How to Winterize Your Bathroom: Simple Tips to Stay Cozy All Season Long

Frosty winter weather can turn even the simplest task—like mustering up the courage to leave the warmth of your bed to shower—into a chilly challenge. And if you're not careful, those freezing temps can do more than just chill you to the bones.

Without proper care, those subarctic conditions can freeze your pipes too, especially if you're not around to keep an eye on things. The good news? With just a few simple tweaks, you can keep your bathroom safe and warm all season long.

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Did you know that when temperatures drop below freezing, pipes in unheated areas—like those on exterior walls or under the sink—can freeze and even burst? Here’s the deal: when water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, creating pressure on the pipe. If this continues, it can cause the pipe to crack or rupture, leading to leaks that can flood your bathroom and cause major damage.

To avoid a plumbing disaster over the holidays, insulate your pipes with foam or use heat tape that activates when temperatures drop for added protection. Heading out of town for the holidays? Don’t forget to turn off the water supply while you’re away.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Even with the heat cranked up, you might still feel a chill in your bathroom. What gives? Drafts from gaps in your bathroom windows or vents could be letting in cold air, making your bathroom chillier than the rest of the house.

Here’s a quick and easy way to uncover those sneaky drafts: the candle test. Light a small candle and hold it near the edges of your windows. If the flame flickers or bends, you’ve got a draft on your hands. Don’t forget to check the exterior of your bathroom vent too—because a drafty vent is basically an escape route for your precious heat. Once you’ve pinpointed where the cold is creeping in, use weatherstripping to seal those gaps and enjoy your newly insulated space.

3. Protect Your Shower from Water Damage

Winter’s chill doesn’t just stay outside—it creeps into your bathroom too. And when the warm steam from your shower hits the cold air, it creates the perfect storm for condensation. If you don’t stay on top of it, that excess moisture can lead to rust, mold, or cracks. Definitely not the cozy vibe we’re after, right?

Here’s how to keep your shower in top shape this winter:

• Add a shower liner to keep mold and mildew at bay.
• Wipe down the walls after each shower to prevent water buildup.
• Run the exhaust fan for 20-30 minutes or crack the window to let the steam escape.

With these simple steps, your shower will stay fresh, dry, and ready to greet you—no matter how cold it gets outside.

4. Keep Your Towels Warm and Dry

Let’s be honest—winter showers aren’t exactly enticing unless you're somehow cranking the heat to sauna levels. But you know what makes it all worth it? That warm, fluffy towel waiting to wrap you up the second you step out of the shower. Bliss... until you realize your towel is damp. Suddenly, that eagerly anticipated warmth turns into a shiver-inducing letdown, and relaxation is nowhere to be found.

Our winter routine? We pop our towels directly into the dryer after every shower. Simple, effective, and it ensures your towel is totally dry for your next shower. No musty smells, no damp towel drama. Just pure warmth.

Bonus Tip: If your bathroom feels extra cold, or you need a little extra motivation to peel yourself out of that cozy bed, check out the magic of towel warmers. Take it from us, few things in life beat stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a cozy, warm towel.

While winter weather can make even the jolliest of us feel a little down, your home should always be a cozy refuge from the cold. With these simple tips, you can easily transform your chilly bathroom into a welcoming, warm retreat—a place to escape the frost and, dare we say, indulge in your own little version of hibernation.