The 5-Minute Fix: How to Silence That Annoying Running Toilet Without Calling a Plumber
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The 5-Minute Fix: How to Silence That Annoying Running Toilet Without Calling a Plumber

It’s 2 a.m. You’re half-asleep when the hiss… drip… hiss starts again. That running toilet isn’t just annoying—it’s draining your wallet and wasting thousands of gallons of water. A plumber? $150+ for a 5-minute job.

Stop.

You don’t need tools, experience, or a pro. Three common culprits cause 95% of running toilets—and each fix takes under 5 minutes. You’ll silence the noise, save $200+ yearly, and cut water waste by up to 4,000 gallons daily.

Grab a towel. Let’s fix it—now.

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What Is a Rain Shower Showerhead?
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

What Is a Rain Shower Showerhead?

A rain shower showerhead transforms your bathroom into a spa-like retreat, delivering a gentle, cascading flow that mimics natural rainfall. Unlike standard showerheads with focused jets, rain showerheads have a wide, flat surface that disperses water evenly over a larger area, creating a luxurious and relaxing shower experience. Popular in modern and eco-conscious bathrooms, they combine style, comfort, and water-saving features. This guide explains what a rain shower showerhead is, its key features, benefits, and considerations to help you decide if it’s right for your sustainable bathroom in 2025.

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What Is the Ideal Type of Countertop for Your Eco-Friendly Bathroom?
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

What Is the Ideal Type of Countertop for Your Eco-Friendly Bathroom?

If you’ve been working through a January Reset or slowly building your own Zero-Waste Sanctuary, you know that the bathroom is the heart of a healthy home. But while we focus a lot on the soaps we use and the plants we grow, the "bones" of the room matter just as much.

Your countertop is the real workhorse of the space. It has to handle heat from styling tools, constant splashes from the kids, and the occasional spilled bottle of essential oil. In the past, choosing "eco-friendly" usually meant you had to give up on durability, but honestly, that just isn't true anymore.

Between you and me, the best countertop isn't just the one that looks the part; it's the one that won't end up in a landfill in ten years because it warped, stained, or cracked. Let’s look at the options that actually hold up to real life.

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Carpet or Tile: What Is Better for the Bathroom?
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Carpet or Tile: What Is Better for the Bathroom?

Choosing between carpet and tile for your bathroom can significantly impact hygiene, maintenance, and style. Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, so the right flooring choice is crucial for preventing mold, ensuring safety, and creating a sustainable space. This guide compares carpet and tile, exploring their pros, cons, and best use cases to help you decide what’s better for your bathroom in 2025.

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Why Is There Water on My Windows? Understanding (and Fixing) Window Condensation
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Why Is There Water on My Windows? Understanding (and Fixing) Window Condensation

It’s a cold January morning. You walk into your bathroom, and the first thing you notice isn't the beautiful Cast Iron Plant on the counter, it’s the streaks of water running down the glass and pooling on the wooden windowsill.

In the industry, we call this "sweating windows," and it’s one of the most common complaints I hear during the winter months. While a little bit of fog might seem harmless, as a builder, I see it as a warning light. That water is a signal that the "health" of your home’s air and the efficiency of your windows are out of balance.

If left unchecked, that moisture can lead to black mold, peeling paint, and eventually, rotted window frames. Let’s break down exactly why this happens and what you can do to keep your Sustainable Sanctuary dry and healthy.

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Why Fan Location in the Bathroom Matters (And Where to Place It for Maximum Efficiency)
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Why Fan Location in the Bathroom Matters (And Where to Place It for Maximum Efficiency)

You’ve finally finished the renovation: sleek new tiles, a water-saving rainfall showerhead, and a fresh coat of low-VOC paint. But every time you step out of the shower, the room feels like a tropical rainforest. The mirror is fogged for an hour, the walls are "sweating," and a faint, musty smell begins to linger in the corners.

