Preventing Bathroom Mold
One of the biggest enemies of a clean bathroom is mold. Mildew, another fungus, is a cousin of mold and can usually be treated in the same way. But instead of focusing on treatment, we’ll primarily be talking about prevention. There are a lot of techniques to keep mold out of your bathroom.
Mold is not just dirty, but a health hazard to you and your family. Mold can cause respiratory issues for many and can be more harmful to those who are allergic or have asthma.
Here are some tips to keep mold out of your bathroom.
Reduce Condensation, Increase Ventilation
Mold thrives in moisture, which is why you should aim to reduce the amount of water in your bathroom as much as possible. You obviously can’t go without taking a shower or washing your hands, but the residual water that goes along with those activities can make your bathroom an ideal breeding ground for mold.
During and after showers, make sure there is adequate ventilation so any collected condensation can dry out. Ventilation can either be in the form of opening windows or using an exhaust fan. These tools are essential for reducing humidity in your bathroom. Keep them running even after your shower is complete and the bathroom is visibly dry.
Ventilation will also help keep towels and other linens dry in between uses, as these are also common places for mold to grow.
Fix Any Leaks
Leaks are all-around bad for your home. Not only do they waste water and cause damage, but they are also a major contributor to mold growth, especially in the bathroom. Keep an eye out for leaks around the bottom of your toilet, under your sink, around your shower, and on the floor.
Even small leaks can create a wet environment that is perfect for mold. After you fix the leak or have a plumbing professional address the issue, look around to see if any mold has populated. If it has, clean it as soon as possible along with other items around the leak.
If you can’t find a leak but still smell mold in the bathroom, consult with your local plumbing professional, who can perform a leak search and get to the source of the water leak.
Keep Up With Cleaning
Even though mold can be dangerous and persistent, it can also be easily cleaned with most household cleaners. But cleaning is also a great way to prevent mold from growing in the first place. The sooner you can get rid of mold and mildew, the less damaging it will be for your bathroom.
Cleaning (and drying) your bathroom will be key in preventing mold from growing. Take some time, even if not as part of every cleaning session, to scrub hard-to-reach areas. Dry anything you clean thoroughly. Make sure any stored soaps, cleaners, and liquids of any kind are dry and not leaking. Also, make sure to repair any grout breaks on your floor or wall tiles.
Keep up with cleaning your towels, linens, bath mats, and any other cloth products in your bathroom. If you start to smell something funky, it’s past time for a wash.
Suspect a Leak? We’ll Find It
No matter where your leak may be, the experts at Courtesy Plumbing are well-equipped to find and fix it at the source. Contact our plumbing team today at (626) 774-7167 to have quality service on any of your home’s plumbing systems.
