How to prevent mold in the bathroom. Mold expert Kevin Bristol gives advice on mold-proofing your bathroom. Mold growth in a bathroom can be unhealthy and unsightly. The exposure and response to mold vary...
Mold growth in a bathroom can be unhealthy and unsightly. The exposure and response to mold vary from individual to individual. Most people understand that allowing mold to grow out of control can be hazardous to your health and also difficult to keep in-check if allowed to continue to grow. This article will go over ways to prevent mold growth in your bathroom and how to get rid of it if you already have it.
Mold is unsightly in the bathroom and also unhealthy especially if it is toxic black mold. Breathing in mold spores for a prolonged period of time can cause mild problems such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. It can also cause more severe problems like asthma, sinusitis, nausea, chronic fatigue syndrome and learning disabilities. If you have mold growing anywhere in your home clean it up immediately using safety precautions so as not to breathe in excessive spores. If the area is too large for you to clean yourself, call a professional.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency,"Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed."
Mold in a bathroom is extremely common place because, "the bathroom may be humid due to moisture" states Kevin Bristol expert in mold removal and prevention and President of Advance Mold Remediation. All bathrooms should have a window or ventilation fan to dry the air out in the room. "Keeping your bathroom vent on when you are taking a shower and leaving it running for a minimum of five minutes after you get out of the shower will reduce moisture. If you don't have a vent in the bathroom you will want to lift a window slightly, so that you can get a cross ventilation to let the steam out." advises Bristol.
Keeping the bathroom clean is important. "You should wipe down the bathroom with some type of antifungal spray once a month, which will keep the molds from growing. It's also important to clean the ceiling in the same way." states Bristol. If you have mold growing in your tub or shower, scour it away with a solution of bleach and water. Use a squeegee or towels to wipe down the glass and tiles after each shower. Do not let moisture stay on the walls, mirrors or windows. If mold is growing in the caulk of your sink or tub you can try to bleach it out, if that does not work you will have to remove it and replace it. If you have mold growing in the grout of the tile you can use a mold and mildew remover and a scrub brush.
To prevent mold from growing on walls, "create hard surfaces on your walls with semi-gloss paint" states Kevin Bristol. You can also purchase paint with antimicrobial additives to discourage mold and mildew growth. Keep the humidity levels in your home to below 50 percent and provide adequate ventilation for optimum prevention of mold.
