How to Create Good Feng Shui in Your Bathroom

Conserve Water

Conserving water in your bathroom is one of the easiest ways to create good feng shui. The EPA estimates that bathrooms account for nearly 30% of a household’s indoor water use, mainly from toilets, showers, and sinks [1]. There are several ways you can reduce your water usage in the bathroom:

Install water-saving showerheads that use less water but still provide adequate water pressure. Look for EPA WaterSense labeled models.
Take shorter showers. Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can save significant amounts of water over time.
Immediately fix any leaks. A small drip from a faucet or showerhead can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time.

Reducing your water usage not only helps the environment, but also improves feng shui by limiting excess water energy in your home. The sound of running water can also be disruptive. Conserving water brings balance and harmony.

Close the Toilet Lid

Closing the toilet lid after flushing and when not in use is an important feng shui recommendation for bathrooms. Leaving the toilet lid open allows moist air to escape the toilet bowl and circulate in the bathroom. This can increase humidity levels and contribute to mold growth.^[1]

Keeping the lid closed contains moisture and prevents excess humidity from building up. It also helps keep odors inside the toilet bowl when not in use. Reducing humidity and containing toilet odors improves the overall energy and ambiance of the bathroom.

According to experts, leaving the toilet lid open allows positive energy and qi to flow away down the drain.^[2] Closing the lid keeps the energy inside your bathroom. It also shows respect for the bathroom space by not exposing the interior of the toilet.

Keep the Bathroom Door Closed

Keeping the bathroom door closed is an important feng shui recommendation for conserving and containing energy and qi (life force). When the bathroom door is left open, it allows energy and qi to flow out of the room and dissipate [1]. The bathroom is considered an area of downward flowing energy and keeping the door closed prevents this energy from spreading to other areas of the home. Closing the door keeps the energy contained in the bathroom space.

In feng shui, bathrooms are associated with the water element. Leaving the bathroom door open can allow the heavy and downward moving energy of water to flow into other rooms, disrupting the natural balance. Keeping the door closed will maintain harmony and prevent moisture, odors, and the water element from overtaking other spaces. Think of closing the bathroom door as putting a lid on the energy so that it doesn’t drain away [2]. This simple adjustment creates better energy flow in the home.

[1] https://www.housedigest.com/1204333/why-you-should-leave-your-bathroom-door-closed-according-to-feng-shui/

[2] https://www.mashburnhomes.com/latest-news/7-feng-shui-mistakes-youre-making-in-the-bathroom

Visually Conceal the Toilet

Visually concealing the toilet is an important feng shui recommendation for bathrooms. In feng shui, the toilet is considered a source of negative energy because it is associated with waste and drainage. Having an exposed toilet can create downward flowing energy in the bathroom.

To counteract this, feng shui advises visually hiding the toilet as much as possible. Some ways to do this include:

Keeping the bathroom door closed so the toilet is not visible from outside the room
Using a screen, partition, or plants to conceal the toilet area
Positioning the toilet so it does not face directly at the door when opened
If space allows, having a separate water closet area for the toilet

Visually concealing the toilet improves the visual appeal of the bathroom by hiding an ‘eyesore.’ It also removes the downward energy flow, allowing for better overall feng shui. A concealed toilet area creates a more harmonious and peaceful bathroom energy according to feng shui principles.

Install a Mirror on the Bathroom Door

Placing a mirror on the bathroom door is highly recommended in feng shui. The mirror serves to energetically erase the bathroom space and counteract any negative energy that accumulates there. According to feng shui principles, the bathroom is considered an inauspicious space where energy drains away. By installing a mirror facing the door, it reflects energy back into the room and creates a protective barrier against negative qi flowing out.

The mirror essentially conceals the bathroom energetically. This removes any problematic feng shui associated with that space. Having the mirror face the door ensures maximum coverage and effectiveness. Many feng shui experts advise placing a full length mirror on the bathroom door if possible. This completely hides the bathroom entrance behind the reflection. A mirror above the sink also provides some benefit, but does not erase the bathroom as potently as a door mirror.

Overall, a bathroom door mirror is an excellent feng shui cure. It transforms the draining energy of the bathroom and contains it within that space. The reflection creates a virtual wall that prevents energy and qi from leaking away. This allows the rest of the home to flourish with enhanced positive energy flow. A simple mirror elegantly resolves one of the most notorious feng shui dilemmas.

