Best Shower Squeegee Tips To Prevent Mold: Ultimate Guide

May 14, 2021
 | By 
Queen Plumbing Charlotte

Don't you feel gross whenever you step into your bathroom and this slimy green-brownish mold is in the bathroom corner? It is hard to talk about but wouldn't you like to prevent mold growth forever?

We all know that mold is harmful. They grow on the shower walls, and bathroom mold stinks too! They make almost everything look bad. Added to that, once they get in your bathroom, you can't easily remove them.

So it's always better to prevent than to treat it after infection. This way, you can keep your bathroom mold-free and fresh-looking! Below you will find some tips to avoid mold growth on your bathroom walls.

Tips To Prevent Mold or Mildew

Buy A Shower Squeegee

Shower squeegees are probably the best and easiest way to prevent mold and excess moisture. Mold doesn't care where you live; they have been on earth before humans were a thing! So, they are well adapted to almost any weather!

Using a shower squeegee for preventing mold growth

All they need is a perfect breeding ground with excess water and moisture. So, to prevent black mold from ever-growing in your bathroom, you need to eliminate the excess moisture from the bathroom.

First, buy a shower squeegee. Then, squeegee the water off the shower door, walls, etc., every time you take a shower or bath. This decreases humidity by at least 75%. So, mold or mildew will have a lesser chance of growing.

Install An Exhaust Fan

If your bathroom doesn't already have a bath fan, you need to install one right now. A properly sized exhaust fan can eliminate most of your problems because molds need moisture to grow.

So, if you can eliminate the moisture by sucking out the humid air inside a bathroom, mold can't grow inside. That's why installing and using a bath fan is an excellent idea. However, you need to keep the fan on during and till half an hour later a shower. You can install a timer switch to do this automatically.

However, it would help if you did some calculations before buying a fan. Not all fans will fit your bathroom correctly. It would be helpful to you if you did a few simple measurements. First, you need to know the square footage of your bathroom and the height of the ceiling.

If the ceiling is 8 ft high, multiply the square footage by 1.1. On the other hand, if the roof is 9 ft tall, multiply the square footage by 1.5. This way, you know the total cubic feet measurements of your bathroom.

Each exhaust fan has its cubic feet per minute measures written on its body. Compare the calculated cubic feet of your bathroom with the written estimate on the fan, and voila!

Seal Grout Lines

This will only apply if you have tiles in your bathroom, which you probably do. You need to seal the grout lines every year with a standard grout sealer to prevent standing water from getting under the tiles.

Mold loves to grow under the damp, solid surface of humid tile! So, take this a bit seriously.

Other Tips

There are some other simple tricks for you. For example: if you have any leaky faucets or taps, get that fixed as soon as possible.

Also, do not leave damp fabric or linen in your bathroom. Mold loves wet clothes! So, wash the linen and keep them somewhere dry.

At last, you can buy a mold-proof shower curtain. They are not very expensive, and they work like a charm.

Cleaning Mold and Mildew

Spraying mold remover using a spray bottle

Let us imagine the worst-case scenario. Probably your bathroom is already infested with mold, and now you want to get rid of it forever. Below you can find some ways to do that:

Using Bleach

Bleach is excellent for removing bathroom mold. However, if you have a porous surface like wood, bleach won't be good enough for you.

So, if you have a non-porous surface, follow the instructions below:

  • First, ensure you have proper ventilation. Open the door and windows or turn on your exhaust fan.
  • Wear protective gloves, masks, etc.
  • Mix a gallon of water and a cup of bleach. 
  • Use a spray bottle to spray the mixture on the mold.
  • Scrub the bathroom surfaces with a stiff brush.
  • Rinse the surface properly with clear water and let it air dry.
  • Throw away any brush, cloth, or sponges you use.

However, if you have porous surfaces or any respiratory conditions such as asthma, bleach might not be a good idea for you. Bleach can cause breathing problems, vomiting, or even chest pain.

Also, you can have damaged skin if you're not careful enough. So, either be very careful when using bleach or use the other non-corrosive chemicals from below.

Non-Corrosive Alternatives To Bleach For Cleaning Mold

Vinegar

Vinegar is pretty good for cleaning the mold. Fill a spray bottle about halfway with undiluted white vinegar. Apply the vinegar to the mold and set aside for 1 hour. Allow to air dry after wiping the surface.

Baking Soda

Mix 2 tbs of baking soda with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and shake until completely dissolved. Spray the mixture onto the mold and let it sit for some time. Then, scrub the mold with a brush and rinse with water.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in a half: half ratio. Spray onto the mold and scrub after some time.

Types of Shower Mold

You may know when you see a shower mold, but if you want to know the actual names of these molds, read below:

  • Cladosporium
  • Penicillium
  • Aspergillus
  • Ulocladium
  • Trichoderma
  • Fusarium
  • Aureobasidium
  • Stachybotrys Chartarum - Also known as black mold

These molds increase breathing problems, inflammation, asthma, etc.

Is Bathroom Mold Harmful?

Mold is relatively harmless. But, if you have an enclosed room full of black mold, the mold spores can cause allergies. If you have existing allergies or other respiratory problems, mold can be especially harmful to you.

So, cleaning mold as soon as you suspect infection in your house should be a no-brainer! However, if you feel like your bathroom molds are coming back frequently and these household remedies aren't doing you much help, you can always contact us at Queen Charlotte Plumbing.

Here at queen charlotte plumbing, we provide professional plumbing help and support. Contact us at 704-707-3339 or 8424 Old Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269 for any plumbing services you might need.

FAQ

Should you squeegee shower walls?

Yes. It would be best if you squeegeed your shower after every usage. This will get rid of the excess water and prevent mold from growing.

Is mold-resistant grout available?

Yes. There are many brands and quality mold-resistant grouts available on the market. You can buy from your favorite brands or according to your budget.

Does every shower have mold?

Showers are ideal environments for mold growth. Mold flourishes in wet, poorly ventilated locations. These circumstances are frequently seen in restrooms. Mold requires sufficient oxygen, moisture, the proper temperature, and food.

So, shower molds are pretty standard.

How do I prevent mold in my shower grout?

To prevent mold in your shower grout, you must seal the grout lines annually using a standard grout sealer. This will make the grouts waterproof and prevent mold from growing. Also, clean the bathroom floor water every time.

How can I make my bathroom mold-resistant?

To prevent mold in your bathroom, you need to keep your bathroom free of moisture and humidity. Also, wipe out excess water from the toilet. Wash the shower curtains regularly.

Mold grows in dark moisture environments, so keep your bathroom properly dry and let in as much sunlight. If you have a bathroom window, keep it open frequently.

However, if none of this works, you can always call us at 704-707-3339 for the best plumbing service in Charlotte, NC!

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