Who doesn't hate cleaning the bathroom? Just when you want to settle down with a long brunch and the Sunday papers, you realise you haven't scrubbed the bath for a week. Wearily you snap on a pair of marigolds, fish the cleaning spray out from under the sink and trudge upstairs to do battle with the bathroom's bacteria.
Self-cleaning Bathrooms: the Background
But help could be at hand! Scientists in Australia have developed an environmentally-friendly surface coating containing special nanoparticles that could do the job of cleaning and disinfecting for us – meaning no more boring bathroom cleaning! It also means we can cut down on the amount of chemicals and cleaning products we use, making our homes greener and kinder to the planet.
Self-cleaning Bathrooms: The Science Bit
Scientists have created self-cleaning materials in the past, but they were limited to outdoor use because ultra-violet light was needed to activate the molecules in the coatings. These types of surface contain tiny particles of titanium dioxide, which become ‘excited' when they absorb ultraviolet light with a wavelength of less than 380 nanometres. This gives the particles an oxidising ability stronger than chlorine bleach.
Self-cleaning Bathrooms: Busting Bacteria
The new material is able to absorb light at higher wavelengths in visible light, such as indoor light bulbs, making it ideal for busting bathroom bacteria. It is also capable of killing the E.coli bacteria, so could be used widely in hospitals too. The oxidising properties mean fungus cannot grow on the surface, and because it is hydrophobic, water simply slides away from it, gathering dirt as it goes, rather than gathering as droplets.
Self-cleaning Bathrooms: Safe for Skins
Scientists at the Australian labs where the substance is being developed claim the coating would not have any adverse effect on human skin, and would be highly unlikely to cause any problems with skin irritations. As it would also prolong the life of surfaces in the bathroom, it means the environment would benefit as well.
Self-Cleaning Bathrooms: The Benefits
If this substance does come to market for widespread use, the benefits are endless. Not only could it provide a hygienic surface, making it ideal for families, but it would mean less time spent having to stay on top of bathroom bacteria – and more time spent perusing the papers at the weekend. Let's hope it's not too long before it gets the green light so we can throw away our rubber gloves!
Ideal Standard is Europe's leading contemporary brand, using award-winning designers to create bathrooms that blend style and luxury with functionality. We also provide bathroom accClick and Clean. The lower wheels and panels can be released to expose the for thorough cleaning. Panel then easily clicks back into position to ensure a water tight seal.essories, taps, mixers and furniture. To find out more, choose a design, or find your nearest showroom, just browse our website. Click CLICK technology.
The single lever basin mixer and bidet mixer
incorporate a CLICK feature that encourages
water saving – the user lifts the handle until they
feel a slight resistance. This resistance informs the
user that the fitting is delivering only 50% of its
maximum flow potential. Lifting the handle
further enables the fitting to deliver maximum
flow. CLICK technology is available on Idyll Two,
Ceramix, Ceraplan and Melange.on the Contact Us page for our hotline numbers to order a brochure, or do email us with any enquiry you might have.