How Do You Prevent Mold in the Bathroom?
Here’s how to prevent mold in the shower and all around the bathroom.
Clean Your Bathroom Regularly
One of the most successful ways to prevent mildew and mold from growing is to clean surfaces regularly. You can find a wide variety of commercial bathroom mold cleaners that can kill mold spores before they have time to take over. If you prefer to avoid harsh chemicals found in some mold killer sprays, you can use natural cleaning products or simply spray the surface of your shower or tub with hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar, then wipe it with a sponge.
To learn how to prevent mold throughout your home, see Detect and Prevent Water Damage and Mold.
Repair Your Tile Grout
As the tile grout in your bathroom ages, it can accumulate hairline cracks that allow moisture to seep below the surface. This creates a dark, damp environment that’s a true breeding ground for mold and mildew. Repairing the grout in your bathroom can go a long way towards prevention. Plus, it gives your tile a fresh look.
Keep Humidity to a Minimum
Humid air accelerates mold growth. So, removing excess moisture from the air in your home can help out a lot. Running a dehumidifier to keep humidity under control during the warmer months is a cost-effective solution that will also improve your home’s overall air quality.
Use the Exhaust Fan
Your bathroom exhaust fan isn’t only there to prevent your bathroom mirror from steaming up while showering. Allowing your fan to run for up to half an hour after using your shower will remove most of the moisture from the air. If your bathroom doesn’t already have one, you should definitely install an exhaust fan yourself or have a pro install one for you. Just be sure to choose the right size and type of fan for the space. Our guide Find the Best Bathroom Exhaust Fan for Your Home can help.
Dry Wet Surfaces and Shower Accessories
In addition to providing proper ventilation in the bathroom, wiping away excess water from shower doors, walls and faucet handles after each use can prevent water from seeping into grout and crevices where mold can grow. It’s also best to remove wet washcloths or loofahs after each shower, as these can get moldy too.
How to Prevent Mold in the Bathroom Without a Fan
If you don’t currently have a bathroom exhaust fan, the best way to cut down on mold growth is to open the windows before you shower and leave them open for a while after. However, while this does provide some ventilation, installing an exhaust fan does a much better job.
How to Prevent Bathroom Ceiling Mold
If you’re wondering how to prevent mold on the bathroom ceiling, begin with proper waterproofing. The ceiling above your shower area will constantly encounter moisture, so it’s especially important to choose a quality waterproof paint or other type of coating to block water from soaking into the ceiling structure and causing mold or even rot.
How to Remove Mold From a Bathroom
If you're wondering "How do I remove mold from my bathroom?", you're not alone. Bathrooms are a breeding ground for mold growth due to their moist conditions and, in some cases, poor ventilation. But with the right tools and techniques, you can safely and efficiently tackle mold and mildew on bathroom surfaces.
The first step is to identify areas in the bathroom affected by mold and mildew. Common areas affected include bathroom tile, grout and drywall. Then, apply a mold killer or mildew remover to the surface. At Lowe’s, we carry a variety of mold killers, including some options that prevent mold in addition to eliminating it. In some cases, you can consider using natural products like vinegar and baking soda. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product manufacturer’s label and wear protective gear like gloves and a face mask.
For stubborn spots on painted walls or ceilings, a specialized mold killer spray is often the most effective option. Just ensure that the product you’re using is designed for use on drywall. Spray the affected area, let it sit for the recommended time, and scrub gently with a sponge or brush. If mildew is on tile grout or caulk, use a targeted mildew remover that can lift stains and prevent regrowth.
After removing mold and mildew, assess how you can improve your bathroom’s ventilation. The best course of action is to install an exhaust fan, if your bathroom doesn’t already have one. Another option is to open bathroom windows to naturally improve the room’s air circulation.