As autumn brings cooler weather, many people begin to close their windows and seal air gaps to keep the heat in and their energy bills down. Reducing the exchange of air between your home’s interior and the outdoors makes indoor air quality an important consideration. It also makes mold a serious concern. After all, mold is known to impact indoor air quality negatively and is associated with a host of health problems. At SERVPRO, we know a lot about mold, and we recognize that understanding why mold thrives in bathrooms, how to prevent it and what you need to do if you discover a mold infestation can help you protect the health of your entire family.

WHY MOLD LOVES BATHROOMSMold thrives on moisture and warmth, and a bathroom provides plenty of both. The humidity that fills the room after a shower or bath can linger in the form of condensation on your shower liner, tiles, mirrors and walls. When there is not enough ventilation to dry the area promptly, mold can often seize the chance to grow. Plumbing issues can also set the stage for mold troubles. When the pipes feeding showers, tubs, toilets and sinks leak, the resulting dampness can foster mold growth.

PREVENTING MOLDYou do not want to share your bathroom with mold. How do you keep this opportunistic fungus at bay? The secret to preventing mold issues is controlling moisture, but that can be tough to do in the bathroom since moisture is an inherent part of much of the activity that goes on there. However, there are some actions that you can take to reduce the risk of mold moving in. To prevent mold in your bathroom:

• Make proper ventilation a priority. Use a ventilation fan to remove excess humidity from the space. Do not turn it off immediately after your shower or bath is complete. Let the ventilation fan run for at least 30 minutes to give the room a chance to dry thoroughly.• Be proactive about plumbing leaks. If you see a problem, repair it immediately.• Furnish the room with mildew-resistant shower and window curtains.• Never leave damp laundry on the floor of the bathroom.• Wash your shower curtain and bathmats regularly. Always dry them completely before replacing them.• After showering, wipe down your shower to remove any lingering dampness.

DEALING WITH A MOLD INFESTATIONWhen it comes to dealing with a mold infestation, your most effective tool is often a telephone. That is because contacting a professional is the best strategy for mold removal. Mold spreads through microscopic spores in the air, and any attempt to remove mold yourself can make your mold problem much worse by helping those spores to scatter and reach new places.

At SERVPRO, we understand the science behind mold growth, and we have the specialized training and professional-grade equipment needed to safely and effectively remediate even stubborn mold issues. If you suspect that mold has taken up residence in your bathroom or some other area of your home, don’t hesitate. Mold can spread quickly, so the problem can only get worse if you wait. Call SERVPRO today to learn more about our mold remediation services and request our assistance.

SHUTTING THE BATHROOM DOOR ON MOLD