"The Cast Iron Bath Revival" - Part 1

As Featured in February 2016 Issue of Architects Data File:

“What comes around, goes around”

Well, that’s certainly the case with cast iron baths, as ever increased demand pushes the market to a second coming, and those at its heart continue to enjoy a cast iron renaissance. 

But why cast iron baths? 

Why choose cast iron over the modern-day alternatives such as acrylic or even plastics?
What makes cast iron baths so special?

Of course there is more than one simple answer, there are quite a few reasons and by knowing the differences between cast iron and its alternatives may well establish why some people and companies won’t accept any imitations and take a great deal of pride in cast iron baths.

When it comes to the bathroom nothing beats the heritage and charm of a Cast Iron Bath.
It’s hard to replicate the authentic bathing experience that comes from using a free-standing bath made from genuine cast iron and lined with true vitreous enamel.

So what makes that so?

Firstly, cast iron is a solid and very hardy material, made in a time-honoured and labour intensive process - it’s this very attribute and hard wearing nature that leads it to be significantly longer lasting than acrylic or plastic counterparts.

It wouldn’t be uncommon for a cast iron bath to outlast several generations! I’m sure you’ve seen the odd very old cast iron bath being used in fields for animal feed/water troughs- whilst we think this is quite sad in many respects, it also serves to demonstrate their incredible longevity. If the good old British weather takes years and years to render one pretty much useless, imagine how long one would last if it’s looked after and cared for?

Check our Part 2 soon, or in Februrary's edition of ADF. 

Bathing and its Health Benefits

Thanks to busy modern lifestyles, a quick shower is often favoured over a long soak in the bath, but baths can do wonders for your health, not to mention they can help you relax and de-stress after a busy day or week.

Did you know that certain bathing ingredients can support internal cleansing and overall health? Some of these include:

Baking Soda – Adding baking soda to your bath can be beneficial for those suffering from swollen glands, sore throats or soreness of the gums & mouth.

dissolve 4 cups of aluminium-free baking soda in a bath as hot as you can stand it, and stay in the bath until the water has cooled.

Epsom Salts – A bath with Epsom Salts can be beneficial to heart & circulatory health, can lower blood pressure, ease muscle pain, and eliminate harmful substances from the body.

To get the health benefits from this detox bath, dissolve 2 cups of Epsom Salts in a comfortably warm bath, and stay in for at least 12 minutes.

                                                       

        

Sea Salt & Baking Soda – This detox bath is great if you travel a lot, as it is therapeutic for exposure to radiation, x-rays, aeroplane flights and airport screenings.

Before soaking away in a sea salt & baking soda bath, do be aware that it will make you sleepy – so it is best to have this bath at night time before bed.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your bath is a great overall detoxer, and is perfect for aches and pains!

Add 2 cups of pure apple cider vinegar to a bath as hot as you can handle it and stay in the bath until the water has cooled.

Essential Oils - with just a few drops of favourite essential oils you can transform your bath time in to a haven of relaxation and spa like tranquillity.

With a little experimentation and a little research you can find out the perfect oil or combination of oils that will help what might be ailing you on a particular day.
Don’t reach for the painkillers next time a bath might be just the tonic to perk you up when you’re feeling ill or down.