How to Stop Mold Growing in a Bathroom Without Windows

If your bathroom lacks a window or adequate ventilation, there are a number of steps you can take to slow or stop mold from growing in your bathroom.

Leave the Bathroom Door Open

An easy way to improve ventilation and prevent mold from growing in a poorly ventilated bathroom is by leaving the bathroom door open as often as possible, to include before, during and after showering.

Clean Your Fan

While you may know to use your ceiling fan during and after bathing and showering to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom, have you ever looked inside to ensure that it is working properly? Clean your fan and the filter regularly to eliminate dust and ensure that you fan is working at its highest capacity. As well, regularly cleaning your fan may reduce allergies.

Put in a Fan

If your bathroom doesn't have a fan to stop mold growth, get one. Invest in a small, clamp-on fan and direct it towards the area beneath your showerhead or areas that collect the most molds. Be sure to leave your fan on until all steam is gone.

Remove Causes of Standing Water

When pools of water remain, water drips throughout the day, creating the perfect environment for mold. Stop mold from growing in your bathroom by eliminating those sources of standing water. If your current shower caddy tends to collect water after each shower, trade it in for one that doesn't.

Towel Down the Walls

One of the most effective ways to stop mold from growing in a bathroom with no windows is to keep your walls dry. Keep a small towel in the bathroom and use it to wipe down the walls after every shower. In particular, focus on drying the tiles closest to the showerhead. If you need to reach high corners, wrap your towel around a broom. Be sure to change wet towels and bathroom rugs regularly to prevent further growth and pull back the shower curtain.

Clean the Bathroom Regularly and Thoroughly

In addition to cleaning your shower walls with bleach on a regular basis, be sure to thoroughly clean each nook and cranny in your bathroom to further reduce moisture collection and kill mold and bacteria.

Regrout and Seal

If your mold is significant, it may be time to simply start over by regrouting, sealing and caulking your bathroom. Regrouting doesn't have to be an endeavor, particularly if you focus on simply regrouting those tiles with mold on them. After scraping out the mold, clean between the tiles with bleach before regrouting. After grouting, be sure to use a sealant. Use caulk on seams between different surfaces, such as tile and tub, or areas where there might be standing water.