fixtures to manoeuvre around. Small crevices around furniture and sanitary ware can gather a build-up of dirt and dust that’s tricky to clean. Wall hung fixtures can eliminate this issue, giving you full access to clean the floor with ease.
Items like wall hung toilets, wall mounted basins and wall hung vanity units are all great options for an easy-clean bathroom. They’re simple to clean, they give ample access for sweeping and mopping the floor and they add a stylish, minimalist look.
A shower handset is a useful tool for cleaning your bathroom. It can be used to hose down your shower tray and tiles to minimise the build-up of soap scum.
Shower enclosures can be notoriously difficult to clean. Chrome frames and handles are breeding grounds for dirt and grime, and it can take a fair amount of maintenance to keep it clean. Opt for a walk in shower enclosure instead.
Walk in shower screens, like the Hudson Reed Chrome Wetroom Screen, feature a simple design with minimal framing, so cleaning is effortless. A glass return screen is also a useful addition, as it prevents any soapy splashes from spraying into the rest of the bathroom.
And there we have it: our tips for designing an easy-clean bathroom. Cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to take an eternity; with the right design, it can be quick and easy! Will you be trying out any of these ideas?
Black tapware is a trend that has become increasingly popular in the last few years. With monochrome becoming the staple bathroom design that everyone gravitates towards, it’s no surprise that black taps have become a highly sought-after feature.
Black taps are perfect if you’re looking to add something different to your bathroom design. Matte black taps can turn a plain bathroom design into something stylish and contemporary.
You’ve seen this trend popping up all over Pinterest and Instagram. Now you can shop the look right here at Wholesale Domestic, at an affordable price. Trying out the black tap trend doesn’t have to cost the earth.
We’re going to talk you through our range of budget-friendly black taps, with a few tips on how to use them in your home.
This tap is the height of modern design. With smooth curved lines and a bold geometric shape, this tap adds a contemporary touch to any bathroom.
Highly versatile, this tap sits perfectly on most standard basins. A perfect fit for a modern basin, it looks especially stunning paired with our City White Gloss Vanity Unit and Basin. Use this tap as part of a modern bathroom design for a fashionable look.
Like its bigger cousin, this tap features an eye-catching geometric design. The difference is that this tap features a smaller width and height, with a shorter projection.
This tap is a great option for smaller basins that can look dwarfed by larger taps. It’s ideal for use in a small bathroom or cloakroom; a great feature to impress houseguests.
This tap features a high rise design that’s made exclusively to match a counter top basin. Both practical and fashionable, it has a chic and dramatic look that adds a stylish edge to your bathroom.
The Flow Black Bath Filler Tap has a distinctive, elegant design that will complement your modern bath perfectly. This tap coordinates perfectly with any of the Flow Black Basin Taps.
This practical bath filler tap is both functional and stylish, adding a dramatic flair to even the simplest of baths. It’s a stunning match for any modern bath.
The Flow Black Bath Shower Mixer Tap, like its bath filler counterpart, features a striking modern design. This tap, however, comes with the convenient feature of a shower handset. This allows the tap to turn into an efficient shower; a practical feature that’s perfect for a family bathroom.
For something more unique, the Flow Black 4 Hole Bath Shower Mixer Tap is the perfect choice. This tap features a geometric shape with a narrow spout; a unique design that creates a stunning focal point.
The black mixer tap is as functional as it is fashionable. Complete with a useful shower attachment, it’s perfect for any family bathroom.
With a clean and futuristic look, this tap looks stunning with any modern bath and is the perfect fit for a minimalist bathroom design.
The Flow Freestanding Bath Shower Mixer Tap is the standout product of our black tapware range. Made solely for use with freestanding baths, this elegant tap makes a strong visual statement.
This freestanding bath tap features a unique and eye-catching shape. A single square column is topped off with a distinctive arched mixer design. This stunning tap adds an air of sophistication and glamour to any bathroom.
The beauty of black taps lies in their simplicity. These versatile taps will look stunning as part of any modern bathroom design.
Black taps match perfectly with monochrome bathroom décor. We’ve combined them with white walls and black floor tiles for a striking look. These taps are well-suited for a simple, minimalist bathroom design.
How do I clean black taps?
Black taps might seem intimidating when it comes to cleaning, but it’s actually very straightforward. Simply clean with mild soapy water, then dry gently to avoid water marks. Steer clear of using any abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals to avoid scratching the matte surface. For daily dust and dirt, wipe down with a microfiber cloth to keep your black taps looking good.
