How to Prevent Mold in Bathroom Corners

Mold loves bathrooms, especially the corners of tubs and showers where it’s harder to clean. It’s not only gross, but potentially bad for your health, especially your breathing.

We’re going to look at some tips and tricks for getting rid of that mold and preventing it from coming back. From now on, you’ll know how to maintain a clean and mold-free bathroom.

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Causes of Mold Growth

Bathrooms provide the ideal conditions for mold growth because they’re warm and moist, and often not as well ventilated as they should be.

• When water splashes onto the walls and floors, it creates a damp environment that promotes mold development.
• Poor ventilation allows moisture to accumulate and creates a breeding ground for mold.

1. Get Proper Ventilation

One of the most effective ways to prevent mold growth in bathroom corners is by making sure there’s adequate ventilation. There are a few ways to go about this.

Install an Exhaust Fan

An exhaust fan is the best tool for removing excess moisture from the bathroom. Make sure the fan is properly installed and functioning well. Run it during and after each shower or bath to expel moist air.

If you don’t have one, it may be worth it to buy one. I once bought a house I believed had exhaust fans, but it turned out they were actually just fans blowing the air around some heat bulbs.

The bathrooms never seemed dry, even with windows open! And the moisture floated out into other rooms and made them humid, too.

Getting fans installed and ducted can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand per bathroom, but your home will thank you for it.

Open Windows

If your bathroom has windows, open them to allow fresh air circulation. This will help dissipate moisture and prevent mold growth. However, remember to close the windows after use to maintain privacy and security.

The shortcoming with this strategy is that the weather doesn’t always permit open windows. And sometimes it’s nearly as humid outside as it is in your bathroom.

Use a Dehumidifier

Consider using a dehumidifier in your bathroom to reduce humidity levels. This appliance helps remove excess moisture from the air, discouraging mold growth.

If exhaust fans aren’t an option, this is probably your best bet, especially on days when open windows aren’t an option.

2. Regular Cleaning

Good cleaning habits will prohibit mold growth once you’ve got it under control.

Wipe Down Surfaces

After every shower or bath, wipe down the walls, floors, and other surfaces to remove any excess moisture. Use a dry cloth or squeegee to ensure that no water is left behind.

Clean Shower Curtains and Mats

Regularly clean shower curtains and mats to prevent mold buildup. These can stay damp longer than you might think, creating an ideal environment for mold growth.

Scrub Grout and Caulking

Mold often develops in the grout lines and caulk around the bathtub or shower area. Regularly scrub these areas using a mildew cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. This will help remove any existing mold and prevent its recurrence.

3. Proper Maintenance

Once you’ve got ventilation and cleaning down, it’s all about maintenance.

Check for Leaks

Regularly inspect your bathroom for any leaks or plumbing issues. Even minor leaks can lead to excess moisture. Get any leaks promptly taken care of and ensure that all plumbing fixtures are in good working order.

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Inspect the corners of your bathroom for any gaps or cracks in the walls or floors. These gaps can trap moisture and contribute to mold growth. Use caulk or sealant to fill in these gaps, creating a watertight seal.

Reduce Humidity

Reducing humidity levels in your bathroom can significantly decrease the chances of mold formation.

Use a Shower Curtain Liner

Using a shower curtain liner between the shower curtain and the tub can help prevent water from seeping onto the bathroom floor. This reduces overall humidity levels in the room.

Keep Bathroom Doors Open

After showering, leave the bathroom door open to allow moisture to escape and promote air circulation. This helps prevent moisture buildup in corners where mold tends to thrive.

Use Mildew-Resistant Paint

Consider painting your bathroom walls with mildew-resistant paint. This type of paint contains additives that inhibit mold growth, providing an extra layer of protection against mold formation.