How to Solve a Bathroom Mold Problem
Mold is a common problem for many homeowners and commonly develops in the bathroom due to the prime growing conditions. Mold needs moisture and warmth to grow and thrive. The bathroom is one of the rooms that receive the most moisture, and therefore easily forms mold if not properly cleaned and maintained.
- Proper Ventilation - Mold does not have time to form if moisture receives proper ventilation so that it can evaporate and dry. It is best to open all windows in the bathroom when you are showering, as well as run the exhaust fan to suck the warm hot air from your shower up and out of your bathroom. Leave the exhaust fan running for an extra 15 minutes after showering so that any remaining moisture can be removed.
- Shower - Open the shower curtain after taking a shower and allow it to dry in an open position so that water is not allowed to become trapped in the folds, this is a perfect place for mold to grow if precautions are not taken to preen mold from forming.
- Clean - Clean your bathroom regularly with bleach to prevent the formation of mold. There may be mold or mold spores that you cannot see yet that can be killed on contact by the bleach. Check areas behind sinks or toilets as well and clean regularly.
- Drains - To prevent mold from forming in your drains, add one cup of bleach down each drain once a month. This helps kill any mold that may be in the drain as well as help prevent new mold growth.
- Baking Soda - Place an open box of baking soda in an inconspicuous place in your bathroom such as the underneath of the sink or the top of your medicine cabinet. Baking soda has the ability to absorb moisture and helps your bathroom's air to stay dry and moisture-free.
- Towels and washcloths - All towels and washcloths should always be laid out flat to dry. Most towels are made of cotton and cotton is a natural material in which mold forms easily. By allowing your towels and washcloths to air out to dry, they do not stay moist long enough for mold to form.