Mold can cause a number of problems, from poor indoor air quality, allergies, and health issues to odors and damage to your home. Don’t overlook the musty smell or visible mold or mildew growing in your bathroom. Be proactive by dealing with any current problems and cleaning your bathroom regularly so you and your family can breathe freely and live more comfortably.
Places to Check for Mold
Bathrooms are ideal locations for mold to develop and grow. If it’s not caught soon enough or left too long, it can quickly spiral into a big problem that overruns a portion of your bathroom. Look around your bathroom, particularly at the areas listed below, for mold. There are many different types of mold that appear in several colors—black, orange, green, pink, and white.
Showers & Tubs
Check tile for discolored surface area and staining on grout lines. Also look at the caulk in and around your shower or bathtub; these are very common locations for mold to develop. If the mold on caulking isn’t dealt with quickly enough, it can spread, break the seal, and begin growing behind the caulk, potentially reaching your walls and causing extensive damage. If caulk in your bathroom is growing mold, you’ll need to strip it and replace it.
Your shower curtain liner could also be a breeding ground for mold, and you might not even know it! Make sure you wash it frequently and replace it regularly. Consider purchasing a mildew-resistant curtain as well, and wash it often.
Bathroom Windows
Check window tracks, windowsills, and wood surfaces for mold. Condensation can easily form on bathroom windows, and if the moisture isn’t removed quickly enough, mold can begin to form and cause damage.
Damp Materials
Make sure you hang your wet towel up so it can completely dry. Don’t hang more than one towel on a rack, or moisture could get trapped and prevent proper drying. Make sure your rugs are left so they can breathe and dry properly as well. Leave your ventilation fan for about 30 minutes after you shower or bathe to get rid of the extra moisture and humidity in the room. Wash your rugs and towels often.
Fix Water Leaks
Check around your toilet and under your bathroom vanity for leaks. If water is left sitting in these areas, mold can quickly start to grow and damage floors, walls, and items in your bathroom. Make sure your sink faucets and tub and shower fixtures aren’t leaking, either.
Install Proper Ventilation
Without good ventilation, your bathroom can’t properly release the heat and humidity that builds up when you bathe or shower, which can quickly lead to mold growth. You should have a ventilation system in place that expels hot air and humidity outside. Having a window in your bathroom to encourage airflow will help as well. If you’re missing either of these, strongly consider installing them in your bathroom to keep it healthy and prevent moisture buildup.
Keep your bathroom dry and clean, and you should be able to ward off the mold!