The bathroom of a home is one of the most common places for mold growth to occur. The main reason: excessive water and moisture in the bathroom. Below are some situations that may cause bathroom mold.
- Little to no ventilation in the bathroom
- Leaky toilets, sinks or other plumbing issues
- Failure to keep the bathroom clean of dust and dirt, which both provide a host for mold to grown on
- Damp rugs, wood, wallpaper, grout, drywall, or fabrics
It’s one of the most common problems in any house but it’s also the easiest to prevent and avoid. Let’s see how…
Removing Bathroom Mold
For most surface molds in the bathroom, you can tackle the cleanup on your own. If you do have sizable amount of visible mold or believe the mold has penetrated the surfaces of the walls, you should contact AmeriClean for a free estimate where the proper testings can take place by a mold certified professional. For smaller DIY mold remediation follow these guidelines:
- Strip and replace any caulking that has visible mold growth
- Clean all bathroom surfaces where mold or mildew is expected or possible with a mold-killing product
Preventing Bathroom Mold
The best way to prevent mold growth is to stop it from concurring in the first place. Daily and weekly steps help to significantly reduce your chances for mold growth taking place in the bathroom.
1. Eliminate moisture from the bathroom
If you do not already have a bathroom exhaust fan installed in a bathroom where a shower or tub is present, this should be your first step to preventing bathroom mold. If moisture is kept in the bathroom, you are more likely to have mold growth in the bathroom. Turning on the bathroom exhaust fan during and after (keep on for about 15 minutes) taking a shower or bath, will help to circulate the air and reduce steam while the water is on and help to dry the bathroom faster after. Once the shower or bath are complete, keep the door and/or windows open to help again circulate the air and to allow fresh air to enter the room.
2. Clean and dust your bathroom
Mold needs a source to grow on and dust and dirt are perfect culprits for the mold and mold spores to adhere to. These sources need to be cleaned and removed from all surfaces of the bathroom frequently to help prevent bathroom mold from growing. Simple steps to take are: spray all-purpose bathroom cleaner on all surfaces of the bathroom, clean doors, windows and mirrors with glass cleaner, wash shower curtains, towels, and rugs once per week, use a all-purpose cleaner to wipe down walls, baseboards, and floors frequently.
3. Stretch out your shower curtain after each use
To prevent mold growth on the shower curtain, make sure to stretch out the curtain the full length of the shower rod after each use. Washing the fabric shower curtain weekly in the washing machine helps to remove any mildew. For plastic curtains or liners; fill a bath tub full of warm water and bleach and allow to soak once per week.
4. Check bathroom for leaks
To prevent any water damage in the bathroom and any possible areas where mold growth could occur, it is important to regularly check the bathroom for leaks. Since leaks will cause added moisture to the surrounding areas of the leaks, it may result in mold growth. Checking around pipes, seals, around the toilet, and sinks will help you to keep any leaks or issues under control. If you do notice any leaks or issues, it is best to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
5. Paint your bathroom walls with semi-gloss paint
When painting your bathroom a fresh new color, it is best to select a a semi-gloss finish. Semi-gloss paint is more resistant to stains-making it easier to clean and creates a harder surface for mold to grow on. Want added protection from mold and mildew? Add this Rust-oleum product to your paint.
About AmeriClean, Inc.
AmeriClean, Inc was established in 1986 by Bob Eriks in a small warehouse as a provider of Fire Damage Restoration for Northwest Indiana. Fast forward to today and AmeriClean’s services include Carpet, Upholstery, Air Duct, Area Rug, Ceramic Tile Cleaning; as well as: Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation. With 30 years of experience, AmeriClean, Inc. is now a leading name in residential and commercial properties for cleaning and restoration needs. For more information, visit our website or call 800.654.9101.
