Your daily routine could be affecting your health — or, at the very least, extending your cleaning routine.
From the shower to the sink to the toilet, the bathroom in your home endures extensive usage in the water department. And as soon as you turn off the shower, you could be instigating the start of mold invasion.
Within 24 to 48 hours, mold can begin to grow on damp surfaces and can start producing spores that travel through the air.
Not what you wanted, right?
A cough or respiratory issue may be just over the horizon.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to combat a mold or mildew invasion:
1. Air circulation is key
When it comes to combating the foreign substance growing on your shower, ventilation and air circulation are critical. The dampest room in your home would love some time with the window cracked open, or an occasional breeze from a fan. Be sure to keep the air flowing or keep the fan running for at least 15 minutes after a shower.
2. Care for your shower curtain
How many times have you tried to ignore the fact that your shower curtain is slowly fading to a light pink color, or it’s beginning to accumulate some black specks? No, that’s not a good thing. And, yes, that’s mold. As long as you ignore it, the problem is going to literally grow. Try investing in a shower curtain material that lends itself to handling moisture well. Some materials last longer and are more durable than others. In addition, it’s a good idea to toss your shower curtain in the washing machine from time to time. This will wash away any accumulation and keep your bathroom clean.
3. Wash your shower
Mold doesn’t just grow on the shower curtain. Your shower itself can be a haven for the fungus. You may think that since your shower keeps you clean, it doesn’t need to be cleaned. Quite the opposite, in fact. It’s best to clean your shower on a regular basis as part of your cleaning routine.
4. Fix leaky faucets or pipes or toilets
That small drip may seem like nothing more than a small annoyance, but it’s slowly working its way up to mold production. That’s right — leaks and drips could cost you big time if you discover they not only damaged your walls and floors, but covered them with a nice, smelly layer of mold. Before it’s too late, find your toolbox or call the plumber to fix those leaks in your bathroom and throughout the house. If your toilet is leaking, it could be more than a small annoyance. If you’re having recurring problems, age could be a factor, and a more efficient option could be better suited to your lifestyle.
5. Keep an eye on rugs
The innocent-looking rug on your bathroom floor is hiding more than you think. If you dare to look underneath, you could be surprised to find that mildew or mold are growing underneath. In fact, bath mats and rugs made this list of the germiest places in your home! Rugs and bath mats contribute quite a bit to mold production, especially if they’re the first places you step when you exit the shower with wet feet.
Have you uncovered a bigger plumbing problem? Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help! Our punctual plumbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with plumbing repair, emergency plumbing and more. Give us a call today to learn more or to schedule a service!
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