MOLDY bathrooms can spell disaster for homeowners’ finances and health, but there’s an easy way to prevent the issue.
All homeowners need to do is follow an all-important “30 minute” rule that’ll keep mold and more out of their bathrooms.
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Moldy bathroom walls may seem unavoidable, but there’s an easy way to prevent them Credit: Getty
A simple bathroom exhaust fan and some patience is all that’s needed to prevent mold growth and more Credit: Getty
Taking a hot, steamy shower can be the perfect end to a long day, but it can also be the start of some major home issues according to Southern Living.
This steam can linger in a bathroom, creating a greenhouse-like effect that keeps excess moisture in and damages paint, wood, and finished surfaces.
But this damage pales in comparison to the mold growth this moisture can promote, risking homeowners’ own well beings in addition to their home renovation budgets.
All they need to do in order to prevent damage to their homes and health is follow a key rule for what to do after a hot shower.
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The rule dictates when to use a bathroom exhaust fan, which can draw out excess moisture in the air before it can cause significant damage.
Homeowners should first run exhaust fan from the moment they start showering in order to minimize buildup of warm, moist air as much as possible.
Once done showering, it isn’t time to turn off the fan yet, and they should instead open up the shower door, bathroom door, and any windows if present.
This will let in cooler and dryer air which can help drive out the moisture created by running a hot shower.
Homeowners should then keep the exhaust running for at least 15 minutes, but ideally for 30 minutes to an hour after their shower.
Bathrooms which get especially steamy and lack ventilation options like windows will want to stick to the higher end of this range.
Homeowners worried about forgetting to turn off the fan have several options, the most accessible being simply setting a timer as a reminder.
But those who are willing to spend a little to upgrade their switches can get one with a timer built in that will automatically turn the fan off once it ends.
An even easier option is to install a humidity sensor which can turn the exhaust fan on and off as the moisture level in the room dictates.
Exhaust fans are also great at pulling noxious odors and fumes from a bathroom, which can prove especially helpful after cleaning with harsh chemicals like bleach.
