At ProCare Restoration, we know that mold prevention is much easier (and cheaper) than mold remediation. However, it can be tricky in areas that are more susceptible to mold growth, like bathrooms. That’s why we gave some thought to how we can advise you on how to keep your bathroom mold free. Here’s what we came up with.
1. Adjust Ventilation
One of the biggest causes of mold growth in bathrooms is lack of ventilation. Bathrooms naturally collect a lot of moisture, particularly during steamy showers. If you don’t have a dehumidifying fan in your bathroom, we recommend installing one and using it during and after every shower.
You should note where your dehumidifying fan releases moisture, though. If you already have one or are having one installed, make sure that it releases moisture outside. Some fans release moisture into your attic, which simply moves the risk of mold growth to the attic instead of your bathroom.
In addition to the fan, or if you don’t have one, try cracking the window open from time to time. Leave the bathroom door open whenever it isn’t occupied to allow for greater airflow and fewer opportunities for mold growth!
2. Repair Leaks
If your tub or sink faucets leak, don’t procrastinate fixing them! This may seem like a minor issue, but it leads to constant moisture in your bathroom, allowing mold to grow.
So if you hear your faucets dripping, or notice constant moisture in your bathroom, call a technician to repair it right away. It will save you money and stress in the long run, we promise.
3. Choose Tile Carefully
If you’re redoing your bathroom, it’s the perfect opportunity to combat mold growth. Tiles may seem pretty similar, but it’s important to choose them carefully.
Some tiles have deep grooves or otherwise lack smooth surfaces. We recommend tiling with totally smooth tiles so that you can clean them easily and keep them dry. This will prevent mold from growing in any grooves and keep moisture from sitting in your bathroom.
4. Seal Grout
After you install your tile, it’s important to seal the tiles and grout. You can enhance your tile’s ability to combat mold growth by using mold resistant grout, but this will not be enough to fully prevent mold.
If you install a seal on top of the grout, this prevents water from getting into it, which prevents mold growth. It can even prevent grout discoloration and keep out dirt. It’s a great way to keep your bathroom clean, long-term.
5. Clean On a Schedule
Whether you live on your own or with family/roommates, it’s important to keep a schedule and routine for cleaning your bathroom. This will allow you to make sure that nothing gets overlooked and your bathroom is always sparkling.
It also gives you a chance to inspect for leaks, excessive moisture, or mold growth. So get a good routine going and always be thorough when you clean your bathroom. It’s the number one way to keep your bathroom mold free.
If you do find mold in your bathroom, don’t be embarrassed. It can (and does) happen to many many people. It’s incredibly common, and doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong. Just give ProCare Restoration a call and we’ll get it taken care of for you!
