7 Ways to Avoid Mould in the Shower
Mould in the bathroom isn’t a pretty sight, nor is it a healthy one.
Shower mould is a product of constant moisture and humidity, which doesn’t come as a surprise because a bathroom is exposed to water all the time.
While we can’t put a permanent cork in it, there are ways to minimize mould growth in the shower and protect you from potential mould-related health hazards. We’ve gathered the best methods for reducing the mould that happens in your bathroom every now and then.
Let the fresh air in and dry up the risk of rapid mould growth!
Ways to avoid shower mould growth:
🚿 Open Your Windows
🚿 Use Exhaust Fans
🚿 Use Dehumidifiers
🚿 Wipe Everything Down Regularly
🚿 Wash Towels, Curtains, and Rugs Regularly
🚿 Keep Towels Off the Floor
🚿 Repair Leaks
🚿 Use Anti-Mould Cleaning Agents
🚿 Have the Bathroom Grout Redone
- 1. Open Your Windows
Simply opening a window improves air circulation immensely. Keeping a window open after your shower lets in fresh air and natural light, which instills fear in the very core of mould and mildew.
In case opening a window isn’t an option, you could just keep the door open as an alternative.
- 2. Use Exhaust Fans
Every bathroom needs an exhaust fan. The science is simple—vents redirect the moisture from the bathroom to the outside.
Remember to get an exhaust fan that matches the size of your bathroom. This way, it can function optimally by eliminating shower mould more efficiently. You can easily calculate this by looking at the cubic feet per minute or CPM indicated on your fan.
- 3. Use Dehumidifiers
Humid days are breeding grounds for mould. It’s no secret that humidity isn’t kind to your hair, but do you know what it is kind to?
Mould.
Humidity supports mould growth, so one of the best methods of defence here is your good old (or new) dehumidifier. Indoor humidity levels should ideally run from 30% to 50% during the day.
If you don’t have a dehumidifier, switching the air conditioner on works as a perfect alternative.
- 4. Wipe Everything Down Regularly
It may be common practice to just let the shampoo bottles, body washes, bath sponges, and loofahs air dry in the bathroom, but common isn’t always best.
Prevent water from accumulating under these items by drying them off with a small towel or paper towel when you’re done with your bath or shower.
Mould and mildew thrive in moist environments. Don’t give them what they want.
- 5. Wash Towels, Curtains, and Rugs Regularly
For overall hygiene purposes, don’t forget to toss your towels, shower curtains, bath mat, and bathroom rug in the wash on a regular basis.
Mould will multiply exponentially if these bath essentials are left unwashed for extended periods of time.
Just because it looks clean, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is clean. A recommended timeframe would be to wash rugs, bath mats, and shower curtains once a week. Towels are better off being washed every three days, given that dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria can swiftly turn your towel into their new residence.
- 6. Keep Towels Off the Floor
Keep nasty shower mould at bay by fighting the urge to toss your towel on the bathroom floor. Instead, invest an extra minute in hanging it up to dry on a wall hook, towel rod, door hook, or drying rack.
Towels tossed onto the floor usually don’t dry, creating the perfect incubation environment for a variety of mould.
- 7. Repair Leaks
Locating and fixing leaks in your bathroom will really help fight rapid mould growth. To that effect, never ignore a leak or even a mild faucet drip. Call a plumber to restore order in your bathroom.
You know what the wise people say: prevention is better than a cure.
- 8. Use Anti-Mould Cleaning Agents
There’s a multitude of mould-killing cleaning agents that you can buy at your nearest supermarket, but if you’re more of a DIY type of person, vinegar works wonders for warding off mould and mildew too!
- 9. Have the Bathroom Grout Redone
Hairline cracks in your bathroom tiles are hotspots for mould. The excess moisture that seeps through fosters an optimal environment for fungal growth.
Combat this nuisance by having the grout resealed once per year. This basic maintenance tip will send shower mould running in the opposite direction.
Don’t Give Power to That Stubborn Mould in the Shower
Put shower mould on hold by optimizing the maintenance of your bathroom. Keep your eyes on the humidity levels and your fingers on the dial button to call PlumbWize!
Whether it’s a leak, grout retouch, faucet repair, or clog removal, you can count on our highly-qualified plumbers to get the job done right.