Bathroom mold is a homeowner's worst fear. Mold comes in almost any color of the rainbow, but it rarely complements the tile on which it is growing. Mold grows in damp, dark places, usually areas that do not see much sunlight. Bathrooms are primary habitats. Mold often begins in the corners of a bathroom where moisture has collected: the ninety degree angle of the shower, where the wall meets the vanity, or the upper corner above the bathtub.
The best way to prevent mold from growing in a bathroom is to keep the area well-ventilated. Run the exhaust fan after showers and baths, or periodically during the day if the air conditioning is not blowing directly into the room and the weather is hot. Use an after-shower cleaner that is sprayed directly onto the shower and tub area. Sprays designed for everyday use work best as they have mild cleansers that prevent scum build-up and will keep an area disinfected until it is dry.
Check for leaks in plumbing. This includes in the shower head and tub faucet and handles behind the wall. Cracks in tile or missing grout can lead to water leaks into the drywall as well. Damage can be irreversible before it is noticed and can cause complete shower and tub renovation or replacement. Look for other places moisture in the bathroom might be pooling after a shower, such as around the edges of wall mirrors and where a wall meets the lip of the counter. Checking from time to time under the sink for any drips will help a homeowner catch a mold problem before it grows out of control.
Bathroom mold does not have to be a battle. A little bit of daily bathroom maintenance can go a long way in keeping mold at bay. Keep it dry; do not keep the temperature high.
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