Mildew in bathrooms is a problem every one of us will have faced at some time or another, and for many of us, it’s a recurring issue. When mildew takes over, not only does it look extremely unsightly, but it can smell bad, too. Bathrooms naturally generate a lot of moisture, and that moisture tends to cling to the ceilings and walls unless it can be swiftly and effectively evacuated through a vent following a bath or shower. The warm air created in bathrooms combined with the moisture that often has nowhere to go, makes for the perfect mildew and mold breeding conditions, and if not tackled, the problem will never go away.
Here’s how to achieve a mildew-free bathroom in your home:
Get a bathroom vent installed or replaced:
Air circulation is vital for a bathroom that looks and smells fresh and clean, and so if you don’t already have a vent in yours, you need to get one installed, and quick! Nowadays, vents are installed in new homes and when old homes are renovated, they are automatically put in and can be far less expensive than the cost of potential repairs to walls and ceilings and even the house structure when mold and mildew take hold. Ensure that the air vented from your bathroom can flow outside and not up into the attic, otherwise you’ll simply transfer the mold and mildew problem to the top of your home where it may breed uncontrollably out of sight for months and even years.
If a vent is not an option in your bathroom for whatever reason, then the next best thing would be to open a window whenever possible and wipe down damp surfaces using a hygienic cleaning solution immediately after showering or bathing.
Open windows wherever and whenever possible:
It may not always be convenient to keep the windows in your bathroom open and some bathrooms may not even have a window – but it certainly helps to keep the room ventilated in the absence of (or in addition to) a vent.
Give your plumbing the once over:
Always be on the look-out for leaky pipes and plumbing, whether it’s the faucets, showerhead or shower door. When water leaks in a bathroom and goes unchecked, it can quickly lead to mold and/or mildew, and a musty smell might be one of the first indications that there might be a problem. Some mildew begins to grow in places that you might not think to check, such as under sinks or high up on walls, so try to remember to look there if you can’t see the cause of the smell at first glance. If you do have a leak somewhere in your bathroom, unless you’re a qualified plumber, it’s best to leave it to the experts.
How else can you prevent mildew in your bathroom?
Other small but equally important ways in which you can minimize the mildew in your bathroom, is by regularly cleaning bathroom mats, towels and tiles and keeping the shower stall and bathtub as clean as possible.
Mildew in bathrooms is a real pain and for recurring outbreaks, it might be quickest and most effective to seek help from a professional cleaning company, who will know exactly how to eradicate it using the most efficient and environmentally friendly ways.
