Given a moist environment and warm room temperatures – the ideal bathroom conditions – mold can begin to grow in as little as two days. What’s worse is that a single mold spore can produce trillions of its own spores within days; before you know it, mold can overrun your shower. Windows in showers are notorious harbors for mold and mildew, as well, so don’t overlook the tracks, the windowsill and the grouted corners.
Mold can pose serious health hazards, so it’s important that you identify it and take steps to correct it as soon as possible.
What Does Mold in a Shower Look Like?
If your shower has discolored tile surfaces or black stains between grout lines, you’re very likely to have mold. Black mold, which is very dangerous, can give your tiles, walls or floors a muddy appearance. Other types of mold can be black, pink, orange or green; in some cases, it’s even white.
In most cases, you’ll find mold along the grout lines of tiles and in caulked joints, such as where the tub and the tile walls meet. If you find mold growth along caulk, you might have a bigger problem on your hands; mold spreads quickly, and it can work its way behind the caulk, further damaging the seal as it grows.
Preventing Mold in Your Shower
Your shower is most susceptible to mold if it’s humid in your bathroom. Leaving water droplets on the sides and floor of your shower can exponentially increase your shower’s chances of becoming a mold breeding ground. In addition to turning on the fan, it’s always a good idea to drag a squeegee down the sides of your shower or wipe the entire thing with a dry towel. The more water you can dry, the better.
Regular cleaning goes a long way, too. You’ll be able to catch any mold spores that have developed quickly and prevent them from replicating.
Mold Remediation in Showers and Bathrooms
Soaps and detergents can remove mold, but they don’t actually kill it. Even very thorough scrubbing can leave behind tiny spores, and those spores will spawn more spores – and soon, you’ll have another overgrowth of mold.
While bleach and other solutions can kill mold, they can be rough on the surfaces of your shower. In many cases, they can actually eat through the finish and cause damage to the material beneath.
It’s best to consult with a professional if you have pervasive mold in your shower or in any other area of your home. You could accidentally cause permanent damage – and the only thing worse than having a shower that’s overgrown with mold is having a broken shower that’s overgrown with mold.
Need a New Shower?
The Shower Pros is Nashville’s premier shower remodeling company, and we’ll be happy to help you start fresh in your bathroom.
Call us at 615-925-3365 or contact us online after you’ve chosen your brand-new, low-maintenance shower so we can set up an appointment that fits into your schedule.
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