Shower Mold Removal

Mold and mildew are the stuff of nightmares for most home owners. The ugly black mold that infests the bathroom, will often need you to wage a continuous war against it, complete with weapons and ammunition. Mold and mildew are kinds of fungi that take root and multiply in places of warmth and humidity. Removing shower mold is a housekeeping routine that you have to keep at, to ensure that your bathroom stays mold free and clean. Although it may seem initially like you're fighting a losing battle, a little care and effort can go a long way in ensuring that your bathroom remains dry and mold free. The following are some tips to help you along.

Removal

Mold thrives in areas of warmth and humidity, which is primarily why it flourishes in the bathroom, and shower mold is particularly stubborn because of its constant exposure to moisture. Having said that, once you figure out how to get rid of it, it becomes easier to fight, by consistently using mold removing agents. The following are some steps that will help:

• The first step is to identify where the mold is proliferating. More often than not, mold will be visible along the caulk that lines the shower, as well as on the tiles, exposed walls and ceilings and also on shower curtains.
• Use protective rubber gloves for your hands; spray some hot water mixed with a strong detergent onto the area you wish to clean, then use a brush with some elbow grease, and scrub away. If the mold comes off with this, wash off with warm water, then wipe down with a clean paper towel, and dry completely.
• Sometimes removing the mold with normal detergents isn't possible, and you require special cleaning agents to tackle the issue. Now, several products are commercially available, which are made specifically for treating shower mold and mildew. Bleach is another effective product to get rid of mold in the shower; mix one part bleach with one part water and spray on the surface, then wipe off and let dry.
• Mold along the caulk is more stubborn than most - in certain cases, the only way to deal with it is to remove the caulk completely, clean out the debris at the base and then relay the caulk.

Prevention

Once you've gotten rid of shower mold, the next step is to reduce its occurrence with some preventive methods. Since the bathroom is continuously exposed to water, and dampness and humidity help mold grow, ventilation is important. Try to keep the windows open when taking a hot shower, to allow steam to escape. If that isn't possible install a bathroom fan and keep it running during and after your shower, to speed up the drying process. Wipe down the shower stall after every use until dry, and clean regularly with bleach to reduce growth of mold. Since shower curtains are also prone to develop patches of mold, wash them at regular intervals with a good detergent, and use a solution with vinegar in it for the final rinse. If you are uncomfortable with using bleach, vinegar works well as a substitute to inhibit mold growth. Finally, mold flourishes in the dark, so ensure the shower area is brightly lit.

Shower mold dangers include a number of respiratory disorders, stomach infections and allergies. It is imperative to stop mold growth as its health effects can take their toll on your body, especially since you are exposed to them every day. Removing mold in the shower can be tackled with regular cleaning routines and simple preventive measures to retard its growth and appearance. In addition, getting rid of it regularly ensures your family's safe from disease and infection, and as an added benefit, your bathroom stays dry!