How can you prevent slipping when using a bathtub?

While bathtubs can generally enhance the comfort of your bathing experience, they also present some dangers. For example, slipping in a bathtub is quite common because the surface is designed to be smooth, making it easy to slip and fall when wet, potentially causing injury. However, there are measures we can take to reduce the likelihood of such accidents. 

Bathtubs can pose many dangers, especially if the area around the tub has a floor. It's easy to slip and fall directly onto the tub if you're not careful, or hit your head on the bathroom wall, resulting in sprains, concussions, or even death. This is particularly dangerous for people with mobility issues or the elderly.

The study showed that nearly 80% of bathroom-related accidents last year involved slipping in the bathtub. Of these, 37% occurred while bathing or showering, while another 17% were simply due to the relatively slippery nature of the bathtub and floor. Nearly 5% of these accidents resulted in loss of consciousness and concussion. 

1. How to prevent slipping

If your bathroom is slippery, how can we prevent it? Here are some tips to make your bathroom a safer place for everyone. 

(1) Install a shower mat or large towel outside the shower.

The shower mat has suction cups underneath, creating a stable floor for the bathtub so you don't have to worry about slipping. A floor mat can also be placed in the bathroom to provide a non-slip surface, ensuring safe access and preventing your feet from contacting a wet, slippery floor. 

(2) Install handles in bathrooms and bathtubs/showers.

The handles provide a stable area for the elderly, making it easy for them to get in and out of the shower/bathtub. They also offer a self-sufficient way for injured people to use the toilet.

(3) Apply anti-slip agent to the surface of your bathtub.

You can buy anti-slip agent at stores. Simply clean the bathtub surface, apply the formula with a roller, and let it dry. This formula is safe to use, inexpensive, and increases adhesion to the bathtub surface, making it more stable.

2. Affected by the slippery bathroom 

Bathroom slippery surfaces can injure anyone, but most importantly, they pose a critical danger to children and the elderly. Specifically, the elderly, whose legs are less strong, are prone to falls if they lose their balance. Accessibility is another factor for both groups, as shower heads, faucets, and toiletries are often kept at a high height, making them difficult to reach and thus increasing the risk.

3. Steps for cleaning and maintaining a non-slip bathtub 

One step in ensuring bathtub safety is to keep the surface clean. Bathtubs that aren't cleaned regularly can accumulate grime, which is unhygienic and increases the risk of accidents due to the presence of poor-quality materials on the surface. For products with anti-slip agents or adhesive tape, harsh chemicals can easily peel off and remove most of the protective coating, so it's best to use a general-purpose cleaning spray and brush. 

(1) Spray the bathtub downwards with a general-purpose spray, then clean with a sponge;

(2) Clean the entire area of ​​the bathtub with a combination of water and soap;

(3) Thoroughly clean the shower mat to prevent it from accumulating underneath and causing an unpleasant odor;

(4) Clean and wipe all handles or bars to ensure that their surfaces are smooth and easy to grip;

(5) Check the integrity of the anti-slip solution or tape. If they are worn, replace them.

4. Other tips for keeping your bathroom slip-resistant 

(1) Install multiple bath mats. Bath mats are inexpensive and can be placed in places where people frequently walk and are prone to slipping.

(2) When decorating a bathtub, you can choose non-slip flooring. It may not look very nice, but it is a good choice for safety.

(3) Shower chairs and shower curtains are another safe option for elderly people in the family;

(4) Install separate auxiliary tools for showers and bathtubs to reduce the amount of water spilled on the floor;

(5) Apply non-slip patterns to your bathroom floor;

Bathrooms should be places of comfort and safety, not places where people get hurt.