You clean and still there seems to be black in your grout and in the corners of your bathtub. Why, you ask? The culprit is moisture. Moisture in a bathroom can quickly lead to mold and mildew. No matter where you live, if you have high moisture levels in the bathroom mold will be nearly impossible to get rid of, no matter how much you clean. In order to stop mold and mildew from forming, you must eliminate dampness. It is very important to address the mold and mildew buildup as quickly as possible. Mold and mildew can be hard to get rid of once it starts to form and if left untreated, it can lead to health concerns such as allergies and respiratory problems.
There are several key places to target when looking for the source of moisture in your bathroom. We will take a look at how to eliminate these sources of moisture, how to clean up mold and mildew that may already exist in your bathroom, and how to prevent future mold and mildew buildup. With the Holiday season right around the corner, 1st Home and Commercial Services wants to help you spruce up your home and prepare for all your holiday guests.
The first step in your fight against mold and mildew is to identify any sources of moisture in the bathroom. After a shower or bath, you should use a squeegee or a rag to remove excess water that may linger in the tub, on the wall, or on the counter. If possible, open a window to help dry the room. The window needs to be open just a crack to help. A ventilator fan or exhaust fan will help to move the air and dry the room as well. For the best results, run the fan during your shower and leave it running for about 30 minutes after. Make sure that towels and mats are hung up after a shower or bath to allow them to dry completely. Also, leave blinds open to allow light (a natural enemy of mold and mildew) into the room during the day.
If you have tried all of these things and are still having a problem with mold and mildew buildup, you may have a leak. Check for drippings faucets or leaks around fixtures. A 1st Home and Commercial Services specialist would be able to help you locate and fix a leak if necessary. You may need to install a new bathroom faucet or showerhead. Also make sure that the shower door is not leaking. Some leaks may not be so obvious and will take a bit more detective work.
Once the source of the moisture is found and dealt with, it is time to clean up any existing mold or mildew. This is best done with a little good ol’ fashion elbow grease. Scrub the effected area with detergent and water or use a solution of 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water. A stronger formula will not get you better results. Spray the mixture or brush it onto the area needing cleaned and let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and let it dry completely.
Now that your bathroom is moisture free and cleaned up, it is time to keep it that way. It is recommended to seal your grout annually to help it remain waterproof. This can be accomplished by painting a grout sealer onto the grout lines with a paintbrush. If you are considering painting your bathroom, ask about paints that contain a mildew resistant formula. Many shower curtains and liners also boast labels stating that they are mildew and mold resistant. Make sure to look for those labels as well. Wash bath towels and rugs frequently and dry them completely. Keep a bottle of full strength vinegar in the bathtub and shower so that you can spray all surfaces after you bathe. This will help to maintain your mold and mildew free bathroom.
If you have any questions about mold or mildew in your bathroom give us a call. 1st Home and Commercial Services will send a plumber out to help you identify areas of moisture and look for and repair any leaks.