The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, and as a result it requires certain care and upkeep. The very nature of the bathroom attracts a lot of moisture. If left untreated, moisture can ruin the paint on the walls and provide the ideal environment for mold to grow. While mold is unsightly, its main problem is that it is hazardous to the health of anyone breathing it in. Follow some of these tips to control moisture, eliminate mold and prevent it from ever coming back.

Proper Ventilation

Because the bathroom is a haven for moisture, it is important to have a ventilation system in place. An exhaust fan is one of the best ways to draw out the moisture and eliminate mold from building up. Most exhaust fans will be mounted to the wall or ceiling. If you don’t have one, it is a good idea to get a fan installed. But in the meantime, a simple window fan pointing out the window will help circulate the air and reduce moisture buildup.

Fix Leaks

Pinpointing and repairing leaks is an important step in preventing moisture from building up in the bathroom. Water that constantly falls on a surface can erode caulking or paint, and it can contribute to mold growth. If you notice a constant drip coming from the bathtub, it is necessary to repair a leaky bathtub faucet. The repair is often easily done by putting new stems into the faucet. Drips are often common from the bathroom sink, so check that faucet as well to ensure that there are no leaks. A little maintenance can make all the difference in the bathroom environment.

Eliminate Mold and Treat Mold

Mold can be a danger to the health of the household, so it needs to be treated right away. If mold has infiltrated the wall, you may need to knock it out and replace the sheet rock. A good alternative to sheetrock is green wall or mold-resistant drywall. Both will be less susceptible to mold growth in the future.

Another area that mold likes to grow is the caulking or tile grout that is found between tiles. Oftentimes a bleach or baking soda solution can kill the mold. But in more severe cases it may be necessary to replace the tile caulking. In this case, the key to eliminate mold is to make sure that all the old caulking, grime, and build-up is removed. It can then be replaced with new silicone or PVA caulking. Some have added mildew killers which make them a good choice for areas that are prone to mold growth.

Removing the moisture in the bathroom, to eliminate mold growth, and making it difficult for mold to grow will not only enhance the health of your family but it will also protect the look and feel of your bathroom. If you have leaky faucets, poor ventilation, or signs of mold, and are overwhelmed at where to start, don’t hesitate to call a professional. A professional will quickly get things under control and leave you with a bathroom you can be proud of!

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides quality plumbers in Durham and surrounding areas for leak detection and repair.