Reader Kate S. submitted the following to Ask Unclutterer: We have a lovely large whirlpool bathtub in our master bath that we never use. When we bought our house last year, it was a nice selling point, but now it just collects dust and goes unused. What should I do with the extra space? Or how can I minimize cleaning something I never use? Kate, do you live in my house? Do you read minds? Honestly, this is the exact situation in my home. I have a stall shower that is used daily and a large, whirlpool bathtub that only is used when we bathe our cats. It takes a ridiculous amount of time and water to fill the bathtub to reach the whirlpool intake sensor, so we rarely use it. In my case, I clean the tub immediately after I use it. The other times I just dust it with a dry cloth when I clean the bathroom. I am at a loss for what to do with your situation otherwise. I hope that our readership chimes in the comments section and gives both of us advice for how to handle the situation.

Like you, I feel that the whirlpool tub is clutter, but too expensive to remove (both in replacement cost and home value). Thank you, Kate S., for submitting your question for our Ask Unclutterer column. My apologies for not having a solution — but I’m sure checking out the comments will help both of us.Whirlpool tub designs and options give your bathroom a "wow" factor, and they're great for providing relaxing, targeted massage to areas that need stress relief. But committing to a whirlpool tub is a big decision, so know the pros and cons of these luxury jetted bathtubs before you take the plunge. The first issue you want to address is if a whirlpool bath will fit in your bathroom. Whirlpools come in three standard sizes — five feet, five-and-a-half feet, and six feet — but they are designed to be dropped into a deck, so additional space will be required. You may have to reconfigure the layout of your bathroom to accommodate the size of these jetted tubs, and that can get expensive.

Plumbing needs to be taken into consideration, as whirlpool tubs require extra tubing for all those jets. And don't forget about the electrical considerations. Be sure the outlet for the whirlpool can supply the required voltage. If not, an electrician may be needed to do some rewiring. Your contractor can help you figure out these details, too, so don't be afraid to ask. Be sure the whirlpool tub you choose fits your lifestyle. If you love to soak several times a week, it may be worth it to spend a bit more to get some added features, such as inline heating or aromatherapy options. But if you're only going to use it a few times a month, you may want to go with a less expensive option. Consider an air-jetted tub rather than water jets for a tub that will see less frequent use. The air jets are quieter than the water jets, and can dry out the tub more thoroughly after bathing, helping ensure bacteria doesn't grow in the pipes. You'll want to be sure the jets have adjustable speeds, so that you can get the level of massage that you want.

Ask a salesperson to show you how to adjust the flow rate. Whirlpool bathtubs typically have between 30 and 70 jets, so you can decide if you want to float on gentle bubbles or have a vigorous massage. Finally, don't be shy — grab your swimsuit and towel and go down to the showroom and try out several whirlpool models before settling on one. Phantom BlindsYou'll spend between $1,500 and $5,000 or more for one of these jetted tubs, so you want to be sure you know exactly what you're getting and that it fits your lifestyle.J Crew T Shirt Ebay Installing a whirlpool tub is a big commitment, both in time and money, but being armed with information and answers will help it be a smooth process.Wholesale Off Road Tires Cast Iron Bathtub Designs How to Choose a Bathtub

Replacing a Bathtub With a Deck TubCan bubble bath be used in a jetted tub? Conventional off-the-shelf bubble bath should not be used in a jetted tub. The jets cause the water to be continuously in motion, and the bubble bath will foam too much and overflow, causing a huge mess. How do you clean a jetted tub? Can you use bubble bath in a Jacuzzi tub? How do you make bubble bath? Dedicated jetted tub foam bath essences can be used as they are low-foaming and lightly fragranced. It's also important to only introduce oil-free or low-oil products to a jetted tub as the oil tends to build up in the pipes and may damage them and be difficult to remove. Regular monthly cleaning of jetted tubs is necessary to keep them in a hygienic condition. It's best to buy specific jetted tub cleaners as these will clean the pipes and the tub. Alternatively, bleach and low-foaming disinfectant soap powder can be used. What are some Mirolin shower styles? Mirolin offers both standalone shower bases and tub showers.

Mirolin standalone shower styles range from the elegant Madison range to the compact Sorrento ... Why does the toilet bubble when the tub drains? When water draining from a tub slows as it moves through the pipes, misplaced air is forced back up through another drain, such as a nearby toilet, making ... How do you wash a dog? Give your dog a bath by training him to get in and out of the tub, then washing and rinsing him carefully. Have treats ready for him after the bath is over... What are large plastic bins used for? Example of ways to use large plastic bins include storage for dog food, as a pet bath tub, storage for toys or as a play aquarium. Some other ideas are to ... What stores have a wide variety of appliances for sale? How do you make a bird bath? How does a Culligan water softener work? How do you use a dehumidifier? How do you use a wet/dry Vac? Which stores carry a large selection of LG kitchen appliances? Declutter your bathroom with these clever storage tips.

