How To Prevent Mold In Bathroom

Last Updated : August 14, 2023 /

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The bathroom is the place where most of us spend time getting clean. So, if the bathroom mold creeping up in your shower, tub, tiles or toilet is making you feel dirtier coming out of the bathroom than going in, you know it’s time to call one of our friendly Upstairs Downstairs house cleaning service teams to work their magic. Until one of our efficient maid service teams can reach you, we’ve shared our top five tips that teach you how to prevent mold in the bathroom below.

how to prevent mold in the bathroom

Mold is unsightly, unhygienic and in some varieties, it can even cause a variety of health issues. It can lead to headaches and respiratory problems.

How to Prevent Mold in the Bathroom

The good news is, with a bit of upkeep and attention, you can win the fight against bathroom mold in five easy ways:

  1. Adequate lighting
  2. Keeping the bathroom dry and cool
  3. Providing thorough ventilation, you can use a bathroom fan
  4. Using effective cleaning products
  5. Basic, consistent cleaning
  6. Regularly inspect for leaks

Keep the Bathroom Well Lit

More than just the boogeyman prowls at night: Don’t let the mold growth monsters sneak out from the depths of the dark! Like the blackish color that mold is, it also thrives in dark environments. Keep the bathroom well lit with adequate lighting or allow sunshine in through open windows during parts of the day.

Keep it Cool and Dry Whenever Possible

Mold likes damp and humid climates, so the bathroom is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Remove all wet towels and clothing from the bathroom and allow these to dry completely. Do not store damp items in the bathroom and make sure to hang out the bathroom floor mat or towel to dry in between showers. Make an effort to remove excess water whenever possible.

Don’t overlook the shower curtain as an incubator for mold – wipe down the shower walls with a squeegee or spread open shower curtains fully to deter mold spores growth. As an extra line of protection, invest in a mold-resistant shower curtain.

Run Your Exhaust Fan During Showers

Aerate, aerate and aerate some more! Turn on the fan when showering and for at least half an hour after, until the condensation has evaporated from the bathroom. You can also install a more powerful ventilation fan to increase the circulation of fresh air within the small space. After usage, keep the bathroom door or windows open to encourage the flow of plenty of air. Proper ventilation helps prevent mold growth.

Even when running the exhaust fan, you may notice that over time, you start to see black spots on the ceiling above your shower. Use a spray bottle filled with a mixture of one-part bleach and one-part water to spray the area to kill the mold spores. No bathroom fan? Below are few things you can try to help with the mold problem.

Cleaning shower walls
Wear rubber gloves when using harsh cleaning agents like bleach.

Use the Right Cleaners

The products that you use can make a big difference in keeping mold growth under control. Bleach products are good agents to combat mold. Allow the bleach to sit on mold services for 10-15 minutes before you scrub the affected areas.

As bleach is a harsh chemical, wear protective rubber gloves and old clothes and make sure to avoid any contact with skin or eyes. Ventilate the bathroom while you are cleaning and afterward, either by opening windows or turning on the fan.

If you prefer working with natural cleaning materials try vinegar or hydrogen peroxide as a substitute instead of bleach or commercial cleaner. Vinegar is more effective at killing mold on porous surfaces than bleach. The white vinegar penetrates the materials to kill the mold at its root. In the worst-case scenario, you can also look into a mold specialist for more complete mold removal. If mold becomes a serious problem, you may have to reglaze your bathtub.

Clean Your Bathroom Regularly

A little bit goes a long way. Put in a little cleaning solution here and there to keep the bathroom from growing a fungus forest overnight. Wipe down surfaces, including shower walls. Keep the bathroom dry, and regularly maintain your cleaning appointments with Upstairs Downstairs to easily prevent mold growth and keep your bathroom mold-free.

When you clean your tub and shower, also take time to scrub your grout, as mold and mildew can build up in the grout lines. Regularly apply a grout sealer to help prevent mold growth. Wipe down the caulking or remove the caulking entirely, and refresh it whenever necessary. Use an old toothbrush with baking soda to restore its appearance.

Don’t forget to clean your bathroom rugs. These can hold on to moisture after each person gets out of the shower. Your bathroom rugs may never fully dry between showers, which makes them an ideal food source for mold.

Regularly Inspect Your Bathroom for Leaks

Make it a point to look for leaks in your bathroom at least once a month. Check the bathtub, sinks, shower head, faucets, etc. Even leaky toilets can lead to mold.

If you see signs of a leak, make it a point to repair it as soon as possible. If there are signs of significant moisture damage, run a dehumidifier in the bathroom for a few days to help dry it out.

The team at Upstairs Downstairs can keep your bathrooms clean, which will go a long way toward keeping your bathroom mold-free. We’ll clean your showers and tubs, sinks, and toilets. By doing your part and keeping things cool and dry between our visits, you’ll be sure to avoid mold in your bathroom.

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