What do you think of the black tap trend? Would you add this look to your bathroom design?
During these freezing cold winter months, what better time is there to talk about one of our favourite products: underfloor heating.
Underfloor heating is a heating system that sits underneath your floor tiles to heat them; this heat then rises up to warm the rest of the room. Our underfloor heating features a heated mat design. The Trademat+ consists of a series of electrical cables that are held in position by a mat and fitted underneath your tiles.
Underfloor heating is more than just a luxury; it can be an incredibly useful investment for your bathroom.
So, without further ado, here are 10 reasons that you might want to consider underfloor heating for your new bathroom.
1. It’s more affordable than you think
You might expect underfloor heating to be a major financial investment, but it might be more affordable than you think. While the price of installation can vary, the price of the system itself is very reasonable.
Our underfloor heating mats are available in various dimensions to suit any size of bathroom. Prices range from £99.95 for 1m2 to £199.95 for 5m2. The accompanying touch-screen timerstat is available for £59.95. For the UK average bathroom size of 4m2, that’s under £240 for your underfloor heating materials.*
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
2. It keeps your tiles warm
I think we can all agree: stepping out of a hot shower onto freezing cold tiles is a horrible experience, especially during the winter months. Underfloor heating will keep your bathroom tiles warm and toasty; you’ll never have to complain about cold floors again.
One of the main benefits of underfloor heating is that it can be used as a single heat source in your bathroom. If you live in a well-insulated building, you can use underfloor heating in lieu of a radiator to keep your bathroom warm.
Underfloor heating can give you more freedom in your bathroom design. You can plan out your new bathroom layout without having to worry about where to put a radiator. This is also useful for small bathrooms that lack the extra wall space needed for a radiator.
If you live in an older building with poor insulation, you may need an additional heat source during very cold weather. You could install a small heated towel rail in conjunction with your underfloor heating; it will add extra heat during the winter months and can be used to warm your towels the rest of the year, so it doesn’t feel like a wasted appliance.
4. Cost-effective heating
Underfloor heating has the significant advantage of being more cost-effective than other heating methods. Underfloor heating operates at a lower temperature than conventional heating to warm the room consistently and evenly.
With a steady, low-level temperature, underfloor heating can be more cost-effective to run than radiators or heated towels rails. The Trademat+ uses approximately 1p per hour, per m2.
With underfloor heating, you can get the same effect as a radiator or heated towel rail, while also saving money and energy.
5. Easy-install
Our electric underfloor heating system features “Tack n Stick” technology, which allows for easy installation. The underside of the heating mat has a tacky adhesive, which enables you to position and re-position the mat before cutting, without risk of movement. The underside also has strips of adhesive tape which hold the mat in place, ready for tiling. Installation is quick and simple, so you won’t have to spend days waiting for your tradesman to install it.
Our underfloor heating is controlled by a Touch-Screen Timerstat. This can be installed in a convenient location in your bathroom and is designed for recessed fitting. The Timerstat controls when your heating turns on and off, as well as the temperature.
With touch-screen functionality, the Timerstat is incredibly easy and convenient to use. It can be programmed to turn on the heat at a certain time, like the timer on your boiler, so the room is warm and cosy for you getting up in the morning. It can also be used to manually turn the heat on and off as and when required.
7. Suitable for wet rooms
Underfloor heating has the unique benefit of being suitable for use in wet rooms. Traditional heating fixtures, like radiators and heated towel rails, are not ideal for use in wet rooms; the high levels of condensation can cause them to rust. Underfloor heating is a great alternative for heating your wet room.
8. Prevents mildew
Damp and mildew is a common problem in bathrooms, due to the moist, cold conditions. Underfloor heating can help with this. Underfloor heating provides a constant low level of heat, that can’t be feasibly provided with a radiator. This heat keeps the room warm and dries out excess moisture and condensation, which helps to prevent damp and mildew from forming.
9. Safe for the whole family
Underfloor heating is a great heating option for families with young children. This low-level heat source is safer for young children than radiators or heated towel rails, as it eliminates the risk of burned fingers.
Underfloor heating is also ideal for homes with pets. It prevents your pets from burning themselves on hot radiators, and also gives them a cosy place to lie down.
10. Lifetime guarantee
Our underfloor heating mats come with a lifetime guarantee for your peace of mind. If there’s ever a problem with your underfloor heating, you can get it fixed or replaced without a problem.
