My Bathroom is a Sauna.... Humidity and Bathrooms
If you recall that steam that you wipe off your mirror at the end of your shower, that same kind of moisture is all throughout your bathroom. And since mold is everywhere, it is incredibly easy for just a few particles to get into your bathroom where the environment is perfect for them to grow. Mold loves warmth and moisture. In fact, those are the only two things it needs to colonize and grow. One little mold spore can easily reproduce and grow into an entire colony very quickly.
We recommend an inspection by a trained professional if you do see mold growth in order to make sure that it is treated properly in case the damage is more severe than it appears. However, there are many types of prevention steps that you can follow to keep mold from growing in your bathroom.
Ensure that Proper Ventilation is Installed in Each Bathroom (and Used)
If you have a fan in your bathroom, make sure that you use it during your bath or shower. We also recommend leaving the fan running after your shower for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures that as much moisture from the air has been removed.
Unfortunately, there may be a hidden problem with a bathroom ventilation fan that you may not realize. Sometimes, a fan is installed but isn't vented to actually remove air and moisture from the room. It is important that a fan is properly installed so that it is removing air from the bathroom. The normal set up is that a bathroom fan vents air into an attic. However, attics also need to have proper ventilation to the outside so that natural airflow from outside can dry out any moisture that accumulates. If bathroom moisture is vented into a sealed attic, you can have mold growth on support framing in your roof and on any insulation that is in the attic. A trained professional mold remediation expert or home inspector can help you determine if your bathroom vents are properly installed and if your attic is properly vented to the outside (without the potential for critters to make their home up there).
Clean Up Any Pools or Puddles of Water as Quickly as Possible
If you have any standing water in your bathroom, it is best to clean it up as quickly as possible. Water can seep through the smallest of cracks and slowly degrade seals, grout, tile, and any other finishing material in your bathroom. Once that water makes it through those seals, it can easily soak into framing and subfloor where it is not easy for the moisture to evaporate on its own. This moisture then feeds any mold in the vicinity and over time will weaken the support structure.
If you notice standing water that doesn't properly flow toward an applicable drain in your bath or shower, it may be time to work with a professional to ensure that your bathtub or shower is properly sloped to allow adequate drainage to occur.
Cleaning Your Bathroom
When cleaning your bathroom, it is important to occasionally wipe down the walls, ceiling, cupboards, etc with a mild disinfectant such as a Lysol solution or hot, soapy water. This will remove any mold spores that may have landed on the surfaces in your bathroom. This will also remove any grime that allows mold and moisture to stick to the surface.
Paint, Flooring, and Other Decor in the Bathroom
If you ever think about renovating your bathroom, we recommend the following implementations to ensure that your bathroom is adequately protected to prevent mold growth.
Ensure that the bathroom has adequate ventilation installed.
Ensure that all plumbing is in good repair. Replace any water supply shut off valves for good measure.
Use high gloss paint. The smoother surface of high gloss paint provides the best seal to prevent moisture and mold penetration into walls and trim.
Seal grout with a high-grade sealant to protect moisture from breaking down grout.
Seal all cracks with silicone caulk. This includes around plumbing fixtures, showers and tubs, and any other spaces where moisture could get behind finishing materials.
Remember. A little prevention can save you a lot of money in the future. Superior Disaster Cleanup is dedicated to helping you navigate through any mold concerns. Thank you for reading!
Stay safe and healthy my friends!