The culprit is rarely the fan itself—it is almost always where the fan is sitting. In the eco-friendly home niche, we talk a lot about air quality and "breathable" spaces. Bathroom fans are not just about removing odors; they are your primary mechanical defense against structural decay and toxic mold. This guide breaks down the science of air movement and the 2026 standards for bathroom ventilation.

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Why Bamboo Is Perfect to Use in the Bathroom
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Why Bamboo Is Perfect to Use in the Bathroom

When you think of upgrading your bathroom, you might think of cold materials: chrome faucets, white porcelain, and glass dividers. While these look clean, they can often leave a space feeling sterile and "hospital-like."

To bring warmth back into the room, many designers turn to wood. But there is a problem: wood and water generally do not mix. High humidity causes traditional oak or pine to warp, crack, and rot.

Enter Bamboo.

Technically a grass rather than a tree, bamboo has rapidly become the gold standard for bathroom accessories. From bath mats to toothbrush holders, this material isn't just an aesthetic choice—it is a functional powerhouse. It is naturally antibacterial, incredibly water-resistant, and stronger than many hardwoods.

If you are looking to banish plastic from your home and create a sanctuary that feels like a Balinese spa, here is why bamboo should be your material of choice.

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The Ultimate Guide to Renter-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades That Look High-End
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The Ultimate Guide to Renter-Friendly Bathroom Upgrades That Look High-End

Living in a rental (or a home you aren't ready to gut-renovate yet) often means living with someone else’s questionable design choices.

Maybe it’s the "landlord special" beige paint, the chipped linoleum floors, or a vanity light that looks like it belongs in a backstage dressing room circa 1985. You want a spa-like sanctuary, but your lease says "no permanent changes."

The good news? You don't need a sledgehammer to transform a space.

The era of "Renter-Friendly" design has exploded. We now have access to high-quality, removable materials that look and feel just like the real thing. You can cover ugly floors, swap outdated hardware, and upgrade your lighting—all without risking your security deposit.

Here is the PureBathBliss guide to the "No-Demo Renovation." These 5 upgrades are fully reversible, eco-conscious, and can be done in a single weekend.

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Is Your Bathroom Guest-Ready? The 5-Minute "Spa Upgrade" Checklist for Holiday Hosting
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Is Your Bathroom Guest-Ready? The 5-Minute "Spa Upgrade" Checklist for Holiday Hosting

The holidays are here, which means your home is likely about to be filled with family, friends, and dinner guests. You have probably scrubbed the kitchen and fluffed the living room pillows—but have you checked the bathroom?

The bathroom is the one room where your guests will be alone, uninterrupted, looking at the details. It is also the room that can cause the most anxiety for hosts.

You don't need a renovation to impress your visitors. With just a few strategic tweaks, you can turn a standard powder room into a boutique hotel experience. Here is the 5-minute checklist to make your bathroom "guest-ready" on a budget.

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What Is the Ideal Type of Countertop for Your Bathroom?
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

What Is the Ideal Type of Countertop for Your Bathroom?

Choosing the ideal bathroom countertop transforms your space, balancing style, durability, and functionality. With daily exposure to water, soap, and humidity, bathroom countertops must withstand wear while maintaining a hygienic, eco-friendly aesthetic. From natural stone to budget-friendly laminates, the best countertop depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and design goals. This guide explores key factors and popular materials to help you find the perfect countertop for your sustainable bathroom.

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Why Is My Bathroom Caulk Turning Black? (The Mold Cycle & Natural Fixes)
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Why Is My Bathroom Caulk Turning Black? (The Mold Cycle & Natural Fixes)

You’ve scrubbed it with bleach. You’ve attacked it with a toothbrush. Two weeks later, the black (or pink) spots are back, mocking you from the tub-tile seam.

That’s not dirt. That’s mold living inside your caulk.

Here’s exactly why it happens, why bleach is making it worse, and the only two real solutions—one natural cleaning method that works, and one decisive replacement protocol when cleaning is no longer enough.