Are you interested in fitting underfloor heating in your bathroom? You can browse our full range of underfloor heating here.
Still not sure if underfloor heating is right for you? Visit our showroom in Hillington, or give us a call on 0333 255 5845, and one of our experienced staff members will be happy to talk you through your options!
The new year is upon us and we’re all feeling that itch to redecorate. However, many of us aren’t lucky enough to be able to afford a full new bathroom a month after Christmas.
Luckily, there are ways that you can revamp your bathroom décor without breaking the bank. So, without further ado, let’s talk about how to update your bathroom on a budget for 2019.
The first step to revamping your bathroom is to declutter and organise. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it can make to get everything looking neat and tidy.
Hunt down all those non-essential items that are taking up space and get rid of them. Expired toiletries and medications, old ripped towels and unwanted products are all things that can be cleared out.
When you’re finished decluttering, organise what you have left with clever storage solutions. Shower caddies and baskets are perfect for keeping all your bathroom toiletries looking neat. A suction shower caddy, like our Super Suction Vertex Adjustable Shower Caddy, is a great option. It doesn’t require drilling, making installation a breeze!
Another excellent option for bathroom storage is to install floating bathroom shelves. Our shelves are available in a variety of colours and are useful for storing your bathroom essentials, without taking up extra space. These shelves are also great for displaying small items, like decorative trinkets and houseplants.
One low-cost thing that can make your bathroom feel like new again is to freshen up your grout. Old, dirt-stained grout is a big tell-tale sign that your bathroom needs an upgrade. Give your grout lines a thorough cleaning with baking soda and vinegar to make it look good as new. For more information on how to clean your grout, check out our post here.
If your grout is too far gone to salvage, another option is to regrout your tiles. This process is fairly simple and can make a huge difference to the look of your bathroom. This is also a great opportunity to change the décor of your bathroom; choose a different colour of grout to create a whole new look.
Paint the walls
Painting your bathroom walls is a great way to change the appearance of your bathroom. This is a fairly inexpensive update that, depending on the size of the room, shouldn’t take too long to complete. However, a simple change like this can create a whole new décor theme for your bathroom.
Your choice of colour is likely to depend on other items in your bathroom, like tiles and furniture. But this could be a great opportunity to experiment with colour. Dark colours, like black and navy-blue, are very on-trend and can make any bathroom look more stylish. For a more neutral option, try warm, sandy colours. These tones are very fashionable and add an elegant,sophisticated look.
One simple, very effective way to update your bathroom is to replace your tapware. Replacing your taps is a fairly easy job to do yourself. Plus, with taps available from as little as £20.95, it’s a budget-friendly way to change up your bathroom décor.
Replacing your taps gives you a chance to experiment with different designs. Choose something bold to change the look of your bathroom. A stylish waterfall tap, like our Cubix Waterfall Mono Basin Mixer Tap, adds a modern, designer feel. Alternatively, you could experiment with colour; choose on-trend black taps, like our Flow Black Basin Mixer Tap, to make a strong visual statement.
When picking out your taps, make sure to choose matching taps for your basin and bath. Most of our basin taps are available with matching bath filler taps, so you can create a stylish, co-ordinated look.
If you have the extra floor space, adding in a new piece of furniture is a great way to update your bathroom.
Modernise the room with a small storage unit. Our Alexander James storage units are a great choice. As stylish as they are functional, these units will add a modern touch to your bathroom. The units also come pre-assembled for your convenience, so it couldn’t be easier to revamp your bathroom.
Another great furniture option is a stylish ladder shelf. The Lisbon 4 Tier Ladder Shelf features a unique design that adds a contemporary and elegant look to any bathroom. This versatile unit is ideal for both storage and decoration. Place small baskets on the shelves to neatly store all your bathroom essentials, or use it to display decorative accessories.
Another useful bathroom update is to install a heated towel rail. An electric heated towel rail is an easy and affordable way to revamp your bathroom. This type of towel rail plugs directly into your electric system. As it doesn’t require access to the boiler, installation couldn’t be simpler.
Your choice of heated towel rail can completely change the appearance of your bathroom. Choose one in a stylish grey shade, like our Marco Curved Grey Electric Towel Rail, to add a touch of elegance.
Accessories are, by far, the easiest and most affordable way to update your bathroom.
A new mirror can completely change the appearance of your bathroom. Choose something small, like our Soho Arch Mirror, for a subtle, but stylish look. Alternatively, if you want to treat yourself, you could invest in a sleek Bluetooth mirror.
