Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Prevent Mold in the Bathroom

By Jim Brown

The bathroom is where mold is most likely to grow. Heat and moisture are generated in the bathroom frequently providing mold with great conditions to grow and flourish.

Taking the steps to prevent mold in the bathroom is vital for your health and for the overall look and condition of the bathroom. In addition, if neglected and due to suitable growing conditions, bathroom mold is likely to spread internally through walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to extremely expensive remediation costs.

Since the bathroom is a high risk room for water damage, be sure to perform frequent inspections to prevent water damage in the bathroom.

The first step in mold prevention is keeping the bathroom dry and airy. Use a hygrometer [humidity meter] to check humidity levels before and after showers. Make sure that humidity levels go below 40%-45% within 5-10 minutes from the time you finish your shower.

Air Circulation

Air circulation is another key step in keeping adequate humidity levels.

• Open windows and doors after taking a shower to allow air to flow freely and remove excess moisture.
• Turn on the exhaust fan while taking a bath or shower. Leave it working for 5-10 minutes after finishing using the bathroom to allow the bathroom to dry completely.
• Check and confirm that the fan exhausts directly to the outside.

Shower and Bathtub

Pay attention and maintain your shower and bathtub.

• Keep the bathtub, floors, walls, and ceilings clean and dry.
• Be sure to stretch the bathtub curtain after using the bathtub to allow equal drying.
• If possible, keep clearance between the bottom part of the curtain and the bathtub to allow air to flow there as well.

Routine Maintenance

Keep the drains in good shape. Remove all debris to allow the shower to drain completely and flawlessly. It is also recommended to pour a little bleach down them every three to four months.

Semi-gloss paint is recommended to create hard surfaces on your walls. It is harder for mold to grow on these surfaces. In addition, wipe down the bathroom, the walls, and the grout with antifungal spray every time you clean the bathroom. That will prevent mold from growing.

If see signs of mold on the walls or floors, you may need to inspect inside the walls and floor with fiber optics inspection through a small opening you will have to create.

Recommended Reading
Prevent Mold in the Kitchen
Prevent Mold in the Basement
Prevent Mold in the Laundry Room