3 Steps To Banish Black Mold From a Shower

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Bathrooms with a shower should be properly ventilated to prevent mold growth due to humidity

3 Steps to Prevent a Shower Becoming Moldy

Showers combine all of the elements mold needs to thrive. Heat, moisture and organic material can support many types of shower mold. Take these three steps to prevent a shower from becoming moldy.

1. Increase Bathroom Ventilation

Mold thrives in environments with limited air circulation. Ventilation promotes faster drying, which reduces residual moisture levels that support growth. Make sure the ventilation fan you install is rated for the square footage of a bathroom.

2. Regularly Clean Showers

Cleaning a shower can help to prevent shower mold from becoming a problem. Mold requires organic material for nutriment, and is less likely to grow if you regularly eliminate buildup from a shower. It can also be helpful to remove excess water from the walls or door of a shower with a squeegee.

It is a good idea to clean and scrub shower surfaces at least once a week, scrub grout once or twice a month, and periodically treat the shower with a fungicide cleaner or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.

3. Maintain Grout Sealant

Scrubbing grout is necessary to remove mildew or mold, but abrasion will also wear down the seal over time. When the grout between tiles or around the base of the shower wears out, this can lead to leaks that allow water to penetrate behind walls or spill out onto the floor of a bathroom. Check the condition of grout every few months and reseal when necessary.

These three preventative measures can help to stop the growth of shower mold. If you can still smell a musty odor after taking these steps, water may be leaking behind tiles and collecting in wall cavities. Do not search for hidden mold on your own. Black mold may be present, and some species are toxigenic. Contact a service that offers mold testing and remediation in Viera, FL.