Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Keep your bathroom clean
• Method 2 of 3: Eliminate moisture buildup
• Method 3 of 3: Ventilate the bathroom
• Tips
• Warnings

The systematic concentration of heat and moisture in bathrooms creates an ideal environment for mold growth. Mold not only spoils the look of a bathroom, but can also damage walls, floors and ceilings. Preventing mold is very important to keep your bathroom in good condition. In this article we will show you how to do it.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Keep your bathroom clean

1. 1 Dust the bathroom at least once a week. Since dust is a food source for mold and mold spores travel through the air and settle on any surface, regularly wipe down all surfaces in the bathroom to prevent mold growth. Start at the top and work your way down, wiping each surface with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
2. 2 Clean all bathroom surfaces weekly with an all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Scrub the tub, sink and toilet thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose bathroom cleaner. Follow the directions on the package and let the cleaner sit for the right amount of time to completely disinfect the bathroom surfaces before rinsing or wiping it off.
3. 3 Clean bathroom mirrors and windows with glass cleaner. Spray glass cleaner on the microfiber cloth and wipe the mirror and windows from top to bottom in a zigzag pattern. Then wipe off any remaining stains.
4. 4 Wipe everything dry. Using a few paper towels, re-go through the cleaning steps to remove any moisture in the bathroom. Also, be sure to wipe off any excess water on your sink, tub, or any other surface.
5. 5 Clean shower curtains and bath rugs often. They get wet all the time and therefore need to be washed and air-dried every week or two.
   • Place your shower curtain in the washing machine along with your laundry, detergent, and a pinch of baking soda. After washing, hang the curtain to air dry.
   • Wash your bath mat in cold water with a mild detergent. Dry the rug at the lowest temperature possible.
6. 6 Hang up bath towels. Try not to throw towels on the bathroom floor after you shower. This will keep the towels dry and will only increase the amount of moisture in the room, which encourages mold growth. Install a towel rack for your towels, as well as wall or door hooks if you haven't already.

Method 2 of 3: Eliminate moisture buildup

1. 1 Find and repair any leaks in the bathroom. Check pipes and seals to the toilet and bathroom sinks for leaks. Do these checks regularly because time is of the essence in preventing mold growth. If you find a leak, call a plumber or take matters into your own hands by sorting it out yourself.
2. 2 Do not store washcloths, bath toys, or other bath accessories in the bath or shower. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, washcloths and similar items are potential spots for mold growth. Wipe these items dry or squeeze out all the water after each use and store them in a towel cabinet or other dry place.
3. 3 Wipe up excess moisture after showering. Run a rubber roller along the walls of the shower after each shower so that the water does not remain on the walls, but immediately goes down the drain. Keeping the walls dry will help reduce the humidity in the bathroom.
4. 4 Replace the silicone grout on the tiled floor once a year. Apply silicone sealant annually between bathroom tiles to ensure they are waterproof. If at any point mold does strike the grout, wipe it off with bleach and a toothbrush, or replace it completely by removing it with a flat screwdriver.

Method 3 of 3: Ventilate the bathroom

1. 1 Keep the exhaust fan on during and after showering. The fan will circulate air, reduce the amount of steam while showering, and speed up the drying time of the bathroom after shower. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   "After showering, leave the fan on for 30 minutes and open the bathroom window (if available)."

   
   

   

   Michelle Driscoll MPH

   Mulberry Maids founder Michelle Driscoll is the owner of the Mulberry Maids cleaning service in northern Colorado.She received her Masters in Public Health from Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.

   Michelle Driscoll MPH
   Founder of Mulberry Maids

2. 2 Open the bathroom windows (if available) and close the door. Fresh air in the bathroom will improve circulation and help dry the room more efficiently. Close the bathroom door to trap moisture inside, and open the windows to let it dissipate naturally.
3. 3 Reduce humidity levels with a dehumidifier. Air dehumidifiers are great tools for preventing mold growth, especially if you live in hot, humid climates. Air dehumidifiers can significantly reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
4. 4 Turn on the air conditioner. Air conditioners not only cool the air, but also remove moisture from it. Install a window air conditioner and cool the room temperature to create air circulation and prevent mold growth.
5. 5 Leave the shower door or curtain open after you shower. This will help the moisture evaporate and will also speed up the drying time of the shower. If you close a door or curtain, moisture will evaporate much longer, which contributes to the formation of a humid environment, so beloved by bacteria and mold.

Tips

• If there is no door in the shower, use a curtain soaked in a special anti-fungal agent to protect it from mold.
• Mold thrives in the dark, so good lighting in the bathroom will help contain it.
• If the mold has spread far enough, it is best to seek professional help to remove it safely and effectively.

Warnings

• Mold can be hazardous to health. If this problem is not addressed, it can lead to allergic reactions, fungal infections and poisoning from fungal poison that produces mold.