Photo By: Red Egg Design Group Photo By: IKEA U.S. Photo By: Katie Gagnon, Blue Moon Trading Co.; Photo By: Wanda Ely Architect, Inc.; Photo By: Elizabeth Swartz Interiors; Photo By: Alisa Hofmann, Design Set Match Photo By: Todd Best, Best Builders Ltd.; Ema Peter at Ema Peter Photography Photo By: Lisa Vail This bathroom's storage area features a pink and green color scheme that coordinates with the entire space. The delicate curtains create a whimsical feel while hiding the built-in storage area. Image courtesy of ClosetMaid If you are willing to sacrifice some counter space, you can increase your storage space by adding a cabinet on your countertop. In this bathroom, the butter-colored, furniture-style cabinet provides extra shelving space without making the room look cluttered. Design by Gail Drury in Glen Ellyn, Ill. A small makeup area is nestled below a window, which is bordered by two functional cabinets below a lowered ceiling.

One cabinet is loaded top to bottom with 10 customized jewelry pullouts. The other contains a laundry hamper and is used to store linens. Co-designed by Marilyn Akins and Gail Drury A dark-stained vanity is the only piece of furniture in this minimalist master bathroom. The sparse furnishings make the narrow space seem more open, while the medicine-cabinet mirrors provide much-needed storage space. Design by Lori Gilder His and her vignettes border the whirlpool tub in this bathroom, providing ample storage for each individual. In this Spanish-style bathroom, a tall shelving unit built into the wall effectively uses the extra space in the corner. Photo by Michael McCreary Photography. Design by Kennith Brown The focal point in this room is the custom vanity made from darkly stained wood. It was built to look like a piece of furniture, adding both beauty and storage space to this bathroom. Design by Velvet Hammerschmidt An ordinary wine crate was transformed into decorative bathroom storage by applying a coat of stain by Minwax called Weathered Oak.

The nice gray tone gave the wood an aged look that blends well with this contemporary bathroom. A fabric mannequin torso adds a unique focal point to this bathroom countertop. The funky piece stores an assortment of jewelry, adding a touch of glam to the space. Built-in shelves and cabinets not only add ample storage to this bathroom but also give the space character. The shelves add a rustic feel without overwhelming the small space. Design by Anissa Swanzy This bathroom has his-and-her vanities with plenty of individual storage, plus built-in furniture to showcase towels, perfume bottles and other toiletries. Design by Gladys Schanstra in Glen Ellyn, Ill. This bathroom makes great use of limited space with floor-level cabinetry beneath slate benches. These cabinets are perfect for storing linens or other bathroom necessities. Design by Beth Haley Design in Nashville, Tenn. Cabinets in a small bathroom can take up a whole lot of space—create storage by using hanging baskets and rails on the wall, then make use of accessory containers to organize all the small stuff.

For the bathroom of a longtime customer-turned-friend, designer Katie Gagnon created a unique storage unit for the space between a pair of pedestal sinks. The storage cabinet was custom made while the door is a vintage salvaged piece. When designing a bathroom for a busy family of five, Wanda Ely used a wide trough-style sink that lets all three children brush their teeth at once and she added clever storage solutions. The floating, rustic maple shelves had holes routed out of them to fit various glass and metal inserts that help hold and organize their belongings. Adding a pull-out unit to a cabinet not only makes things easier to find, but creates more room to store essentials that would otherwise take up space on the counter. In this guest bathroom, Alisa Hoffman designed the cabinetry with open storage for extra towels, baskets for toilet tissue and a space to sit down. Adding a hutch to the bathroom provides not only storage space but beauty. Paint the hutch in colors that coordinate with your bath.

In a home short on storage, builder Todd Best worked hard to provide his client with plenty of cabinet space. This custom sliding storage unit was built into an area of the master bathroom that is normally wasted space. To make the most of a nook in this bathroom, a built-in shelving unit provides open storage for towels and accessories. The lower shelves have baskets for hidden organization. This neutral-toned contemporary bathroom is trendy yet practical, featuring unique storage spaces with plenty of room for towels and miscellaneous toiletries. These accessories add texture and color to the otherwise monochromatic hue of the room. A warm master bath features elegant touches such as windows flanking the mirror and illuminated storage shelves. A crisp white color palette makes the room feel clean and allows for pops of color from fresh flowers. Running out of space in the bathroom? Make clever use of stylish storage units, like these baskets holding towels, and you can hide your necessities in plain sight!