Bathrooms and basements are two sections of the home most susceptible to mold. A bathroom in a basement is arguably doubly susceptible to mold growth and the problems it causes, such as watery eyes, throat irritation, a lingering dry cough, sneezing, sinus congestion, and wheezing. If your home features a basement bathroom, such as one that’s part of an in-law suite or a stand-alone room, there are many things you can do to keep it mold-free. Review tips from your Los Angeles mold inspectors and contact them if you need mold testing at any time.
Keep a Dehumidifier On
If your basement bathroom is used daily or almost daily, keep a dehumidifier running. Should you feel the dehumidifier in your basement is large enough to accommodate the bathroom, you’ll still want to check the bathing space periodically for mold growth. If your basement is so large that the bathroom requires a separate dehumidifier, purchase one that works for the room’s square footage.
Don’t Allow Wet Towels to Remain on the Floor
Wet towels in your basement bathroom provide ideal conditions for mold growth. Add hooks to the bathroom walls if you haven’t already so the towels can easily drip-dry. Hooks are recommended over towel racks in any bathroom for this reason. Make it clear to those who use the bathroom that wet towels should be hung on hooks or removed from the space to sidestep mold growth.
Run the Fan
Your basement bathroom should have an exhaust fan–if it doesn’t, have one installed as soon as possible. This fan sucks moisture-heavy air from the room to prevent mold growth and damage. It should remain on for 30 minutes post-shower to eliminate serious humidity. Some exhaust fans include timers and automatically shut off after the 30-minute mark.
It’s also a good idea to encourage basement bathroom users to take cooler showers. Hot showers create more humidity that can lead to mold growth.
Check For Leaks
Leaks are common basement problems, so ensure your subterranean bathroom is leak-free. Perform routine checks of the room and the rest of the basement to stay ahead of water damage and mold problems.
For mold inspections in Orange County, please contact Mold Masters today.