An Unwelcome Guest: 4 Reasons Mold Grows in Your Bathroom

You go into the guest bathroom to give your child a bath — only to stop short when you pull back the shower curtain. The tiles of the bathtub are covered in mold spots. How did this happen?

Unfortunately, the bathroom is one of the most common places mold loves to grow. It’s dark and damp — the perfect breeding ground for mold spores. Because mold can be hazardous to your health, it’s essential to understand what causes it to grow and how you can stay ahead of it. Here are four reasons you may see mold in your bathroom:

Lack of Ventilation

Have you noticed that your bathroom quickly fills with steam while you’re showering or bathing? If condensation builds up on the walls repeatedly, mold and mildew see it as the perfect opportunity to begin growing. To prevent this accumulation of condensation, it’s important to turn on the exhaust fan during and after showers and to leave the door or window open a crack for extra ventilation if possible.

Leaking Faucets

Mold loves moist environments, which is why leaking faucets are one of the most common reasons mold grows in your bathroom. A faucet that drips makes the tub, shower, or sink constantly wet, inviting mold to have free reign. For this reason, you must repair a dripping faucet as soon as possible.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are not a nuisance simply because they create a puddle of water you have to stand in while you shower. They can be aggravating because they allow for the proliferation of mold. Hair, dirt, and soap scum back up the drain, forcing water to linger in a dark environment for long periods of time. Mold and mildew will eventually form around the drain, causing an unsightly view and a potential health issue. If you notice your shower or sink backing up, it’s important to have it cleared right away.

Worn Down Grout

If your shower, bathtub, or bathroom sink has tiles, it also has potential weak spots. The constant exposure to moisture and direct water contact weakens and wears away the grout between tiles. This can cause cracks and chips in the tiles, allowing mold to grow in the dark, damp spaces. Replenishing the grout every six months can prevent mold growth and keep your bathroom looking clean and new.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Bathroom

Mold is no one’s friend. Thankfully, you can take some measures to ensure this unwanted guest doesn’t creep into your home — particularly your bathroom:

• Turn on the ventilation fan while you shower or bathe and leave it on for 30 minutes after your shower.
• Ensure your house’s humidity levels are below 50%. A high-efficiency air conditioner or dehumidifier can help achieve this goal.
• When you clean your bathroom, pay particular attention to corners and ridges where bacteria, mold spores, and dust can easily accumulate.
• Repair plumbing leaks immediately, and ensure all drains are working correctly.

If you suspect your mold issue is due to a plumbing problem, get in touch with Northern Services for professional plumbing services in Renville County, MN, including residential drain cleaning. We’ll take care of any leaks or clogged drains, so you can rest assured that mold has no chance of surviving in your bathroom.