Nearly every homeowner in Orange County, CA has experienced bathroom mold at some point. Not only is such growth unsightly, but it can damage the grout and caulking between your tiles. Mold spots can be nearly impossible to eradicate with regular household cleaners, and it may require removing the old grout and applying new grout once it has started growing. Fortunately, this water damage consequence is avoidable.

Preventing Mold

The best practice for mold prevention is to keep surfaces in your bathroom dry. This doesn’t mean you need to wipe everything down with a towel after a bath or shower. Try the following tips to prevent moisture damage in your bathroom:

  • Purchase a squeegee to pull water down from shower walls.
  • Run the bath fan for at least 30 minutes following a bath or shower to draw moisture from the air.
  • Seal your grout once a year with a grout sealer to make the surface waterproof.

Dealing With Mold

Small areas of mildew can be corrected by the homeowner. If you experience extensive mold growth from prolonged moisture or water damage, always call a professional restoration company to correct the problem, as hazards could be present.

The first step for small cases of mildew in the bath area is to spray the area with an antimicrobial solution. If the tiles are coming off the wall, the wall will need to be rebuilt with cement board and new tile. If the wall is still sound but the growth is impenetrable, scrape away the old caulk and grout. Clean the area with antimicrobial spray and apply fresh grout and caulk. Treat your new grout and tiles with sealant.

Living with mold should never be an option. It’s preventable and it’s treatable. Forming habits that include diligence in keeping your shower area dry can help ensure you win the war on water damage and mold growth. Best of all, your bathroom will always look great.

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