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Essential Tools for a Flawless DIY Bathroom Paint Job (Zero-Waste Edition)
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Essential Tools for a Flawless DIY Bathroom Paint Job (Zero-Waste Edition)

You’ve seen it before: a $3 plastic tray liner shredded after one use, a $1 foam roller that leaves fuzz in your paint, and a cheap brush that splays like a broom by the second coat. These disposable tools don’t just ruin your finish—they fill landfills. The average DIY bathroom paint job generates 2–3 pounds of plastic waste from trays, liners, and brushes alone.

But here’s the truth: a $25 angled brush and a $40 roller frame will outlast 20 cheap ones—and deliver a professional, streak-free finish every time. This zero-waste toolkit isn’t about spending more; it’s about buying once, using forever, and painting like a pro while protecting the planet.

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The Right Way to Paint a Bathroom: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to a Flawless, Mildew-Resistant Finish
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The Right Way to Paint a Bathroom: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to a Flawless, Mildew-Resistant Finish

Picture this: you’ve just finished painting your bathroom a gorgeous coastal blue, only to watch ugly mildew spots bloom across the walls in a matter of weeks. Sound familiar? Bathrooms aren’t like other rooms—steam, splashes, and sky-high humidity turn a standard paint job into a peeling, patchy disaster faster than you can say “mold remover.” But don’t worry; you’re about to learn the right way to paint a bathroom so it stays crisp, clean, and mildew-free for years.

In this guide, you’ll master every detail: the prep secrets pros swear by, the exact products that stand up to moisture, and the techniques that deliver a flawless finish. Plus, we’ll keep it eco-friendly—because in a small, enclosed space, low- or zero-VOC paints aren’t just nice-to-have; they’re essential for your family’s lungs and the planet. Let’s roll up our sleeves you are about to transform your bathroom into a spa-worthy retreat that actually lasts.

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Why a $100 Hue is Worth the Splurge: Guide to Organic Paint Pigments and Depth of Color
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Why a $100 Hue is Worth the Splurge: Guide to Organic Paint Pigments and Depth of Color

You stand in the paint aisle, two swatches in hand. One can: $30. One gallon covers 400 square feet in a flat, predictable blue. The other: $120. Same volume, same coverage claim.

You ask the inevitable: “Is the color really worth four times the price?”

The answer isn’t in the can. It’s on the wall—in the way light dances across it at dawn, deepens at dusk, and transforms your bathroom into a living sanctuary.

This isn’t about pigment. It’s about depth, breath, and soul—the invisible architecture of luxury.

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Bidet vs. Paper: The Complete Financial and Eco-Friendly Cost-Benefit Analysis
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Bidet vs. Paper: The Complete Financial and Eco-Friendly Cost-Benefit Analysis

You open your grocery app. Toilet paper: $38.49 (12 mega-rolls). Wet wipes: $14.99. That’s $53.48 this month—$641.76 a year.

Meanwhile, 27,000 trees fall daily for the privilege.

Enter the bidet attachment: a one-time $30–$60 purchase that eliminates 75–100% of paper, pays for itself in 3–6 months, and slashes your environmental footprint.

This data-driven showdown compares every dollar, drop, and tree. The verdict is undeniable.

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Essential Tools for a Flawless DIY Bathroom Paint Job (Zero-Waste Edition)
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

Essential Tools for a Flawless DIY Bathroom Paint Job (Zero-Waste Edition)

You’ve seen it before: a $3 plastic tray liner shredded after one use, a $1 foam roller that leaves fuzz in your paint, and a cheap brush that splays like a broom by the second coat. These disposable tools don’t just ruin your finish—they fill landfills. The average DIY bathroom paint job generates 2–3 pounds of plastic waste from trays, liners, and brushes alone.

But here’s the truth: a $25 angled brush and a $40 roller frame will outlast 20 cheap ones—and deliver a professional, streak-free finish every time. This zero-waste toolkit isn’t about spending more; it’s about buying once, using forever, and painting like a pro while protecting the planet.

