Expert-Approved Tips For A Safer Kitchen And Bath

Clean drinking water, no-slip bathroom surfaces and safe lighting can be yours with just a little time and DIY-savvy

By The LifeMinute Team

September 16, 2017

Matt Muenster from HGTV and DIY network hosts Bath Crashers--so he knows a thing or two about making your kitchen and bath not only attractive, but safe.

Safe Drinking Water

The only positive outcome from the recent disaster in Flint, Michigan is that we have learned a lot about keeping our water clean and drinkable. "It's a huge deal. And it's not just Flint," says Muenster. "Over 2,000 communities have tested positive for lead in their drinking water since Flint."

Among the many undesirable substances you'll find in your water: Microbial cysts, the taste and smell of chlorine, sand, rust, and soil, as well as lead. The answer? A trusted filtration system. "Right in front of me is a water filtration system from a company called 3M. It takes 99.3% of these out of your drinking water, brining peace of mind to parents," he says.

Easy Instillation

IF you're DIY-savvy at all installation will take you ten minutes. At $.25-.$30 a day, it's very affordable. "Out of sight, out of mind," says the host. You can use any faucet you like, and the water stream has the correct pressure--you'll never have to deal with an annoying trickle."

We rely on clean drinking water every minute: Wether you're brushing your teeth, boiling water or making formula for your baby, being able to trust the cleanliness is tantamount.

No-Slip Surfaces

Slipping on wet tile in your bathroom is incredibly dangerous. To avoid breaking your arm--or worse--consider adding a bit of texture to your tiles, suggests Muenster. "Or add grout. Anytime your foot can step on a surface that has a little bit of texture you're giving yourself a chance not to fall."

Creative Lighting

"Beautiful fixtures, chandeliers, sconces, lighting behind your mirror--all that is the sexy stuff. But it's the interesting stuff that I like the most, like that little area underneath your vanity. That toekick area," says Muenster, who suggests installing LED strip lighting in that area, perhaps hooking it up to a light switch that may even have a motion sensor. "You stroll into the bathroom in the middle of the night, you flip on the light--or don't flip on the lights because the motion sensor caught it. You've got enough light to get in, get the job done and get out with that LED strip lighting," he says.

Flexible Flooring

When it comes to the kitchen, a lot of people think it's either hardwoods or tile. Says Muenster: "I'm going to add a few things to the list for you. Cork or vinyl. Vinyl isn't a dirty word! There are some beautiful luxury tiles out there. And they're soft underfoot, beautiful textures and finishes. Stuff that will fool you." They're easy to install, and are softer than standing on hardwoods. "It's standing on that hard surface all day that you feel it in your lower back when you're slaving away in the kitchen. Also, a material that's a little bit softer that can also absorb a dropped glass occasionally or a plate."

Clean Countertops

Countertop space is at a premium in the kitchen. So that knife block that stores all your knives beautifully still takes up a chunk of space. "I eliminated it years ago. Now I install a magnetic strip in my backsplash when I'm done washing my knives after I'm done using them. Click! Just slap them up against that backsplash. I don't mind seeing my knives. But I also like them off my countertop. Plus they are a little farther out of reach for my son. And I think there is a safety and aesthetic solution all wrapped up in one right there," Muenster says.

Follow Muenster @mattmuenster on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For more information about the water filtration system from 3M, go to Loews.com or visit any Loews nationwide.

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