How to Keep Your Bathroom Mold-Free

Bathrooms are the last places we visit before we go to sleep and the first places we visit when we open our eyes. Thus, they are an essential part of our daily routine! We spend a minimum of two hours a day in a bathroom, so they must look healthy, safe, and clean! But, if we don’t take care of them daily, they can’t be either of that. Over time, they will become hazardous to our health, unsafe, and dirty. And, why is that? Well, because of mold. That is true; bathroom mold is terrible because it ruins the aesthetics and can lead to many diseases such as asthma, allergies, rashes, etc. So, just because mold in bathrooms is common doesn’t mean you should just let it be! Especially when there are so many ways to keep your bathroom mold-free nowadays! Here are some of them. 

Invest in a good-quality exhaust fan

An exhaust fan is a must in all bathrooms – not just those without windows! Of course, windows are also beneficial when it comes to keeping your bathroom mold-free, but nothing can replace an exhaust fan. This device sucks all the moisture from your bathroom (whoever necessary) and sends it outside. In other words – exhaust fans are your first line of defense against mold. So, the next time you decide to remodel your bathroom, don’t forget to include the exhaust fan! 

But don’t install just any type of fan. You need a good-quality one – so be sure to ask around and research which exhaust fans work best. Moreover, don’t buy a too small fan – it will not work. To calculate your bathroom’s correct fan size, multiply the square footage by 1.1. This way, you will get the best possible coverage with your fan.

And, run that fan properly  

In order to keep your bathroom mold-free, you can’t just install the exhaust fan and let it be. You can’t turn it on just when showering, either! The proper way to run the exhaust fan is during showering and approximately 30 minutes after. This will ensure no leftover moisture can turn into mold over time. If you bought a good-quality fan, you probably have a timer on it – so take advantage of it! If it doesn’t have a timer, don’t worry! Just remember to turn it on before you shower and leave it for a bit afterward. 

Invest in a dehumidifier too 

If you live somewhere where the air is really hot and humid, running the exhaust fan may not be enough (unless you run it 24/7). In that case, invest in a good dehumidifier! Again, just like an exhaust fan, do some research and find out which dehumidifier works best for your bathroom and the area you live in. 

Moreover, you should also buy a device that measures humidity levels in your home. Sometimes this device comes as a part of a dehumidifier, and sometimes it doesn’t – so, keep that in mind. This is important as you will always know the humidity level in your home. You have a reason to worry if it is higher than 50%. The ideal level is somewhere between 30% and 45%. 

Use the squeegee 

A squeegee is a cleaning tool with rubber on its ‘blade’, typically used for cleaning glass surfaces. You can mostly see people using it to clean their windows and the windshields on their cars. 

However, you can use squeegees to clean excess moisture from your bathroom and, thus, keep it 

mold-free. Preferably, it would be best to use it after every shower or bath. Just run the squeegee over your shower doors, bath walls, and even the bath elements such as sinks, mirrors, vanities, etc. And, if you like your showers really hot, be sure that there will be a lot of moisture on bathroom flooring and walls too – use the squeegee for that too! 

Wash all the rugs, curtains, and towels regularly 

Of course, you already know that you should wash your towels often (once or twice a week) to keep everything hygienic. But what about your bathroom rugs and curtains? Should they be washed too? Yes! Still, people often run away from this chore. 

The curtains in the shower should be washed and air-dried as often as possible. If you don’t do this – mold can appear and spread overnight. The same applies to your rugs (and any other fabrics you have in your bathroom). They too must be washed regularly – twice a month. And, if they get wet between washes, they should be air-dried somewhere outside, not in your bathroom. 

Clean with strong chemicals 

We understand that you want to use all-natural products when cleaning your home. And, it is true that white vinegar and lemon can o wonders when cleaning your kitchen or some other area in your home. But, when it comes to trying to keep your bathroom mold-free and genuinely clean, you need strong chemicals! That is, you need specialized bathroom cleaning solutions (which you can buy almost anywhere). And, it would help if you used them whenever you clean your bathroom – that is, once a week. 

Don’t run away from strong cleaning chemicals – they exist for a reason. And that reason is to help us keep our homes safe and clean. Of course, don’t use them in your kitchen, bedrooms, or areas where your kids and pets spend time, but always use them in bathrooms. Use them in your basements, attics, garages, pantries, closets, etc. Use them even in to keep your storage unit mold-free – that is the only way to protect this space too and keep it safe from damage.

Dry the bath items 

This may sound a bit too redundant – but we assure you that it will make a difference if you have a bathroom prone to getting moldy. Do your best to remove and dry all your bath products such as shampoos, soaps, shower gels, and everything that is on your shower shelf. And, don’t forget to do the same with your bath sponges and loofahs too – if possible, always keep these somewhere close to the window as they tend to develop mold the most. 

Moreover, it is also important to dry and air your washing and drying machines after every usage. This will prevent mold from developing inside them. But, if you notice that your clothes are starting to smell ‘funny’, well, that is your sign that mold has already found its way to your washer and dryer. To clean it, use a specialized cleaning solution. Or, make a mixture of baking powder, dish soap, and white vinegar, place it in the detergent part and set it on the hottest setting the machine has. 

Open doors and windows 

Well, this one is a no-brainer, but it doesn’t hurt to mention! In order to keep your bathroom mold-free, you must open those doors and windows from time to time. You should do this even if you have an exhaust fan and dehumidifier! Trust us; nothing can replace the fresh air. 

But, don’t open those doors and windows on rainy and humid days. This will only bring the humidity inside. So, on days like this, close everything. But, on sunny days, or even on windy days, don’t hesitate to open all the windows in your home. When air flows through your home, it prevents mold from developing! 

Fix what leaks 

Sometimes, the reason for having mold in your bathroom is way too simple. You have excess water from leaking showers, faucets, or pipes, for example. Those leaks can accumulate over time and find their way to your walls and floors. This is when all the troubles start. Getting rid of mold and dampness from walls and floors can be a nightmare, so do everything in your power to prevent them from happening. 

For instance, if you notice that you have a shower door leakage problem, don’t shower until you fix it. Read the manual, find a tutorial on YouTube, or call a handyman to help you out. Never wait for a leak to spread! 

Reseal the grout

And one of the last but certainly not the least important ways to keep your bathroom mold-free is to reseal the grout once a year. Old grout becomes weak over time, and if you have some of the previously mentioned leakage problems, old grout will not prevent the water from entering your floors. Moreover, don’t reseal the grout just once a year – reseal it whenever you see some cracks or discoloration! 

As you have seen, there are many ways to keep your bathroom mold-free. Use the tips we mentioned above and save yourself and your bathroom from mold! But, if you have already encountered mold problems, call a specialist to help you out. Never wait for mold to disappear on itself – it won’t. It will just spread and cause you many problems. So it’s always best to get rid of the mold as soon as you spot it.