The humid environment of the bathroom leads to mold growth that is harmful to everyone’s health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. People with allergies to molds or with asthma may have more intense reactions. To maintain the safe use of your bathrooms at home, take preventive measures to ward off mold and mildew growth.
Here are 5 ways to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom:
Keep your bathroom well ventilated
Mold loves moisture. So, make it a habit to clean and dry your bathroom after use. Aside from wiping drips on the tubs and tile walls, eliminate moisture by ensuring quality bathroom ventilation. Turn on your bathroom exhaust fan while taking a shower and let it continue to run for 15 to 30 minutes after leaving the bathroom. Open the windows to expel the humid air outside the house.
Wash your shower curtains regularly
Homeowners should clean shower curtains regularly to prevent mold from growing on them. If you have a plastic shower curtain, wash it in the washing machine in a cool setting and hang it to dry. You can follow the same process for washing cloth curtains. When you see nasty mold buildup in your curtains that doesn’t go away, experts recommend throwing the material out and replacing it with a new one.
Fix plumbing leaks
Leaky sinks, toilets, and plumbing pipes are the common causes of mold growth in bathrooms. According to experts, mold can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours on damp surfaces surrounding the leaky plumbing fixture. Simply scrubbing the mold away will do no good as it will continue to grow as long as there’s water. You need to get to the source of the problem. Call in your trusted local plumber to fix plumbing leaks in your bathroom. It is important to regularly check your bathroom plumbing for leaks and fix them as they occur.
Let natural light enter your bathroom
Direct exposure to sunlight makes it harder for mold to grow and flourish. So as much as possible, let sunlight into your bathroom by opening the blinds or windows. When the sun is out during the winter months, you can use UV or ultraviolet lights to keep mold at bay.
Seal grout lines
Sealing the grout helps repel moisture, which mold needs to grow. But not only that, this process can also help strengthen your grout and leave it looking better. It is important to seal your grout at least once a year to prevent blackening due to mold growth.
Mold can be your worst enemy at home. Aside from its negative effects on health, unchecked mold can also damage buildings and furnishings. Fight mold growth in your household by getting enough help from a local plumbing company. The experts will know the best way to tackle the mold and mildew problem in your property. Make no hesitations and book a plumbing service today!
Nature enthusiast and outdoorsy soul, Scott Procter’s blog is an invitation to explore the natural world. Join him in his quest to reconnect with the great outdoors and embrace a life in harmony with nature.
