Preventing Bathroom Mold

Household mold is not only ugly, it can pose a health risk for the people living in the house. Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores that spread through the air until they land on another suitable surface and begin to grow. When breathed in, these spores can increase symptoms in people who already suffer from allergies or asthma and can eventually lead to healthy individuals developing respiratory illnesses. Some forms of mold can become highly toxic and cause severe illness, and even death, in people exposed to them. It is therefore important to take steps to prevent mold from growing in your home.

Mold requires warm temperatures, moisture, water and food to live. The bathroom provides all of these in abundance. So how can we prevent bathroom mold?

Preventing mold growth basically comes down to maintenance and cleaning. The following steps will help you prevent a mold problem in your bathroom.

Check for leaks - Check for any type of leaks in your bathroom on a regular basis. This can easily be done while you are cleaning. Look for pipes that show signs of water escaping and feel the areas around the pipes for moisture. Use your sense of smell. Bathroom air that smells musty or heavy is a sign of mold growth in areas you cannot see, often due to a pipe leaks in the wall. If you find a leak, repair it immediately. Even small leaks can cause big mold problems.

Clean hard surfaces - Clean all the hard surfaces of your bathroom, including walls and ceilings, on a regular basis. There are several products available on the market for cleaning and preventing mold, but a simple mixture bleach and water will do the trick. If you have problems with chlorine-based products, hydrogen peroxide is also effective. Use the hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle, do not dilute it in water, and then wash it off.

Clean soft surfaces - Wash your shower curtain and shower curtain liner on a regular basis. Wash a fabric shower curtain in the washing machine. Wash a vinyl shower curtain in the bathtub by letting it soak in detergent and hot water and then gently scrubbing it. Wash throw rugs and bathmats in the washing machine.

Reduce moisture - Running a little cold water before turning the temperature to hot will help reduce the amount of steam produced by your shower. Use an exhaust fan to prevent moisture from building up surfaces while you bathe and shower. If you do not have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, use a towel or squeegee to dry the tiles and walls once you are done with your shower. Be sure to open a window each day, even if it is cold outside, to allow fresh air to circulate and dry the bathroom.

Pay attention to details - Always open your shower curtain after a shower to allow air to circulate around it. Do not leave wet bathmats or throw rugs on the floor. Hang wet towels, loofahs and sponges to dry. Never leave wet towels sitting in a pile on the floor. Remove the water from bath toys and allow them to air dry before putting them away.

Painting - If you are considering remodeling or redecorating your bathroom, get mold prevention off to a good start by choosing a paint that creates a hard surface for easy washing. High-gloss and semi-gloss finishes are ideal for bathrooms, as they produce a smooth finish without surface pores once dry. Many manufacturers offer 'Kitchen and Bath' paints that are made with mildew controlling additives. If you cannot find 'Kitchen and Bath' paint, ask your paint dealer to add a mildewcide into the can while mixing the color.