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Your bathroom has seen better days. And no wonder with all the foot traffic that your bathroom is getting. It’s starting to look—and smell—not very nice. While a messy bathroom is one thing, having growing fungus or mold, is another thing and could be contributing to its tired appearance and musty odor.
Mold happens. Bathrooms are perfect breeding grounds to produce all kinds of mold. But mold should be taken care of immediately since it is capable of producing spores which, when breathed in, can produce respiratory issues, rashes and all kinds of health issues.
What Does Mold Look Like?
Mold and mildew thrive in damp, humid spaces and need moisture to grow, which is why the bathroom makes a good environment. Mold typically grows under surfaces and can look dark brown, gray or black and have a wooly, fuzzy or slimy texture. It also comes with a stale smell that is easy to recognize.
Where in Bathrooms Can Mold Grow?
Mold and mildew typically can be found inside cabinet sinks, ceiling and wall tiles, behind walls and in the shower, tub and toilet. Leaky pipes under sinks where water remains stagnant or water leaks in ceilings or floors can produce mold too.
How Dangerous Is Mold in Bathrooms?
Mold can irritate some respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies and can cause a rash and headaches. This means people who come into contact with mold can develop a runny nose, sore throat and coughing. It is also dangerous to pets, especially black mold which can cause serious illnesses and death to dogs.
5 Ways to Prevent Mold in Bathrooms
Mold and mildew don’t have to be a fact of life in your bathroom. They can be kept at bay and prevented altogether from forming. Here are some ways to prevent mold from making a home in your bathroom:
1. Air Out the Bathroom and Squeegee
You like your steamy, hot showers, but that can lead to mold and mildew developing. Make sure to keep the bathroom fan or vent on when showering and always open doors and windows after showering. Keep your fan on for at least 30 minutes after showering. Invest in a shower squeegee to use on walls and shower doors to cut down on moisture.
2. Use Grout, Repair Leaks, Insulate Walls
Use grout to waterproof and seal areas that could harbor mold. Grout consists of cement and sand and can fill in tile lines in your bathroom. Make sure to repair any leaks in and under the sink, ceiling or tub.
Make sure your walls are insulated. Having properly insulated walls can regulate temperature and prevent mold and mildew growth. Hire an insulation company to insulate your bathroom with a mold-resistant material such as fiberglass.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can reduce moisture in your bathroom. A dehumidifier can be plugged in and placed in your bathroom to suck out the moisture from the air.
4. Launder Bathroom Items
Your shower mats, curtains, liners and towels take on the most moisture so it’s important to regularly launder and dry them. Hang loofah or shower poufs to dry and change out frequently. Wipe down the hamper you throw your dirty towels in too.
You might also want to switch to liquid soap rather than bar soap since water tends to gather under the bar soap and create a moist environment for mold to grow. If you prefer bars of soap, consider investing in a soap dish with holes underneath or use a rack.
5. Finish Off your Shower with a Shower Spray
Make it a habit to always spray down your shower after each use with mold-killing bathroom products. If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can always fill a spray bottle with vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How do I prevent mold in my bathroom naturally?
Some natural ways to prevent mold include spraying hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar on the area of concern. You can also try adding one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and once dissolved, spray it directly on the mold. For tough spots, make a paste of two parts baking soda, one part white vinegar and one part water and place the paste directly onto the mold. The juice of several lemons also works on mold too and leaves a pleasant lemony scent.
Why does my bathroom get mold so fast?
Bathrooms that have a lot of moisture and humidity can cause an environment that is perfect for mold to grow. Make sure to keep bathrooms clean and dry and repair any leaks. Open windows and doors. Install a vent fan. When cleaning mold, experts advise always wearing rubber gloves, protective goggles and an N95 mask.
How do you keep mold from growing in the bathroom without a fan?
Promoting natural ventilation will help. That means opening up windows and doors. Placing a dehumidifier inside the bathroom can help as well.
