Preventing Bathroom Mold | Express Plumbing & Drain Service

Mold prospers in moist environments, which means that your bathroom is a prime target. Mold in bathrooms is such a common problem that you may think there's no way to avoid it. However, there are a few tips that any homeowner can use to keep bathroom mold at bay. Here are four essential tips for preventing bathroom mold.

1. Use the Bathroom Exhaust Fan

The biggest perpetrator of mold growth isn't direct splashing from your bath or shower. Rather, it is moisture in the air after a bath or shower that results in condensation on the surfaces in your bathroom. Condensation will settle on drywall, ceilings, and other permeable surfaces that can easily support mold growth if they remain damp.

Your bathroom fan is the best defense against mold caused by condensation. Run the fan during each bath or shower and for 20 to 30 minutes afterward. This will ensure that as much moisture is removed from the air as possible before it condenses. Your bathroom fan should be caulked or otherwise insulated, and ducted to the outside instead of your attic so that mold-causing moisture doesn't take hold in the attic.

2. Maintain Bath and Shower Walls

Even if you're running your bathroom fan with every bath or shower, you should still take steps to eliminate any visible moisture in your bathroom. Water on shower walls and glass doors will leave water stains, and mold is likely to sprout on the surface of these walls. The easiest method is to squeegee any wet walls and doors after every use.

The best way to prevent mold in the long-term on bathroom walls is to scrub the walls at least once a week. Bleach, vinegar, or commercial bathroom cleaners are all effective methods that will inhibit mold growth if used regularly. You may also consider repainting your bathroom with mold-resistant antimicrobial paint for the highest degree of mold defense.

3. Keep Mats and Rugs Clean

Carpets, rugs, and bath mats are extremely porous and can easily harbor mold growth if they become damp. Rugs and mats in your bathroom can have hidden mold on the underside if they aren't properly maintained, and they can even spread mold infestations if they are close to wooden baseboards or other permeable materials.

Washing your bathroom rugs and mats at least once a week is the best way to prevent mold growth. You should check the label to determine whether mats are machine-washable or should be washed by hand. In either case, adding a cup full of white vinegar with detergent when washing bathroom mats will help eliminate mold spores and make them less hospitable to mold growth in the future.

4. Repair Bathroom Leaks Quickly

Unlike condensation, which normally causes mold growth in places you can see, a plumbing leak can create hidden mold infestations in your bathroom. A leak under your sink, around the base of your toilet, or behind a wall can cause mold to start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

Watching for the signs of hidden leaks in your bathroom can help you catch mold infestations before they get out of hand. If you see unexplained stains on your walls or ceiling, those may indicate that a leak behind the stain is promoting mold growth. You should also consider an inspection if you hear an unexplained sound of dripping or running water in your bathroom.

Just because it's impossible to keep your bathroom free of moisture, doesn't mean you can't keep it free of mold. If you are facing a bathroom leak, mold infestation, or any other plumbing issues, contact Express Plumbing & Drain Service so our experienced professionals can help you.