Mold thrives in warm, moist and humid conditions, which is why many people find themselves battling the fungi in their bathrooms. The most common types of mold found indoors include alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium. Mold in the bathroom (or any other room of the home) can pose health threats to the home's occupants. It is essential to remove mold and to prevent it from developing again in the future.
What Causes Mold In Bathrooms?
The most common cause of bathroom mold is moisture lingering in rooms without proper ventilation. Leaky pipes, sinks, showers and tubs contribute to moisture control issues, which in turn can lead to mold development. Additionally, mold can grow on various damp materials including drywall, wallpaper, paper products, on the underside of rugs, on fabrics (especially shower curtains) and on grout.
How To Prevent Mold in Bathrooms
While a heavy mold problem usually requires the help of professional mold removal experts like ServiceMaster Restore, there are ways you can help prevent mold development in the bathroom.
- Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated
- Open a window or use the room's ventilation fan any time the tub or shower is run. Keep it running for at least 30 minutes after the shower or bath is done
- Opt for a mildew-resistant shower curtain and mildew-resistant window curtains
- Wash the shower curtain and window treatments frequently, once a week if possible
- Don't leave damp towels or other items on the floor
- Wipe down the shower tiles/grout to remove lingering dampness
- Wash and dry area rugs frequently
- Repair any leaking pipes, faucets or shower heads
You can help prevent mold from growing in the tub, shower and sink by cleaning these areas regularly. When soap residue mixes with water and then sits, it can lead to mold development. Keep the tub, shower and sink clean and mold won't be able to grow.
How To Get Rid of Mold in Bathrooms
The best ways to deal with mold in the bathroom include:
- Keeping surfaces clean and dry to help prevent growth.
- Using products like bleach, hydrogen peroxide or vinegar, may reduce the appearance of mold but will not kill or remove the mold growth. Contact a ServiceMaster Restore professional to remove mold fully.
Safety tip: When cleaning the bathroom, make sure the room is ventilated properly and wear protective gloves and safety goggles.
- Remove any caulk that has mold and re-caulk as needed
- Apply a sealer to the grout to help prevent future mold growth
If you can't remove the mold from the back of an area rug by washing, replace the rug. Likewise, replace any shower curtains or window treatments that didn't respond to washing and mold removal treatments.
If mold has developed behind the shower, under the drywall, in the insulation, ceiling or ventilation system, it's time to call a professional mold remediation team like ServiceMaster Restore. Visit online or give us a call to get rid of mold in your bathroom!