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Mold can grow almost anywhere with moisture or humidity present. Bathrooms tend to be one of the most susceptible areas because people take hot showers in enclosed spaces, resulting in excessive humidity. Preventing mold and mildew means keeping these humidity levels as close to zero as possible. This can be done in several ways. Here, they are:

 

Re-caulk Sinks and Bathtubs. 

 

Caulk around sinks and bathtubs can be worn down over time or become old and brittle. Soap residue along the edges also attracts mold and mildew. Re-caulking will make them easier to clean as well as make your bathroom look neater and cleaner. Re-caulk bathtub and sinks with mildew-resistant caulk because mold loves a place to hide, and mildew likes a damp environment.

 

Clean the Shower Regularly

 

The walls of your shower should be free of soap scum and body oils. These are food sources for mold and mildew. Wipe them down regularly with an all-purpose cleaner. Use a squeegee after every shower to help remove water from the walls and keep them from collecting bacteria.

 

Re-caulk Toilet

 

The seal on the toilet is another place where mold and mildew love to grow. Clean as much as you can with a rag, but if it’s soiled, use some chlorine bleach to kill any residual mold or mildew. Cleaning also means scrubbing away any soap scum residue from around the rim of the bowl before it gets splashed by the toilet water. You should re-caulk the toilet at least once a year to keep mold and mildew from growing.

 

Re-caulk Faucets

 

In time, the caulk will deteriorate, and water can slip behind the base, causing rusting of the metal fixtures. This can also cause mold. Use mildew-resistant caulk that’s white for easier identification of any problems later. Check the caulk around faucets at least once every six months. If you notice black grime, clean it right away before mold has a chance to grow because black mold looks very similar to dark dirt. Don’t use bleach because it’ll break down the caulk, and you’ll need to re-caulk faucets sooner than necessary. 

 

Prevent Water Damage

 

Walls and the ceiling in a bathroom are more likely to get saturated with water from leaks. If water gets into the walls, this moisture will eventually cause mold, mildew, and rot. In bathrooms, these three problems can turn into serious health hazards. Hence, keep your bathroom as dry as possible with fans and open windows to prevent water damage. Keeping the humidity level low will keep mold from taking over. 

 

Regular Bathroom Maintenance

 

If you’re diligent about keeping up regular bathroom maintenance, the chance of mold and mildew growth is a lot less. Keep an eye on moisture levels in your bathroom, especially after a shower or after baths when humidity levels are highest. If there’s excess moisture, you can open windows to let moist air out and dry air in. At least once a month, remove built-up soap scum around faucets, fixtures, and along the walls where water drips when you shower or bathe.

 

You can request a 21-point home maintenance checklist from Ambassador Home Maintenance experts for more information on routine home maintenance tasks.