Most homeowners can be in a constant battle with mold and mildew growing in their bathrooms. The moist and wet conditions found in most bathrooms provide an ideal environment where these bacteria can flourish. Aside from its unattractive traits, mold can present a serious health risk when not addressed. While the most common method to eliminate this problem is through constant and thorough cleaning, there are some tips you can use that can reduce, and in some cases eliminate the problem.
Remove the Mold
The first order of business is to remove the mold and mildew present in your bathroom. Some common areas of your bathroom where you might find mold and mildew are around the tub’s caulking, grout joints and under the sink or basin. Many household cleaners are available that will kill and dissolve the growth, making it easier to clean. However, it might take some serious scrubbing as well. A stiff-bristled brush is ideal to clean the hard to reach areas such as grout joints, cracks and crevices. Make sure to follow all instructions and warning labels on the cleaners, use in well-ventilated areas and where protective gear such as rubber gloves, respirator and protective eye gear. Large amounts of mold will require professional assistance to be removed. DO NOT try to remove large amounts of mold by yourself. This can cause serious health problems.
Change the Environment
Once you have eliminated the mold and mildew, now you want to prevent it from coming back. Since a bathroom is always going to be a steamy, humid and hot environment ideal for mold growth, it may be impossible to prevent its return. However, you can change the environment and make it less likely to return. The key is proper ventilation. If your bathroom has a window, use it often to allow steam, moisture and humidity to escape. In addition, schedule your plumber to clean, inspect or install a bathroom exhaust fan.
Reduce Moisture
Since moisture is at the root of this problem, the more you reduce it the better chances that the mold and mildew will not return. Here are some ways to reduce the moisture in your bathroom:
- Ask your plumber to inspect and repair leaking fixtures, toilets and sink drains.
- Remove dirty laundry and wet towels often.
- Use a squeegee to remove water from glass shower doors, enclosures and mirrors.
- Dry the floor, shower walls and mirror after bathing.
- Reduce the amount of steam by taking shorter baths with less hot water.
At the end of the day, keeping your bathroom clean and as dry as possible will reduce or eliminate mold and mildew growth.
For answers to your questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
