Mildew and mold wreak havoc on our homes and our health. Both organisms live and thrive in moist, dark spaces. This makes our bathrooms especially vulnerable to invasion. Homeowners can prevent mildew and mold growth by keeping bathrooms well ventilated and fixing plumbing leaks right away.
When it comes to expert plumbing Grand Prairie TX homeowners trust Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating to take care of all their plumbing needs. Give us a call at 469-518-4211 or head to our website: https://dial1plumbing.com
Before we dive in, it’s important to understand the difference between mildew and mold. You’ll want to know how to identify each organism in your home and treat them accordingly.
Mildew vs. Mold
The terms “mildew” and “mold” are often used interchangeably, but they are separate microorganisms and must be treated differently. While both types of fungi thrive in warm, wet conditions—like your bathroom—there are a few key differences to help you identify which one you’re dealing with. Let’s take a look:
- Mold: mold has a higher profile, takes on a fuzzy appearance and presents with dark coloring, like black or green. Mold can easily be confused with dirt.
- Mildew: mildew is always flat and appears white in its early stages. The organism turns brown or grey with time and takes on the appearance of a powdery substance.
Both mildew and mold grow in excessively wet, confined spaces and thrive in a wide range of temperatures. As both organisms can cause damage to your home and health concerns for your family and pets, they should be eradicated on sight.
Keep an eye out for mildew and mold in the following areas:
- Bathroom wall surrounds.
- Near faucets.
- Behind sinks.
- Near HVAC vents.
- On ceilings near exhaust fans.
- In or around recessed lights.
The presence of mildew and mold can cause itchy eyes, wheezing, a runny nose and health issues in pets. Read on for eight ways to prevent mildew in your home.
Prevent Mildew in Your Home: 8 Steps
The best approach to issues like mildew in the bathroom is to take preventative measures. Keep mildew and mold at bay with these steps:
1. Increase Ventilation
Air vents remove moisture from indoor air and take it outside. This is a key factor in preventing mildew and mold growth in bathrooms. Be sure to fix a broken fan or upgrade one that is too small for the space. The cubic feet per minute (CFM) count on your fan can give you a good indication of whether it’s suitable for the size of your bathroom. A good rule of thumb is to multiple the square footage of a bathroom with an 8ft ceiling by 1.1. For a bathroom with a 9ft ceiling, multiple square footage by 1.5. It’s also a good idea to open windows after taking a shower or bath to increase ventilation.
2. Mildew-Resistant Paint
Moisture and condensation collect on shower walls and tub surrounds. As a result, these areas become prime locations for mildew and mold growth. Mildew-resistant paint is a great option for bathroom walls, while fungicidal protective coatings can be used to paint over and kill existing mold and mildew.
3. Keep the Fan Running
It makes sense to run the bathroom fan during your shower or bath, but you can benefit from leaving it on afterwards too. Allow your fan to keep running for at least half an hour after showering. Some fans can be programmed with a timer to shut off after a specified period of time. This will also improve your indoor air quality and make it safer to breathe.
4. Let the Light Shine In
Mildew thrives in darkness. Letting natural light in or leaving the bathroom light on for about thirty minutes after taking a bath or shower can discourage mildew and mold from establishing. This is an easy solution to a hazardous and nasty problem.
5. Grab the Squeegee
Squeegee or mop up excess water with towels after taking a shower. This simple step removes the environment mildew and mold thrives in. Focus on drying off shower surrounds, water drips on the floor and moisture around faucets.
6. Wash Rugs and Towels Frequently
Absorbent fabrics—like those found in bathroom rugs and towels—are prone to mildew and mold growth if left unchecked. Be sure to wash these items frequently and allow them to fully dry in between uses.
7. Seal Grout
The grout between bathroom tiles is inherently porous. This makes grout a potential hot spot for mildew and mold growth. Seal grout lines frequently to prevent moisture from getting in and causing damage. A good rule of thumb is to reseal grout annually. Luckily, there are many grout sealers on the market and this is a fairly simple DIY endeavor.
8. Fix Leaks
Problematic plumbing isn’t just an annoying drip in the night. In addition to higher utility costs, water leaks create the exact environment mildew and mold thrive in. Take care of leaks right away, and don’t forget to check for mildew and mold growth under sinks. It’s always a good idea to wipe down excess moisture around faucets. This goes for kitchens as well as bathrooms. If mildew and mold is left unchecked, you could end up with extensive damage to cabinets, walls and fixtures.
Grand Prairie Plumbing Company
Moisture build-up around faucets and underneath sinks can lead to costly damage. Work with a professional Grand Prairie plumbing company to mildew-proof your bathroom. Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating offers expert services in HVAC and plumbing Grand Prairie, TX homeowners can rely on.
Our team of experts is fully trained, licensed and insured to provide professional plumbing and HVAC services at your convenience. We’re proud to offer financing to cover big or unexpected costs. When you work with our team, you’ll receive a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
To schedule an appointment with Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating today, contact us online or give us a call at 469-518-4211.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.