New fixtures can also make a difference to your bathroom décor. Replace all your essential fixtures, like your towel ring and toilet roll holder, with matching ones for a brand new look.
Finish off your revamp with a few small accessories to place on your storage unit. Choose a new toothbrush holder and soap dish to match your updated décor.
As you can see, updating your bathroom doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. We hope you found these tips helpful. Are you planning on revamping your bathroom in 2019?
Established in 1963 Wholesale Domestic was founded by Walter Toward Senior. Fast forward 56 years, and the company has evolved into Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms which is now the leading bathroom supplier in Scotland. Joint CEO’s Derek & Walter Toward, sons of Walter Senior, remain owners to this day and lead the business with Brian Toward, Derek’s son. Collectively; they will take Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms into the future. Fundamentally, the Towards believe that the evolution of this great family business is a direct result of the fantastic people who have worked alongside them over the years.
This high regard for the extended ‘Wholesale Domestic Family’ was felt on January 11th 2019 when Tommy Sneddon, an employee with over 43 years of service to the company, hung up his high vis jacket for the final time. The company celebrated his departure from the business with a retirement lunch, where all 65 staff gathered to say their good byes and wish Tommy well. Stories were shared, tears were shed and whiskey was drank; it was the perfect send of for a Wholesale Domestic legend.
Tommy (left) and Walter (right) point to 1975, the year Tommy started working for Wholesale Domestic
Tommy started his journey working in Argyle Street store as a delivery driver. During his 43 years Tommy worked in many roles for the business and finished his time working at the company’s new 133,000ft warehouse and dispatch centre. Tommy heard about the job through his brother in law who told Tommy it would a job for life. Little did Tommy know that this is exactly what it what it would turn out to be.
Tommy in his Wholesale Domestic van
During his leaving speech Tommy shared some fantastic memories of his time at Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms, he said
“Over the years I have been well looked after by the Toward family. It’s not every day that you get to work with three generations from the same family. I was signed onto the company by Walter Senior, a great man and 43 years later I was signed off by his Son Walter Junior, a friend.”
“My fondest memories include our brilliant nights out, I loved nothing more than when we were all together. The Towards became my extended family, the brothers I never had. I am very grateful for what they offered me in terms of employment and support.”
Left to right: Brian Toward, Derek Toward, Tommy Sneddon, Walter Toward
Tommy’s time with the company was filled with both work and play. He recalled
“We also enjoyed a practical joke or two and would often ambush Walter Junior with elastic bands and paper bullets until he could take no more. We also made a secret rope swing in the rafters while cleaning the roof A frames of the warehouse and would enjoy swinging about when we were supposed to be doing other things. We still laugh about our antics to this day.”
Wholesale Domestic has gone through many changes over the years, and Tommy has been there through it all. He continues to be amazed at how much the company has developed. When recalling the extensive company growth, Tommy summed it up in true Glasgow style
“It was like going from an end terrace to a mansion that we filled with great folk along the way. Quite unbelievable really”
Left to right: Scott Muldoon, Tommy Sneddon, Mateusz Stengierski, Jim Smith
Tommy was known by everyone for his dedication to getting the job done. He was nonstop and always on the go enjoying every minute. His diligence and commitment to the company can’t be understated. His absence record, or lack thereof, is one to be revered; 10 days in 43 years! So committed to his job, he once worked for 10 months straight without a day off; in his words “the big boss (Walter Senior) went mad when he found out and made sure he took the next few weekends off”.
Working for Wholesale Domestic meant a great deal to Tommy. He couldn’t have been more appreciative about how well he had been looked after during his time here. He summed up his time in three words
“enjoyable, pleasurable and privileged”.
Tommy
It’s almost impossible to put into words the contribution that Tommy had made to Wholesale Domestic over the last 43 years. He’s truly part of the brickwork that has made this company what it is today. The Toward Family and everyone at Wholesale Domestic wishes Tommy all the best in his well-earned retirement; it is agreed by all that it definitely won’t be the same without you.
Multipanel Linda Barker Dolce Macchiato Unlipped Bathroom Wall Panel
Forth Back to Wall Toilet with Soft Close Seat 
Club 600mm Basin and Half Height Pedestal
Ultra Thermostatic Bar Valve and Telescopic Kit
Hudson Reed Chrome Wetroom Screen 1400mm x 1950mm 
