Many homeowners worry about mold during the summer but are surprised to learn that mold can also show itself throughout any time of the year, including in winter. One of the reasons it occurs in the bathroom during winter is that many people take hot showers to stave off the cold and chilly feeling and don’t open their windows. Taking proper precautions, such as the ones below, can help keep mold at bay during the cold weather.
Run the Exhaust Fan
Running the exhaust fan is one of the most important things you can do if you’re trying to prevent mold in your bathroom during the cold weather. Bathrooms are usually set up in one of two ways: either the exhaust fan goes on as soon as the bathroom light does, or you have to flip a switch for the light and another switch for the exhaust fan. Make sure, if you have the latter, that you turn the exhaust fan switch on at the same time you put on the light before turning on the shower.
It’s not enough to run the bathroom exhaust fan while preparing for the shower or bath and while taking it. It needs to run for at least 20 minutes after you turn off the water to effectively remove humidity from the bathroom. If you can leave it on longer, such as upwards of an hour, that’s even better.
Use a Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier in your bathroom during the winter can help speed up the drying time, especially if you have a variety of fabric items in there, such as towels, shower curtains, and floor mats. It lowers the humidity levels, even more so when used in conjunction with the exhaust fan. The dehumidifier can also play an important role in preventing condensation. After your shower or bath, you can leave it running simultaneously with the exhaust fan.
Check for Leaks
Checking for leaks in your bathroom is crucial. Many homeowners don’t actively do this unless they suspect something is wrong, such as if they hear water dripping. For example, they may store items under the bathroom sink but won’t actually check the area thoroughly, especially if it’s packed with toiletries and other products.
Make it a habit to check underneath the bathroom sink daily to ensure there are no leaks. It may seem like a hassle, but if a leak starts, you’ll be happy you caught the issue early rather than seeing it after a major leak starts or a pipe bursts.
Create a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Creating a regular cleaning schedule for your bathroom is one of the most effective ways to help prevent mold growth during the winter. It’s ideal to do it daily if possible, especially after a shower or bath. This is particularly important if you have multiple people living in your home who use the shower on a daily basis. The more people who regularly take hot showers throughout the day, the higher the chances of mold growth.
In addition to cleaning standard areas such as the toilet bowl, shower, and counters, make sure you’re also doing spots that might not be at the forefront of your mind to clean. For example, clean under your shampoo and conditioner bottles, behind the faucet on the sink, behind the toilet, and underneath the soap dish. Mold can quickly build up in these areas faster than you may realize.
Use the Right Bathroom Cleaners
Using the right bathroom cleaners is crucial to preventing mold and mildew buildup. Look for products explicitly stating that they’re formulated to kill mold and mildew.
As with using any cleaners, take the proper precautions. For instance, wear gloves that will protect your hands and skin. You also want to make sure the room is adequately ventilated, so open your window if possible, and don’t forget to turn on the exhaust fan. Leave the window open and/or have the exhaust fan running for at least 30 minutes after cleaning.
Open Windows
Ventilation is vital for preventing mold growth. Many people don’t open their windows during the winter, and even during the warmer temperatures, some don’t open their bathroom windows at all. Make it a habit to open your bathroom window for at least 20 minutes every day, especially after a shower or bath, to reduce humidity, let fresh air in, and give it time to circulate.
Don’t Leave Wet Items Laying Around
There are usually two types of people: those who hang up their towels after taking a shower or bath and those who throw them in a pile on the floor. Often, those two people live under the same roof.
The problem with throwing wet towels on the bathroom floor or even bunching them up while hanging them up to dry is that it could cause a musty odor and foster mold growth, not just on the towels but also on the surface on which they’re lying. For example, if somebody throws a bundled wet towel in the corner of the bathroom floor and leaves it there for several days, it’s very likely that once someone picks it up, there will be mold underneath. Mold can start growing in as little as a day.
Another issue is with the bathroom mat. People often step on the fabric mat after getting out of the shower, get it damp, and then leave it on the floor. However, it’s important to let it dry thoroughly to prevent mold from growing on the mat and underneath it.
Shower curtains are also problematic. They shouldn’t be bunched up or left stuck against the side of the shower or tub wall. If it’s bunched up, mold can grow in between the folds of the material, and if it’s stuck against the tub or shower surface, mold can grow in between, especially if nobody uses the shower for a day or two after you.
Give everything in your bathroom ample time to dry and space to do so after it gets wet to prevent mold growth on those items and underneath them.
Look for Signs of Mold Growth
It’s essential to look for signs of mold growth in your bathroom frequently. Mold is often visible, such as being green or black, and it can appear practically anywhere, starting off small and growing rapidly. However, it’s not the only sign you should pay attention to.
For example, look for yellowish water stains, bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, built-up condensation, or discoloration that doesn’t seem normal. Once you notice any particular sign of mold growth, it’s crucial to deal with it immediately to prevent it from spreading quickly and becoming a more serious issue.
Don’t let bathroom mold catch you off guard this winter. Contact We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air in San Marcos, Orange, Murrieta, or Temecula, California, for reliable plumbing, heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services. Call us to schedule an appointment or book one online through our website.
