Bathroom Mold: A Growing Concern

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s mold remediation specialists will work quickly to get your bathroom back to normal, “Like it never even happened.”

With their ever-present moisture and humidity, it’s easy to see why mold loves bathrooms. Moisture and humidity combine to generate optimal conditions for mold growth. In prime conditions, mold can grow and multiply in less than 24 hours, risking significant damage to the safety of your bathroom. In addition, mold infestations can compromise the health of those living in your home, as mold can trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, taking steps to protect your home’s bathroom against the harmful effects of mold is paramount. Understanding the reasons as to why mold growth occurs in bathrooms is a great first step.

Understanding the Causes of Bathroom Mold Growth

One of the top causes of bathroom mold growth is lacking ventilation. Moisture often lingers after baths and showers, which can lead to mold growth if it isn’t dried quickly. Bath towels, rugs, curtains, and other fabric accessories in the bathroom can be at risk for mold growth if they become due to a bath or shower. Lastly, moisture can accumulate as a result of leaking plumbing, increasing the risk for mold growth.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

While it’s impossible to eliminate moisture completely in your bathroom due to the prevalence of water, there are actions that you can take to protect your bathroom. After a bath or shower, it is beneficial to turn on your fan for at least 30 minutes in order to increase ventilation. Keeping the humidity level inside your home below 45% is also an effective way to make sure that your bathroom doesn’t become too humid. Damp bath towels, rugs, and other fabrics found in your bathroom can facilitate mold growth, so it is helpful to wash them frequently. Leaks stemming from sinks, toilets, or other plumbing contribute to a buildup of water in the bathroom. Check these areas regularly in order to catch a leak before it gets out of hand. To decrease lingering moisture on shower walls, consider using a squeegee after every bath or shower.

What to Do If You Spot Mold Growth

Mold can often go unnoticed due to its habit of thriving in dark, damp, and isolated areas such as in corners or between tiles. If you discover mold growing in your bathroom, it is important to remember the following:

First and foremost, don’t touch the mold. Doing so may trigger allergic reactions and jeopardize your health. Next, refrain from attempting to clean or dry out the mold yourself. While these actions may seem effective, they may actually set the mold spores in motion, sending them to other areas of the bathroom and worsening the problem. Lastly, even though a mold problem can be unnerving, remember to stay calm. SERVPRO has your back with our 24-hour emergency service. Call us today at (412) 672-5400 to schedule your mold inspection and damage assessment. SERVPRO’s mold remediation specialists will work quickly to get your bathroom back to normal, “Like it never even happened.” To learn more about our mold remediation services, visit https://www.SERVPROmetropittsburgheast.com/mold-remediation.