Mold and mildew look awful, smell awful, and are awful. These fungi thrive in areas where there is excessive moisture. Humid parts of your home, such as the basement, kitchen, and bathroom, are likely to support the growth of mold and mildew, but you can exterminate these foul guests with a few tweaks. This article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ohio Valley will go over some tips to prevent mold in your bathroom. Of course, these tips can apply to other rooms as well. If you wish to consult with a certified plumber or hire one, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing and speak with a live representative today.
Start with Some Deep Cleaning
Whether there are a few spots along the shower door or a considerable outbreak running along the wall, we want to start by removing the mold. This way, you can start with a clean slate and tackle the underlying causes of mold growth.
Before you start, make sure to ventilate the area and put on some protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and an N95 mask. If the mold covers over 10 square feet, then it might be better to leave the cleanup to professionals. This method works for walls, but drywall and wood should be treated differently as they are more sensitive.
Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water in a spray bottle and saturate the moldy area. Let the solution soak for about 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Then, use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar to spray the cleaned surface and allow it to absorb and air dry.
Dry Off Wet Surfaces
Now that you have cleaned off the mold, you want to make sure your bathroom stays clean. Mold only needs two elements to survive and thrive: moisture and food. The food is generally the organic material found in your wooden cabinets, drywall, clothes, and so on. This means you have to tackle the moisture. A little moisture is all mold needs to take hold, so you cannot afford to leave bathroom surfaces wet. Dry off wet surfaces as soon as possible.
Ensure Proper Air Circulation
As mentioned earlier, a little moisture is all it takes for mold to take hold. Drying off wet surfaces is the obvious step to deprive mold spores of water it needs, but condensation and humidity can nourish the mold. This is why you want to ensure proper air circulation and even consider a dehumidifier if your bathroom gets awfully stuffy and humid.
So, you are drying wet surfaces and even have a dehumidifier installed in the bathroom but there is still mold growing. In this case, it might pay to look for leaks or even schedule a professional leak detection. Then, repair any leaks you find. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ohio Valley is proud to offer both leak detection and leak repair services, so do not hesitate to call. Our live representatives and local plumbers are always happy to help.