Wash Thoroughly. Ensuring a sanitary steam shower is essential to preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Begin by rinsing the shower area with warm water, eliminating any excess dirt or residue. Next, use a safe cleansing product to thoroughly sanitize the doors, windows, floors and fixtures.
– Add a dehumidifier to your steam shower to help absorb moisture from the air. According to HouseLogic, “If you have a small bathroom, opening the door may not be enough to prevent condensation and mould. You might need to install an exhaust fan that's rated for bathrooms.
Our clients frequently ask why mold cleaned from a surface returns. The answer typically is one or both of these items: The bathroom still has leaks, or it doesn't get adequate ventilation. DIY cleaning caused mold to “spore out,” and when the spores land on a surface, it starts growing again.
Energy Consumption: Steam showers can use more water and energy, which may impact utility bills. Potential for Overuse: Prolonged exposure to steam can lead to dehydration or dizziness if not managed properly.
Chronic moisture in the bathtub and shower, steam from hot water, splashes from hand-washing, and plumbing leaks can all cause black mold growth in the bathroom.
With health risks such as inhalation of bacteria, overexposure to heat and moisture, and the potential for skin irritation, steam showers should be used cautiously.
directions. In a 1/2 gallon power sprayer (see picture) pour in 1/2 cup of clorox, fill with water to the 1/2 gallon mark.
Keep the bathroom clean: Wipe down the shower, tub, toilet, sink, and tile regularly with soap and water. Use a mildew-resistant cleaner on the tile and grout. Fix leaks: A leaky shower, toilet, or sink can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. Fix any leaks as soon as possible.
Vinegar isn't always strong enough to get rid of mold on its own, but it is great at preventing mold from growing in the first place. Keep that spray bottle of vinegar in your bathroom at all times and use it to spray surfaces prone to mold whenever they get wet.
Waterproof Wall or Roof Fan
Essential to any steam and shower ventilation system is an exterior-mounted, waterproof fan. Unlike typical bath fans that push moisture-laden air, Atmospheric 410 wall and roof fans draw the air completely outside the home.
Steam showers provide substantial mental and physical benefits to bathers. Steam bathing sessions help remove toxins and impurities from skin, improve blood circulation, reduce soreness after workouts, and lower stress levels.
You don't want your shower pods to fizzle away too quickly, right? Here are some tips to make them last longer: Store the steamers in an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting their fizzing power. Use high-quality essential oils, as cheaper oils tend to break down more quickly in the steam.
Moisture Control is the Key to Mold Control
When water leaks or spills occur indoors - act quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow. Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
This can be due to mold or mildew growth in the shower due to the high humidity levels, or it can stem from drainage issues. Keeping the steam shower clean and ensuring proper ventilation can help prevent odor problems.
Distilled white vinegar is an effective solution to clean mold from the shower. You can dilute it to clean the shower tiles or use it directly on the showerhead. Remember that even though vinegar is an excellent way to remove mold, keep in mind that undiluted white vinegar might have a very unpleasant odor.
To counter this, run your bathroom's exhaust fan during and after your shower, and keep the shower door or curtain open when you're done to provide ventilation. Also, routinely wash your shower fixtures, tile and grout with a vinegar solution to kill mold before it has a chance to grow and spread.
Treat the Area. For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.
If you're already dealing with grout stains and shower mold, or if you're planning a bathroom remodel to prevent those problems, acrylic shower walls that look like tile are the ideal solution. Unlike traditional tile and grout, water can't penetrate acrylic shower walls, helping to fully waterproof your bathing space.
You can also use Lysol® Disinfectant Spray to control and prevent the spread of mold and mildew, as well as its nasty odor.
Spray the Mould Blocker Spray onto the affected area, then leave to dry. The surface will now block mould from regrowing for up to six months, depending on the severity of the cause of mould. For severe mould problems, reapply the Mould Blocker Spray once a month.
The Cons of Installing a Steam Shower
Yes, they're relaxing but steam showers also produce a tremendous amount of moisture, and if they aren't used often enough, the price you pay may not be worth the minimal time you spend in it.
Use mild cleaners and non-abrasive tools to avoid damaging the surfaces. Monitor Water Quality: Hard water, even just the slightest bit, can accelerate mineral buildup in your steam shower. Consider installing a water softener or filter to reduce mineral content and protect your fixtures.
The heat from a steam room opens up the mucous membranes around the body, allowing deeper, easier breathing. The steam from a steam room can break up the congestion in the sinuses and lungs and, therefore, might help treat colds, unblock sinuses, and aid breathing. Learn about other ways to clear sinus congestion here.