2. Dry your bathroom supplies. After showering, wipe down shower walls with a squeegee or microfiber cloth to reduce water waste and soap scum buildup, says Jennifer Rodriguez, hygiene manager at cleaning service provider Pro Housekeepers .
Make sure your towel is completely dry and after showering, lay the shower curtain flat to air dry. The bath mat can be hung over the bathtub or on a towel rack to dry, says Rodriguez.
Personally, I have been able to reduce the mold problem on bath mats since I replaced my old bath mat with a Sutera stone bath mat . I find that the diatomaceous earth mat absorbs water and dries quickly.
Also, be careful with soap as water can collect underneath. If you use bar soap, place it in a soap dish with drainage holes. Or you can use bottled liquid soap instead of bar soap to avoid water pooling under the bar of soap, says Micetich. However, it is important to note that shower gels and body washes may be less environmentally friendly as they usually come in plastic packaging.
Besides soap, anything around the edges of your shower or bathtub can also lead to mold. It's best to store sponges, washcloths, bean bags, and similar items in a place where they can dry completely. That might mean hanging it or having a hook in the shower where you can place it, Micetich says.
3. Clean, clean, clean. Regular cleaning will help keep your bathroom mold-free. In addition to quickly cleaning your walls after showering, try a weekly deep clean. You can use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner like Biokleen and Ever Spring , advises Rodríguez. Spray it on the walls, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft brush or sponge and rinse with water. And if you're treating more stubborn stains like hard water or mold, use a paste of baking soda and water and repeat the same process.
You should also wash bathroom linens like towels and bathmats regularly, at least once a week, says Micetech. For the shower curtain, use a machine washable fabric shower curtain, like this polyester fabric shower curtain from N&Y Home , and wash it monthly, says Rodriguez.
4. Repair leaks. Repair leaky faucets because they create additional moisture in an already damp room, says Robert Gershman, lead mold remediation contractor at mold remediation company Dry Ease Mold Removal . And in general, be sure to repair any leaks in your home's ceiling, walls, or pipes to prevent mold from forming.
You should also regularly check your tiles and grout for possible chips. If it breaks, water can leak into the subfloor or drywall behind the shower, which can lead to mold growth. That's why you should hire a professional to do the repairs, says Micetech.
5. Use mold-resistant materials. When choosing your bath mat and shower curtain, consider purchasing mildew-resistant mats, recommends Rodriguez. You can paint your bathroom with mold-resistant paint , which contains fungicides that kill mold spores before they can grow. According to the CDC, you can also add mold inhibitors, available at paint and hardware stores, to your paints before painting your room.
6. Check your insulation. "One element that is often overlooked but can really help reduce mold in the bathroom is insulation," says Micetech. "If bathroom walls are not properly insulated, moist air from inside the bathroom can escape between the walls."
This moisture can lead to a build-up of moisture in the form of condensation and, over time, lead to mold, rot, wall discoloration, musty odors and potential health problems. If you have recurring mold problems that won't go away, it's a good idea to have your wall insulation checked or replaced by a professional.
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