How to Avoid Mold in Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Every hot shower generates steam and excess moisture that can quickly trap mold spores in tile grout and along your bathroom ceiling. Learning how to protect your bathrooms from mold can save you the headache of expensive professional cleanings and mold remediation.

This guide will give you the best methods for mold prevention so you can keep your bathroom fresh, dry, and mold-free.

The best way to stop mold growth is to eliminate the moisture that mold needs to survive. Proper ventilation is the best defense against mold growing in the first place.

• Run the Exhaust Fan: Make sure the exhaust fan is on before you take a shower, and leave it running for 20 minutes after to ensure all the steam has dissipated. Running the bathroom fan like this makes sure there is no extra moisture in the room for mold to latch onto.
• Keep Air Moving: Keep your bathroom door open when the space is not in use to keep proper air circulation through the room.
• Monitor the Humidity Level: If your bathroom lacks an exterior vent or a bathroom window, run a dehumidifier periodically to counteract the daily moisture that can build up in the room.
  In particularly dry climates, like Las Vegas, a properly functioning exhaust fan should be enough to clear excess moisture, so a dehumidifier is not necessary.

The best way to keep mold and mildew out of your space is regular cleaning.

• Commercial Mold Cleaners: There is a wide variety of commercial mold cleaners on the market that will all clean and protect your surfaces from mold and mildew. Simply spray these cleaners onto surfaces and wipe them down with a sponge or rag regularly to protect them from mold growth.
• Natural Mold Cleaners: If you want to avoid the harsh chemicals in commercial cleaning solutions, you can opt for a more natural option that still protects your surfaces from mold. Simply add hydrogen peroxide OR white vinegar (never mix them together) to a spray bottle, cover the surface you wish to clean, and wipe down with a sponge or a rag.

Preventing water from settling on your bathroom walls requires very little effort if you stay consistent with daily habits.

• Use a Squeegee: Spend 30 seconds squeegeeing the shower walls and shower door after every use, pushing the water down and into the drain. This small act prevents water from evaporating back into the air, where mold can latch on and grow.
• Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a dry towel to wipe down the sink faucets, countertops, and any excess water on the floor.
• Manage Your Shower Curtain: If you use a fabric shower curtain, make sure it is lined with a mildew-resistant curtain liner. When you are done showering, keep the curtain pulled completely open across the rod so no moisture can hide in the folds.
• Dry Your Bath Mats: Wet bath mats left on the floor create the perfect environment for mold to grow. When you are done using bath mats, hang them up over the towel bar or tub rail so they dry completely between uses.

Mold struggles to grip and grow on clean surfaces.

• Seal Your Grout and Caulk: Over time, the caulk around your tub and the tile grout can crack, allowing moisture to seep behind the walls and cause hidden water damage. To prevent water damage, mold, and mildew, reseal these areas with a fresh layer of mold-resistant sealer every 6 to 12 months to keep them protected.
• Use the Right Paint: When it's time to paint your bathroom, choose a mildew-resistant paint that repels water droplets. This will ensure that water doesn’t soak into your walls and create water damage later down the line.

While regular bathroom cleaning protects surfaces from mold and mildew, some situations require an expert eye. If you discover a patch of mold covering a large area, or if you see hidden water damage behind your drywall due to a leaky pipe, it is time to call in the professionals.

The licensed pros at Dr. Cool will diagnose your water damage issues with expert leak detection services and pipe and fixture repairs, ensuring the water damage doesn’t come back. We make the repair process easy with upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can enjoy a healthy home stress-free.

Worried about hidden plumbing leaks or water damage in your walls? Call Dr. Cool at (702) 608-6939 or schedule your professional home inspection online today.