Whether you are a homeowner or tenant, bathroom mold is a battle we all face. Mold thrives in bathrooms since they provide the perfect growing conditions. Bathrooms never run short of moisture or steam from baths and showers. Broken grout, loss of toilet seal rings, and leaky taps are other risks of having bathroom mold.
Thus, one can find mold in baths, sinks, grout, carpets, and toilets. When it comes to our well-being, mold is a health risk. If inhaled, it can cause respiratory issues, headaches, or rashes. The most at-risk groups are the elderly, asthmatic people with lower immune systems and those with mold allergies. So how can you prevent and get rid of mold when it invades your bathroom?
Fortunately, ensuring your bathroom is mold-free is an easy feat. The following are tips on preventing and getting rid of existing mold in your bathroom.
Clean the Rugs, Curtains, and Towels Regularly
Your shower curtain, bathroom rug, liner, and bath mat are ideal mold spots if not cleaned regularly. If your curtain liner isn’t washable, change it often. Do not forget the hamper you toss your bathroom items into. Wipe and clean it regularly to discourage mold growth and odors. You can get towel radiators (‘handtuchradiatoren’ for those who want to buy them from Switzerland) to dry your towels or hang them out to dry in the sun.
Ensure Proper Bathroom Ventilation
After every bath or shower, the bathroom tiles are left with water droplets. These droplets take time to dissipate significantly if the bathroom isn’t well-ventilated. Use a squeegee to remove water from your bathtub or shower stall after use. Ensure the bathroom air flows freely by turning on the exhaust fan to dehumidify it. The fan works by sucking the moisture out of the bathroom air and sending it outside. Open the windows to allow sunlight and fresh air.
Fix All Bathroom Leaks
While water from your bath and shower is a common cause of bathroom mold, it isn’t the only one. Leaks in the bathroom can cause moisture accumulation leading to mold growth. When you see a drip in your bathroom, please don’t ignore it to fix it later. If plumping is one of your prowess, fix it right away or contact your plumber. Leaving it out will only worsen things for you once the mold starts to grow. It’s easier to prevent mold than to get rid of it.
Dry Your Shower Items
Taking away your shower items, such as sponges and bottle products, from the bathroom when not in use keeps away mold. As they dry after use, moisture accumulates under them, and this is a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold.
Clean Your Bathroom with Mold-Killing Detergents
When cleaning your bathroom, consider using mold-killing cleaners. They can discourage mold and mildew growth. You could also DIY your cleaning solution using vinegar. Vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner that will kill mold and mildew that you can’t even see yet. When cleaning, check those loose edges on your bathroom wallpaper.
Conclusion
Lowering the humidity levels in your bathroom is the first step to controlling mold in the bathroom. You can adapt methods such as opening the windows, using fans and securing leaks. Consistency in cleaning your bathroom will enable you to enjoy your showers and baths without worrying about mold.