Bathroom mold and mildew is something that we all have experienced at some time or another. In homes that do not have proper ventilation in their bathroom, it is more probable to see mold and mildew growing. For those homeowners who have to constantly struggle with this issue, there are ways that you can effectively remove it. This article will discuss the causes of mildew buildup in your bathroom, how to remove it naturally with the power of vinegar, and how to prevent mildew from taking over your bathroom.
For some homeowners, no matter how much they try to ventilate their bathroom after a shower, they still end up with mold buildup in their bathtub. The reason for this is because mold thrives in cold, wet, and dark places. Your bathtub is no exception. In the following article by Houselogic, they discuss some of the causes for bathroom mold:
Common Causes of Bathroom Mold
Lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation
Leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes
Damp cellulose materials such as rugs, paper products, wood, wallpaper, grout, drywall, and fabric
So how do you know if you have a mold problem? Matt Cinelli, owner/operator of AERC Removals in North Attleboro, Mass., says, “If you can see it or smell it, you’ve got it.”Finding the Mold in Your Bathroom
Bathroom mold isn’t always obvious. Check out hidden areas, such as under sinks, access doors to shower and bath fixtures, around exhaust fans, even in crawl spaces and basements underneath bathrooms.
“It could be starting in the bathroom but actually forming in another room,” says Cinelli, adding that lack of proper ventilation is the biggest culprit for mold growth.To see the full article, click here.
Knowing what the source of the problem is can certainly help you understand what is causing your bathroom mold. Also, this article claims that if you can smell mold then you have it. Even if most people tend to see mold in their bathtub, be aware of the fact that it can grow elsewhere in your bathroom. It can even grow underneath the bathrooms such as in the crawl space or basement.
It is important to be aware of the mold that grows in your bathroom. Be sure to clean it up as soon as you see it. In the following article titled “How to Clean Bathroom Mold and Mildew With White Vinegar” by SFGate, they discuss how you can effectively clean up mold:
- Fill a small spray bottle with white vinegar.
- Spray the affected areas — including tile, grout, painted walls, and any porcelain or ceramic surfaces — liberally with vinegar. Let it sit for one to two hours
- Scrub the mold and mildew away with a damp microfiber cloth. Scrub tiling grout or hard-to-reach corners and crevices with a stiff-bristle toothbrush. Rinse with water.
- Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply the paste to any hard-to-remove traces of mildew or mold. Spray with vinegar, and scrub with a damp microfiber cloth, scouring pad or stiff-bristle toothbrush, depending on the severity of the mold or mildew.
- Rinse the affected areas with water. Repeat Step 4 if necessary. Using vinegar to clean up mold is a safe and toxic free method. It is best to clean it up frequently before it spreads. Be sure to use preventative measures to prevent mold from taking over your bathroom.
There are preventative measures that you can take that are more effective than others. Some techniques will prevent you from having to clean up mold ever again. In the following article by Apartment Therapy, they discuss some of the best ways that you can prevent bathroom mold:
Prevent Its Return: Once you’ve gotten rid of the existing mildew, work to prevent it from coming back. Two major ways to do so are with proper air circulation and light filtration. If you have a window, keep it open (or at least cracked) as often as possible. Also, keep the blinds up to let light into the room (a natural enemy of mold). If you don’t have a window, consider installing an exhaust fan to move the air around and dry things out a bit, and if you have low-energy light bulbs, try leaving them on for 10 to 15 minutes after showering. If you plan on repainting, ask for a mildewcide additive to be added to the paint before it is mixed. If you are buying paint that is made specifically for a bathroom or kitchen it might already be in there, so ask an expert to see if it’s needed.
Keep it Clean: Hang towels, spray tiles with vinegar or store-bought cleaner regularly, and mop up any standing water as quickly as possible.
This section was originally found on the “Apartment Therapy” website which can be viewed here.
The best method to preventing mold is by creating ventilation in your bathroom after you shower. You can place a dehumidifier in the bathroom to remove excess water or you can use a squeegee on the walls of your shower so that it dries faster. It is important to clean up the mold as soon as you suspect that you have it. Vinegar is an extremely effective method for cleaning up mold.
If you have a mold problem and need help with your bathroom, Robinson Plumbing can assist you with any plumbing questions that you might have as well as address any of your plumbing needs. Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, quality service.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!