Bathrooms are where we see mold more than anywhere else in South Florida homes. Steam every day, warm temperatures and humid outdoor air make it easy for mold to settle in. No bathroom is ever 100% mold-proof, but a few habits and a few upgrades get you very close.
Watch FL Cleanup owner James Rice-Peña walk through it:
Daily Habits (Free)
- Run the exhaust fan during every shower and for 20 to 30 minutes after. See why you should always run your bathroom fan.
- Squeegee the shower walls and glass after each use
- Leave the curtain spread out or the shower door open so it dries
- Hang towels and bath mats where they can dry fully
- Keep the AC running so the whole house stays dry
Weekly and Monthly
- Clean grout and caulk lines before spots have a chance to set in
- Wash bath mats and fabric shower curtains
- Clear hair and buildup from drains
- Peek under the sink for drips, stains or a musty smell
- Dust the exhaust fan grille so it keeps pulling air
Upgrades That Make a Big Difference
- A fan timer or humidity-sensing switch so the fan runs long enough every time
- A properly sized fan vented outside, not into the attic
- Fresh mildew-resistant silicone caulk wherever old caulk is stained or pulling away
- Sealed grout, resealed as the product directs
- Mildew-resistant paint on walls and ceiling, applied only after any existing mold is removed (see can you paint over mold?)
- Swap fabric for faster-drying materials, like a quick-dry curtain or a teak or plastic bath mat
Fix Leaks Right Away
All the ventilation in the world won’t help if water is leaking where you can’t see it. Watch for loose or hollow-sounding tiles, crumbling grout, a toilet that rocks, swollen vanity cabinets, and stains on the ceiling below an upstairs bathroom. Those can mean a leaking shower pan, valve or wax ring.
Already Have Mold? Start Here
Clean up what’s there before you start mold-proofing: how to clean shower mold, mold on a bathroom ceiling and pink mold in the bathroom.
Free Visual Inspection in South Florida
If mold keeps coming back no matter what you do, there may be a hidden leak. FL Cleanup offers a free visual inspection with moisture readings and an infrared (thermal) camera across South Florida, and handles licensed mold remediation. We answer 24/7, and hablamos español. Call 877-224-2532 or request a free visual inspection online.
For more quick mold and water tips, follow us on Instagram @flcleanup.
About the author: James Rice-Peña is the owner of FL Cleanup and a Florida-licensed Mold Assessor (MRSA4035) and Mold Remediator (MRSR4158). He has worked in property restoration in South Florida since 2012, and FL Cleanup has earned 200+ five-star Google reviews.
