The Home Depot Find That Keeps Bathroom Floors Dry With Minimal Installation
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There's nothing worse than getting your socks wet because water got on the floor from a previous shower. While nothing can be done for the people who leave a puddle when exiting the tub, something can be done to prevent water from leaking out the sides of the curtain during shower time. The solution is adhesive splash guards. They keep water from pooling on the floor beside your bathtub or sink, helping floors to stay dry and preventing slips or moisture buildup. Home Depot sells an eye-catching Clear Acrylic Bathroom Splash Guard set that has a cool ice-like design and, perhaps even cooler, an easy adhesive installation — no drilling required.
Each corner-shaped guard comes with an adhesive backing, so all you have to do is peel off the protective cover and press it into the desired spot. For reference, each guard measures 8½ inches tall and 7⅖ inches wide. Due to their orientation, they'll likely fit best on the outer corners of alcove (combined shower and bathtub) or drop-in styles where the edge of the tub creates a right angle with the wall. It's important to note that this product isn't meant to replace a shower curtain liner, but can be used alongside one to ensure water stays inside the enclosure. Installing a guard on either side of the tub can help minimize leaks caused by gaps between the wall and the curtain. Due to its size and shape, this product isn't suitable for freestanding tubs or showers.
Tips for installing these splash guards to help reduce water spills
In addition to bathtub corners, you can also adhere these small splash guards to the sides of square sinks to catch water spills from the faucet when you wash your hands or face. Regardless of where you use them in your bathroom, they can serve a dual purpose as a barrier to keep toiletries from falling over the edge of surfaces. This could be especially beneficial if you're used to balancing your face wash or hair care products on a narrow ledge. However, if you're trying to create a waterproof barrier to make bath time less of a splash-fest, this product might not be as effective. This is because it's designed to fit on corners instead of covering the entire length of the tub.
Refer to the instructions that come with the product before installing it on non-tile surfaces, especially if you're a renter — you don't want to add drywall repair to your to-do list to get your deposit back because the adhesive wouldn't budge. Make sure the area is clean and dry before attaching the adhesive splash guards. The adhesive may also need time to set before exposing the area to water when showering or using the sink. The guards themselves are waterproof, so they're built for moisture-laden environments. However, it could be helpful to wipe off collected water occasionally to prevent mold and mildew buildup in the area. Pair these splash guards with a moisture-resistant, non-slip rug for added functionality and bathroom safety. The Home Depot sells a quick-drying bath mat that's worth checking out.