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The Paint Finish Showdown: Satin vs. Semi-Gloss—Which is Best for Your Bathroom?
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The Paint Finish Showdown: Satin vs. Semi-Gloss—Which is Best for Your Bathroom?

You’ve likely experienced the frustration: choosing the wrong paint finish that turns your gorgeous coastal blue into a peeling, patchy disaster within months. The problem often starts, and ends, right here—with the sheen. While paint color gets all the attention, the finish is the single most critical decision you make for the longevity and health of your bathroom. The difference between a durable, wipeable surface and one that traps moisture and invites mold is literally a matter of gloss.

The finish is your final, non-negotiable line of defense against the relentless assault of steam, humidity, and splatters. This guide provides the necessary comparison, empowering you to move past guesswork and select the finish that is functionally superior for your space. We're diving deep into the performance metrics of the three viable contenders: Satin, Eggshell, and Semi-Gloss.

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The Hidden Hazard: Why You Must Use Low-VOC Primer in High-Humidity Rooms (And Our Top 3 Picks)
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The Hidden Hazard: Why You Must Use Low-VOC Primer in High-Humidity Rooms (And Our Top 3 Picks)

You’ve prepped your bathroom walls meticulously—cleaned every speck of soap scum, patched every ding, and taped crisp lines. You roll on a premium eco-friendly paint in a serene spa blue. It looks perfect… for about six weeks. Then the nightmare begins: bubbles form along the edges, paint peels in sheets, and black mildew spots bloom like a horror movie. The culprit? Skipping primer—or worse, using the wrong kind.

In high-humidity rooms like bathrooms, primer isn’t optional—it’s your non-negotiable moisture shield and health barrier. It’s the invisible foundation that locks paint in place, blocks mold from feasting on your drywall, and keeps toxic fumes out of your lungs. Skip it, and you’re gambling with your time, money, and family’s well-being.

This guide exposes the hidden hazards of traditional primers and arms you with the knowledge to choose low-VOC, mold-blocking formulas that deliver professional results. You’ll discover why primer is the smartest $30–$50 you’ll spend on your project—and our top 3 picks that outperform the rest.

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The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Caulk: Sealing Your Tub Without the Harmful VOCs
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Caulk: Sealing Your Tub Without the Harmful VOCs

You’ve seen the horror: black, crusty caulk peeling away from your tub like old tape. Beneath it? Soggy drywall, mold colonies, and the faint smell of rot. That failed seal didn’t just ruin your bathroom’s look—it invited water behind the walls, where it silently destroys structure and air quality for years.

Caulk isn’t cosmetic—it’s your home’s final moisture firewall. One cracked bead = thousands in water damage. One moldy joint = respiratory risk for your family.

This guide cuts through the confusion to deliver the non-negotiable truth: only 100% silicone, low-VOC caulk belongs in a bathroom. We’ll show you why, how, and which brands to trust—so your seal lasts 20+ years, toxin-free.

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The Prep Secrets Pros Swear By: A Non-Toxic Guide to Cleaning and Repairing Bathroom Walls
Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby Renovation & Home Improvement Greg Barnaby

The Prep Secrets Pros Swear By: A Non-Toxic Guide to Cleaning and Repairing Bathroom Walls

Imagine rolling on a fresh coat of paint, only to watch it bubble, peel, or sprout mildew within weeks. That nightmare almost always starts with one fatal mistake: skipping the prep. In a bathroom, where steam, soap scum, and hidden mold lurk behind every tile, preparation isn’t optional—it’s 80% of the job. Skip it, and even the best eco-friendly paint will fail.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need harsh chemicals or toxic fumes to get pro-level results. This guide walks you through every non-toxic, eco-friendly step to clean, repair, and protect your bathroom walls before painting. You’ll eliminate soap scum, kill mold naturally, seal cracks, and create a flawless canvas that locks in your paint for years.

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