Most bathrooms will run into the problem with mold at some point. After all, this type of fungus grows in dark, warm, and moist environments. Showers, tubs, grout lines, walls, and ceilings are the most vulnerable areas. You are likely to see green or black spots all around. Not only are they unsightly, but they also pose a health risk for those with allergies and respiratory ailments. Getting rid of them should be a priority. To do this, homeowners must understand where the bathroom mold is coming from in the first place.
Mold In Bathroom: Common Causes & Solutions
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Below, we discuss some common mold-causing culprits in your bathroom. By knowing the cause, you will be able to prevent mold growth from happening in your bathroom.
Poor Ventilation
Mold spores are everywhere, but they will not thrive unless ideal conditions exist. The presence of moisture is one of the major reasons why bathrooms are often problematic. If homeowners can keep the space dry, then they can prevent mold from becoming a major issue. 1
Air drying is the simplest way to do this. Air should flow freely across the surfaces to promote evaporation. Do not keep the bathroom shut. Ensure good ventilation by keeping the door open when not in use. The windows should be open as well, if there are any.
Chronic Water Leaks
Sometimes, there may be an underlying issue with your plumbing system. Chronic water leaks tend to get worse over time. These lead to damp surfaces that never get dry no matter how wide you open the windows or how long you turn on the fans. The best way to deal with this is to call a plumber and trace the source of the leaks. They will find the root cause and perform a permanent fix.
Improper Fan Use
If existing airflow is insufficient, then homeowners can help things along by installing an exhaust fan. This will suck the air out of the room to facilitate odor removal and surface drying. Make sure that the size of the fan is sufficient for the volume of the space. Their capacity is measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute. The best way to go about it is to turn the fan on while taking a shower to start the drying process early. Don’t turn it off right away as the room is still wet after you shower. Let the fan run for about 30 minutes more or even longer.
Excessive Wall Moisture
Showers create splashes across the walls. You will probably see mold in areas that frequently get splashed on. One way to prevent this is to reduce excessive wall moisture after you use the space. Take a bathroom squeegee and run this across the tiles. Let the water fall to the floor and into the drains. This shouldn’t take up much time, yet it will make a lot of difference in terms of the dampness left in the bathroom. The space should dry up faster because of this simple trick.
Unwashed Bathroom Fabrics
Understand that mold does not only grow on hard bathroom surfaces. It can also find its way into soft items such as wet towels, rugs, and mats. One of the biggest problems is that these items are typically left as-is for long periods. It would be much better if these are washed and replaced regularly, such as every few days or even every week. Throw them all into the washing machine after all of the clothes are done. You will end up with a cleaner and fresher bathroom.
Static Shower Items
The same is true when it comes to items that are commonly left inside the shower stall. Most people will leave their shampoo bottles, soaps, loofahs, and other shower essentials inside. These get exposed 24/7 to moisture and mold spores because of their location. In time, you might see them developing mold spots on the surface or at the bottom. Don’t let them be a breeding ground. Take them out of the shower stall once you are done and place them in a well-ventilated spot.
For A Knowledgeable & Trusted Plumber, Call Robinson Plumbing
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing service companies. Our plumbing services range from water leak repairs, clogged toilets, faucet repairs and replacements, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. We back all of our work with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!