Add Plants

Plants like pothos, ferns, and snake plants are excellent choices for the bathroom because they can transform the downward draining water energy into vital life force qi according to feng shui principles. The vibrant green energy of plants balances the blue water element in bathrooms (https://peacelovefengshui.com/feng-shui-bathroom-plants/). Plants can purify the air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. Popular feng shui plants for the bathroom include pothos, ferns, orchids, peace lilies, and snake plants. Place plants in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering. Adding living plants brings fresh qi energy and life to refresh your bathroom space.

Declutter Regularly

Going through your products regularly and discarding anything that is expired or no longer needed is an important part of keeping your bathroom clutter-free. Clutter can create stagnant and chaotic energy (source), so it’s helpful to do a sweep of your bathroom products once a month or so.

When decluttering the bathroom, go through all of your cosmetics, skincare, hair products, medications, etc. Check expiration dates and toss anything that is past its prime. For products without expiration dates, if you notice changes in texture, smell, or performance, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Discard empty product containers and packaging as well.

Also evaluate if you are actually using and enjoying the products you currently have. If you have items you never reach for, consider passing them along to someone who may get better use of them. Limit your daily products to only your essentials so your counters remain tidy and organized.

Decluttering the bathroom regularly prevents buildup of clutter over time. It also ensures you are using up products before they expire, which is healthier for you and avoids wasting money on buying replacements. Just taking a few minutes each month to declutter can make a big difference in keeping your bathroom fresh and tidy.

Replace Towels Frequently

Bath towels harbor bacteria, dead skin cells, body oils, and residue from hair and body products. Over time, this builds up and can cause odors in your towels. Replacing your towels frequently helps eliminate bacteria and odors.

Experts recommend replacing bath towels every 1-2 years. Washcloths and hand towels may need replacing more frequently, such as every 6 months to 1 year (Southern Living). Signs that your towels need replacing include thinning fabric, holes, frayed edges, faded colors, mildew smells, and musty odors (BHG).

New, fresh towels will feel plush and absorbent. They will dry your body thoroughly without leaving behind moisture or odor. Replacing towels regularly improves your bathing experience and the overall cleanliness of your bathroom.

Deep Clean Regularly

Keeping your bathroom deeply cleaned on a regular basis is crucial for both hygiene and feng shui. Dirt, mildew, and soap scum can accumulate quickly in the moist environment of a bathroom, leading to both unsanitary conditions and blocked or stagnant energy flow according to feng shui principles.

Fortunately, you can deeply clean your bathroom using natural, non-toxic products that will leave your space fresh and full of positive energy. Here are some tips:

Make an all-purpose bathroom cleaner by combining 1 cup vinegar, 1⁄2 cup baking soda, and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. This lifts dirt, kills mold and bacteria, and leaves a fresh scent. Spray it on surfaces and wipe clean.^[1]
Use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub tile, grout, tubs, and sinks. The abrasive but gentle baking soda will break up grime. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Squeeze lemon juice onto problem areas in your shower and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing away. The natural acidity in lemon juice cuts through soap scum.^[2]
Look for plant-based, non-toxic brushes and sponges to use while cleaning. These are better for the environment than plastic scrubbers.
Open windows or turn on fans while cleaning to allow fresh qi to circulate.

Set a reminder on your calendar to deep clean your bathroom every 2-4 weeks to keep it looking, feeling, and energetically vibrant.

Refresh the Space

Regularly refreshing and updating the energy in your bathroom is an important feng shui principle to prevent stagnation. This can be done through simple upgrades like:[ref]https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/room-organization/ideas-for-designing-a-feng-shui-bathroom/[/ref]

Repainting the walls in a new, uplifting color
Replacing old towels and bath mats with fresh, clean ones
Updating accessories like soap dispensers, trays, and art
Throwing away old products and decluttering shelves
Deep cleaning with natural cleaning products
Adding new live plants or flowers

The bathroom tends to collect stagnant and downward flowing energy from water usage. By actively refreshing the look and feel of the space, you renew the energy and prevent it from becoming stale. This keeps the bathroom feeling vibrant. Some simple feng shui cures like art, colors, and decluttering make a big energetic difference.