“Mold grows where there's moisture,” Rubino explains, adding that because shower curtains often get wet, “they're prime real estate for microbial growth.” Additionally, the makeup of the shower curtain or liner itself, if it's fabric, along with other factors in the shower, can contribute to the proliferation of mold.
Prepare a spray bottle with either white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and mist the shower curtain after each shower. Either of these products will keep mildew from forming.
Prepare a spray bottle with either white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide and mist the shower curtain after each shower. Either of these products will keep mildew from forming.
The high moisture content and heat in the bathroom environment can increase humidity. When coupled with inadequate ventilation, these undesirable conditions will hasten the growth of mould spores. The leading cause of mould in the bathroom is excessive condensation.
Stay Dry
Moisture in the air can encourage mold growth, which is why bathrooms are often prime real estate for the stuff. Do your best to keep your bathroom well-ventilated by running an exhaust fan during and for several minutes after each shower or bath, and leave the bathroom door open whenever you can.
Preventing Mold Growth with Vinegar
Store a spray bottle of vinegar in the bathroom and mist it over the shower stall after taking a shower, or add vinegar to your mopping solution to prevent mold growth on the floor.
While there are plenty of fabric options to choose from, both Varela and Roman Peysakhovich, Co-Founder of national cleaning company Onedesk, recommend opting for EVA vinyl, which "acts as a natural water repellent," says Peysakhovich, and is strongly resistant to mold and mildew.
How often to wash a shower curtain? As a best practice, consider washing your shower curtains at least once a month. With daily usage in your home, shower curtains and liners can quickly become soiled, but by regularly hand washing or running through your washing machine can help keep them fresh and clean.
As soon as you get out of the shower, wipe the floor and close the curtain so it can fully dry out. Shower curtains are prime targets for mildew. If you have a shower with a door, leave the door open to air out the inside of the shower.
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.
Again, all it takes is 24-48 hours on a wet surface for mold to start growing. High humidity can lead to mold growth, so aim to keep the humidity level in the bathroom around 35-50% to discourage growth.
Although toxic mold is not a significant concern for shower mold, there are still health problems that result from allergies to the mold spores. Mold is a leading cause of indoor allergies, and shower mold can be a health risk for this reason.
Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to shower curtains, from glass shower enclosures to bath screens and shower blinds. Discover six of the best ideas here to find the right option for your bathroom.
Mildew has a gray, white or light brown color and generally rests flat on the surface of a moist area. It has a powdery appearance that may have a distinct, foul odor. Mold has a fuzzy, raised appearance and in unaired areas has a strong, musty smell. It often appears in darker shades of black, green and red.
“Mold grows where there's moisture,” Rubino explains, adding that because shower curtains often get wet, “they're prime real estate for microbial growth.” Additionally, the makeup of the shower curtain or liner itself, if it's fabric, along with other factors in the shower, can contribute to the proliferation of mold.
Over time, bath and shower curtains can become dirty due to mould, mildew and a build-up of soap scum. Shower curtains can easily be washed and refreshed, either by hand or in the washing machine.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
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.
White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.
Black mold often appears slimy or wet in texture. Its characteristic sliminess can set it apart from other molds, which might have a different, dryer texture. Regular molds vary widely in appearance, presenting different textures such as fuzzy, velvety, or powdery, and can appear in various colors.