One of the most common places for mold to form in a house beside the basement, according to Mold Solutions is the bathroom. (Danhauer, 2019) The average adult spends about 30 minutes a day in the bathroom. (Daily Infographic, 2020) As experts in mold remediation and removal, sometimes you have little control over mold, especially when there are broken pipes or flooding for example. There are some precautions that you can take that will ensure mold doesn’t have a chance to start. Here are 10 Tips to Keep Mold Out of the Bathroom.
- Run The Fan – According to Point To Homes, the number one tool in reducing the humidity in the bathroom is to turn on the fan while you shower or bathe. A bathroom fan will pull moisture and damp air out of the bathroom and vent it outside your home. The best advice is to turn it on before you start washing, and leave it running for about 20 minutes after you’ve finished. (Hopulele & Andra Hopulele, 2021) A fan in some cases, is not an option, as older homes may not have a fan. If this is the case, and you need to install a bathroom fan, check out this link from Vern’s Hardware as they give step-by-step instructions on installing a bathroom fan.
- Keep the Doors and Windows Open. Poor circulation is another reason that humidity builds up. If you have a window, open it to allow the humidity to escape. Also depending upon the nature of roommates in your home, leaving the door open also allows nearby rooms to help speed up the process of eliminating humidity in the bathroom.
- Take Shorter and Colder Showers. By reducing time in the shower, you are reducing the humidity in the air. You are not only reducing the humidity, you are also saving on water, energy, time, and yes, money. (Hopulele & Andra Hopulele With a passion for all things real estate and home design, 2021)
- Squeegy The Shower and Wiping Down Any Wet Spots. Simple steps like taking a squeegee after you shower and eliminating water on the shower walls cuts down the water in the bathroom. Even taking towels and wiping down any visible water spots will help with condensation.
- Use DampRid. DampRid is a hanging bag-type product that acts as a dehumidifier that doesn’t need electricity. It’s an all-natural way to absorb excess moisture in the air that can cause stale, musty orders. The crystals in the bag absorb excess moisture in the air to create and maintain the optimal humidity level in any area of the home. It can even prevent damage to valuable possessions. This product can be purchased on Amazon.
- Demist the Mirrors with RainX. This is a specialized defogging solution, normally used on car windshields. This slightly expensive option will ensure your bathroom mirror does not steam up for a month. Additional natural alternatives as well to demisting the mirrors can be found in this online blog from Bathroom City. (Bathroom City, 2022)
- Remove or Eliminate Rugs and Carpets. According to the author, even the CDC recommends removing the bath rug or carpets from the bathroom to prevent mold growth. In addition, drying the towels outside of the bathroom can also help with moisture. (Rohlinger, 2021)
- Add Plants. Plants act as natural dehumidifiers and can enhance the appearance of a room too. The key is to make sure you are using houseplants that remove humidity rather than add it. For additional information on which plants to use, read “The 10 Best Houseplants for Your Bathroom” (Komar, 2022)
- Watch for Leaks. Look under the sink and around the toilet for water leaks, and make sure to have them repaired if necessary.
In summary, a homeowner can help prevent mold from growing in some instances by following these 9 simple tips: 1) running the fan, 2) Keeping doors and windows Open, 3) taking shorter showers and baths, 4) Squeeging the shower and wiping down water, 5) Using DamRid, 6) Demisting the mirrors 7) Removing Carpets, 8) Adding plants, 9) Watching for leaks. Following these simple steps can help prevent that four-letter word we call mold. If there is an issue, CCS Property Services, LLC, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin can assist you. For more information or help call 920-435-2288.