Although mold can grow anywhere on your property, the bathroom is the most common area for it to thrive. Bathrooms provide suitable conditions necessary for mold growth – moisture and humidity.
As you enjoy your steamy shower, remember that you need to prevent mold from growing. It is prevalent to find mold on the ceiling, the shower curtain, and the walls of an average bathroom. Sometimes, the appearance of mold makes the bathroom disgusting. In addition to disrupting the bathroom’s aesthetics, mold growth is dangerous to health, warns BlueDoorHomes.net. They can lead to:
- Poor indoor air quality
- Allergies
- Skin rashes
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Sinusitis
- Eye irritation
- Cough
These happen because mold spores break off and get in contact with the skin or inhaled.
Although the bathroom provides a suitable condition for mold to thrive, you can stop them from growing in your bathroom. This article will offer you some essential tips to prevent mold in your bathroom.
Install an exhaust fan
Installing an exhaust fan is one of the best and most effective ways to prevent mold growth in bathrooms. The fan works by sucking the moist air that is inside your bathroom and sending it outside. Before installing exhaust fans, consider the cubic feet per minute (CFM) count. The size you install should be appropriate for your bathroom.
Use the fan properly
It is one thing to install the exhaust fans and another to use them appropriately. The best way to use the fan is to turn it on when you shower and leave it for at least 30 minutes to an hour after every shower. We recommend that you set the fan on a timer. Doing so will ensure that you do not have to go back to the bathroom to turn it off. When you leave exhaust fans to run for at least 30 minutes, it will prevent moisture from staying on your walls and ceilings.
Open the bathroom windows
Another effective way to reduce humidity and moisture in the bathroom is by opening the windows. It would be best to open the bathroom window after you shower. Doing so will allow in sunlight and fresh air.
Repair all leaks
Apart from your bath water, plumbing leaks provide another source of moisture to support mold growth. Leaks will provide a constant water supply for mold even with an exhaust fan. For that reason, it is advisable to hire a professional plumber to repair all leaks in your bathroom.
Even if you do not notice any leak, invite a plumber to inspect the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom. That is because hidden leaks may exist somewhere in the bathroom. Preventing mold growth will be a tough call if you do not stop all leaks.
Dry your shower items
Shower items like loofahs, sponges, towels, and rugs accumulate water. As a result, they provide perfect breeding spots for mold and mildew. After using these items in the bathroom, they will soak in water. It is advisable to dry these items outside immediately after use. Doing so will ensure that they do not retain moisture.
Make use of your squeegee
Using a squeegee may seem difficult if you are in a hurry, you can always take a minute to run the squeegee on your bathroom walls, tiles, glasses, and tubs. Doing so will help you reduce excess moisture in your bathroom.
Wash your towels and rugs regularly
Bathroom towels, rugs, and mats provide ideal spots for mold growth when you do not wash them. According to microbiologists, you should wash your bathroom mats, rugs, and towels every two to three days. It is one of the essential tips in combating mold in your bathroom.
Turn on your dehumidifier
Remember that mold thrives in humid environments. For this reason, you should have a dehumidifier in your bathroom. Put on the dehumidifier after a shower. It will help to keep the humidity in your bathroom below 50%.
Use a shower spray
Another easy way to prevent mold growth in your bathroom is by using rinse-free shower spray formulas. If you spray it after bathing, mold will find it tough to grow in your bathroom.
Educate other household members
If you are not living alone, it is best to inform other household members. You cannot stop mold from growing in your bathroom if you practice these tips while others do not. Doing so will be counterproductive. So, we advise that you pass these tips to other people in your home.
The bottom line
The best way to stop mold from growing in your bathroom is by preventing conditions that will favor their growth. A mold-free bathroom will retain its aesthetics and support healthy living.