The Best Ways to Prevent Bathroom Mold
Mold can be more than an unsightly nuisance in your bathroom. When it grows out of control, it can be a serious health hazard. Exposure to mold can cause asthma, eye irritation, headaches, respiratory infections, skin rashes, and sore throat. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause autoimmune issues and lung infections.
Mold and mildew are opportunistic fungi that need moist and humid conditions to proliferate. Your bathroom can provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. It will grow in tubs and showers where there is standing water. It can also grow on grout and gypsum wallboard. Let’s explore 7 tips for preventing mold in your bathroom before it affects your health and the structure of your home.
1. Regrout and Seal Tiles
The grout between floor and wall tiles is a porous material that attracts moisture, creating a perfect surface for mold to grow. If you have missing or cracked grout, consider having the bathroom tile regrouted and then sealed with a waterproof coating. After sealing the grout, clean your tile often with white vinegar to wipe away any mold spores. Another option is to eliminate the tile and install bathroom tub wall liners in PA.
2. Insulate the Walls
Having the proper insulation in your bathroom walls can help to control the indoor air temperature and keep condensation at bay. This is a good option if you are remodeling the bathroom and can open up the exterior walls to dry the cavity out and upgrade the insulation with a higher R-value.
3. Proper Ventilation
As much as a long steamy shower can clean and comfort you, all that moisture is an invitation for mold growth. As soon as the mirror on the wall is foggy, you have turned your bathroom into a steam room. There are 2 ways to properly ventilate a bathroom to allow for the steam to escape. The first is simply to open the windows during and after a shower. The second is to run an exhaust fan if you have one. Allow the fan to run for several minutes after showering. Remember to leave shower doors and curtains open when ventilating.
4. Squeegee After Each Shower
You can pick up a good shower squeegee at your local hardware store for less than $15.00. This is a good investment. Before you step out of the shower, make it a habit to squeegee the glass doors and walls. This will direct excess water toward the drain so it doesn’t sit on vertical surfaces to attract mold.
5. Fix Plumbing Leaks
Any plumbing leaks will result in puddles of water inside walls, cabinets, and on the floor. It makes sense to have your local plumber repair any leaks to eliminate areas for mold to grow.
6. Use a Dehumidifier
You might already have a whole-house dehumidifier. If so, turn it on during humid weather. You can also use a small countertop dehumidifier in the bathroom. These are affordable appliances that you can run during and after using the bathroom. Just remember to empty and clean it regularly. There are also small moisture collectors that fit right on top of your toilet tank to collect airborne water droplets without any need for electricity.
7. Wash and Dry Towels and Curtains
Wet towels, shower curtains, bath mats, and window coverings are mildew magnets. It is recommended that you launder your fabric bathroom accessories often. If that isn’t possible, simply toss your wet towel in the dryer for 10 minutes before hanging it back up.
Reach Out to the Professionals
Before mold starts showing up in your bathroom, take preventative measures to ensure mold and mildew growth affects your health. If you are experiencing mold overgrowth, contact One Day Bath to discuss tub or shower replacement in the King of Prussia, PA area.
