Mold is a curious organism. It thrives in moist and dark places and has the ability to give off spores which can be detrimental to your health. Because it loves moist places it won’t be surprising to discover that it can quickly become an issue in any bathroom.
The good news is there are steps you can take to eliminate it and prevent it from returning.
Plumbing Inspection
The first step is to check for moisture. You create steam when you shower. But, moisture can also be created by leaking pipes and dripping faucets. You need to get an emergency plumber out to check your entire system and eliminate any leaks. This will reduce the amount of moisture in the air and the attractiveness to mold.
Wipe Down Surfaces
At the same time as having your pipes inspected, they will probably use a drain camera to inspect inside your pipes, you should wipe all the surfaces down in the bathroom with vinegar. In other words, dry them with a cloth and then spray plenty of vinegar onto the surface to kill any mold growth. It is very effective.
Ventilation
Perhaps the biggest key to preventing mold is to ensure your bathroom is well ventilated. If a bathroom isn’t ventilated the warm moist air has nowhere to go and will sit on the surfaces, attracting mold.
The best way to keep the bathroom ventilated is to fit a fan that can be turned on whenever you shower. It can also be a good idea to open the window if you have one. Ideally, you should open the window while showering. But, if you are not comfortable with this then you can open it as soon as you finish and leave the room to air as you get ready.
It is worth having a ventilation duct fitted to your window to keep the air flowing through the bathroom at all times, this does mean the space will be colder in the winter months but it will keep the mold away.
Dehumidifier
Another way to extract the moisture from the bathroom is to fit a dehumidifier or use a portable one. Simply leave it running a couple of times a day to lower the temperature and eliminate the mold.
Air Dry Items
Your used sponge, loofah, and even your towel are all damp and, if left in the bathroom, will create a damp environment. All these items need to be air-dried when possible. After your shower remove the items from the bathroom and lace the outside, ensuring they have plenty of good airflow. With a little imagination, you will be able to do this throughout the winter months, all you have to do is create a cubicle area where they can be left to dry in the fresh air.
Wipe Everything Down
Of course, at a basic level, you can remove the moisture from the bathroom by squeeging down all the walls and making sure the floor is completely dry. This is essential if you want to keep your bathroom mold-free.
