Cleaning Supplies
- Keep powder room toilet bowls clean and sanitary with a good toilet brush, plunger, and toilet cleaning supplies. Scrub toilets before guests arrive.
- Stock disposable hand towels or small hand towels that can be easily washed between uses.
- Provide guests with liquid soap that is mounted on the wall or in a dispenser. Bar soap that sits in a shared dish can harbor germs.
- Offer hand sanitizer for an extra layer of cleanliness.
- Display an air freshener, bowl deodorizers, and scented candles to keep unwelcome odors at bay.
Amenities
- Offer a decorative box of facial tissues within easy reach. These come in handy for dabbing lipstick, blotting oil, or blowing noses.
- Keep the powder room stocked with basic beauty and toiletry items like hairspray, bobby pins, breath mints, mouthwash, and feminine products.
- Install a small covered wastebasket lined with an unused plastic grocery bag. Toss trash discreetly after use.
- Provide a box of spare toothbrushes and toothpaste for quick teeth brushing.
- Display clean hand towels and fancy guest soaps for washing hands.
Comfort Features
- Hang full length mirrors inside or outside the powder room door for quick appearance checks.
- Make sure there is adequate lighting for applying makeup and other grooming tasks. Consider adding a magnifying mirror.
- Play soft background music to muffle sounds and make the space feel relaxing.
- Keep extra toilet paper rolls easily accessible to avoid inconvenient shortages.
- Open powder room windows or turn on vent fans regularly to prevent stuffiness.
- Place a bowl of potpourri, scented candle, or essential oil diffuser inside to infuse pleasant aromas.
Decor Touches
- Adorn countertops and shelves with decorative soaps, candles, flowers, or other accents to enhance visual appeal.
- Display framed artwork, wall hangings, or shelves filled with collected objets on empty walls.
- Coordinate guest towels and other linens to tie the room’s colors and patterns together.
- Set out bowls of wrapped candies, mints, or snacks for nibbling.
- Add a small tabletop water dispenser with disposable cups for sipping and swallowing pills.
Extra Touches
- Place a bottle of wine, wine glasses, and an opener inside for impromptu unwinding.
- Include reading materials like magazines, books, and newspapers to entertain those who linger.
- Offer slippers in a basket for removing shoes during longer stays.
- Keep phone chargers and cords on hand for recharging dead batteries.
- Supply safety pins, sewing kits, stain remover wipes, and first aid essentials for wardrobe malfunctions.
Maintaining Order
- Give the powder room a quick straightening and restocking before the next rush of guests.
- Pour freshener down toilet bowls and give fixtures a wipedown after heavy usage.
- Replace hand towels, tidy counters, remove trash, and refresh air fresheners/candles.
- Check supply levels of soaps, toilet paper, and other items so they don’t run low.
- Wash all linens, towels, and decorative covers after each event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I avoid keeping in my powder room?
Avoid cluttering the space with too many knick-knacks or non-essential items. Also refrain from displaying private prescriptions, medications, or family photos.
How often should I deep clean the powder room?
Give the powder room a thorough scrub-down including sanitizing surfaces, scrubbing floors, and cleaning windows at least monthly.
Where should wastebaskets be placed?
Position small wastebaskets near the toilet and vanity but out of the main traffic flow. Use liners for easy emptying.
Should I provide powder room towels or hand dryers?
Good quality hand towels lend a touch of luxury but require laundering. Hand dryers are more hygienic but can be loud. Offer guests both options if possible.
What scent products smell best?
Citrus, vanilla, floral, and light clean scents are crowd-pleasing powder room fragrances. Avoid heavy musk or spice scents that may be overpowering.
How do I make a powder room feel more spacious?
Use a wall-mounted sink, slender toilet, and small vanity to minimize bulky furnishings. Also install mirrors and light colors to open up the space.
Conclusion
Stocking your powder room with plentiful cleaning supplies, pampering amenities, soothing comforts, and special touches can transform an often overlooked utilitarian space into an oasis. Your efforts will allow guests to refresh, regroup, and relax freely during social gatherings and ensure your powder room leaves a lasting positive impression. With a little planning and TLC, you can create the ultimate powder room worthy of your gracious hospitality.
