5 Ways to Prevent Shower Mold
Shower mold is a problem for many people. Mold can be very difficult to control, and once it has gained a foothold, removing it can be a long process. Thousands of dollars are spent each year by homeowners trying to eradicate mold from their homes. The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from forming in the first place. The bathroom is an ideal environment for mold to grow, but there are five precautions you can take to make sure that mold does not take over your bathroom.
1. Paint with Semi-Gloss Paint
Semi-gloss paint produces a slick surface, which is difficult for mold to attach to. This surface is also easier to care for and clean. Flat paint requires gentle care and is not meant for bathroom use. Use semi-gloss paint because it can be wiped down and sprayed with a number of cleansers without a change in appearance.
2. Clean with an Anti-Fungal Spray
Spraying all of the bathroom surfaces with an anti-fungal spray at each cleaning can drastically decrease the occurrence of mold. Anti-fungal sprays can be found at your local home improvement store and can be one of the easiest ways to keep mold under control. Use the cleaner every time you clean the bathroom and don't forget to spray the shower curtain.
3. Use an Exhaust Fan
Running your exhaust fan while you are in the shower can help the bathroom stay dry and reduce the amount of moisture build-up in the bathroom. Bathrooms without proper ventilation have a greater chance of developing a mold problem. Run the exhaust fan for about 10 minutes after your bath and shower to make sure that the entire bathroom is dry. It is best not to keep the bathroom door closed during this time.
If you don't have an exhaust fan installed, you have a number of options. You can purchase a small water remediation fan and use it during and after your baths and showers. Though these fans are expensive, the money you spend on the fan will pale in comparison to the cost of eradicating a bathroom full of mold. Besides the water remediation fan, you can keep your windows and doors open during your bath or shower. During the winter months, this may not be an option. Do your best to keep the bathroom moisture-free.
4. Use a Humidity Meter
A humidity meter will read the humidity levels in your bathroom. Monitoring a humidity meter can help you determine if your humidity levels are helping your moldy friends take hold. A humidity meter can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Humidity levels should fall below 45%, within 10 minutes or so.
5. Keep Drains Clean
Keeping your bathroom moisture free is the best way to prevent mold development. Also, keep your bathroom drains cleaned and clear because clogged drains keep hot water in the bathroom for extended periods of time, increasing the ammount of moisture in the room. Make sure that there are no hair clogs in the drains. Regularly check the drains to make sure that they are working properly.
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