From Blah to Spa: Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Shower

Unless you’re a diehard water conservationist, you’ll spend about 6,000 hours in the shower during your lifetime. That’s about the same amount of time it would take you to run 1,200 marathons!

Since you’re going to spend so much quality time in there, why not upgrade the experience a bit? Here are five improvements you can make in just a few minutes that will improve your shower without emptying your pocketbook.

Improve the water pressure.

If your current showerhead used to be awesome but hasn’t been pulling its water-pressure weight lately, there’s an easy solution!

Restore it to its original glory with an overnight soak, which will extract buildup caused by mineral deposits.

All you need is a plastic bag, vinegar, baking soda and a rubber band and get ready for better water pressure in the morning!

Swap out your showerhead.

Sometimes, even the deepest clean isn’t enough to fix things. If your showerhead is truly over-the-hill, treat yourself to a replacement.

We found this easy-to-install, energy efficient showerhead online for under $20.

While more high-end options are available, this one provides a great bang for your buck and is also good for the earth (green points FTW).

Create a tropical feel.

Add some life to your shower with plants! They’ll clean the air and promote a feeling of tranquility and optimism – is there a better way to start your day?

Place some potted bamboo on your windowsill or attach a hook in the ceiling above the shower for a hanging plant.

A few types of vegetation that do well in diffused or dimly lit areas are Philodendron, Ficus and Bamboo. (Bikini and Mai-Tai are optional, but highly encouraged.)

Buy a new curtain.

Nothing says “my bathroom has personality” like a unique shower curtain.

If your goal is relaxation, think about the tone of your bathroom and choose a complimentary, soothing color (light blues and greens promote calmness and serenity).

While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to wash or replace your shower liner.

For detailed instructions, read: Clean Your Shower Curtain.

Get organized.

His and Hers shower caddies can be just as life-changing (and relationship-saving) as separate closets.

Keep bath products organized by designating separate areas of the shower for each person, or invest in a double-sided caddy.

If you’re the sole shower-inhabitant, it’s still a good idea to change out your old caddy every year or so, since they tend to accrue soap scum and develop rust over time.