The Danger Of A Moldy Bathroom & How To Address It
RH Business Marketing Solutions
Mold grows in damp, humid spaces. Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that it thrives in bathrooms. With heat, high humidity and plenty of food sources, these environments can be the perfect breeding grounds for all types of mold colonies once they’ve been established. If you’ve noticed a mold problem in your bathroom, the time to act is now. Below, we’ll go over why mold can be dangerous as well as how to get rid of it and stop it from coming back.
First, what makes mold dangerous? As members of the fungi kingdom, these diverse microorganisms reproduce via spores. When these spores are breathed in, the result could be a headache, rash or wide range of health issues depending on the type and your immune system. These can include respiratory- and allergy-related symptoms, such as itching, wheezing, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and difficulty breathing. Such symptoms are particularly harmful to people with respiratory conditions, allergies, acute illnesses or compromised immunity.[SS1]
There are also certain toxigenic molds, such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus[SS2] . These are very dangerous and potentially deadly, since they produce mycotoxins under the right conditions. Mold — especially black mold — can also be dangerous to pets, causing serious illnesses and even death in affected dogs.
Because of these dangers, it’s essential to eradicate mold whenever you find it. Of course, that may be easier said than done, as it grows in lots of places and commonly comes back after an initial cleaning. In the bathroom specifically, mold can be found under the cabinet sink, on the ceiling, behind the walls and inside the drain. It can even live in unwashed towels, shower curtains and rugs.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to address a mold problem and prevent its return. One of the clearest routes is to provide plenty of ventilation. Steamy showers and closed spaces create a warm welcome for fungi. By running the exhaust fan while showering and after you’re done, it helps to cut down on moisture. If you don’t have one, keep a window or door open or utilize a dehumidifier to keep the room ventilated.
Other bathroom hygiene best practices include squeegeeing off the water and spraying down the shower after each use with a mold-killing cleaning solution. You can use a commercial product or make your own by filling a spray bottle with a solution of water and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. While deep cleanings are still necessary, these daily routines could kill mold before it has a chance to take root. If you have a serious mold problem that won’t go away or are concerned about toxicity, contact a professional remediator for help.
Want to learn more about maintaining a mold-free bathroom? Check out the accompanying resource for further information.
https://www.jmpplumbingservices.com/blog/how-to-clean-your-moldy-shower/
https://www.bustmold.com/resources/about-mold/where-to-look-for-mold/mold-in-shower/