Showers are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Mold thrives in damp areas with poor ventilation. These conditions are often found in bathrooms. Mold needs adequate moisture, oxygen, food, and the right temperature. In these conditions, mold will grow and reproduce by releasing spores, which are microscopic cells that act as seeds.
When people use the term black mold, they are usually referring to “Stachybotrys Chartarum”, which has been referred to as “toxic black mold.” However, the color of the mold doesn’t have any connection to how dangerous it is.
In this article, we will dive into common misconceptions and the realities of mold. We will also provide tips to keep your bathroom mold and mildew-free.
Is Shower Mold Always Toxic?
This is a difficult question to answer. To start, we will debunk a common myth.
There is no one type of black mold. Rather, the phrase refers to any variety of molds of the genus Stachybotrys. These different types of fungi can range from green to black in color.
Mold is known for producing toxic molecules called “mycotoxins”, which can be very damaging to human health. However, mycotoxins are only produced if two conditions are simultaneously met:
- There are competing bacteria present
- The fungi are “eating” and producing secondary mycotoxins.
A common misconception is that the mycotoxins in mold can lead to severe short-term health effects like:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Memory loss
- Body aches and pains
- Changes in mood
Can You Get Sick From Shower Mold?
The possibility of mycotoxin production is very low when compared to other dangers that mold can present.
According to the CDC, these fungi can have a wide range of effects on different types of people. For example, it acts as a very severe irritant for people with a sensitivity to it. They will experience symptoms like a stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin, and wheezing.
Individuals who have an allergy to mold will also experience some negative side effects. Their reactions will often be heightened, and they will likely experience fever and shortness of breath.
Other pre-existing conditions can also amplify a person’s reaction to fungi growth in the shower. For example, a person with immune suppression might be at a higher risk of developing an infection. Or, a person with a chronic respiratory disease like COPD or asthma may experience more severe symptoms.
How To Reduce Moisture in Your Bathroom
Keep It Well Ventilated
Mold thrives in damp places, which makes the notoriously wet bathroom a prime breeding ground. To eliminate the excess moisture, turn on the exhaust fan while you’re showering and let it run for 30 minutes after you shut off the water. This ensures that the walls and ceilings will dry properly. If you have a window in the bathroom, open it a crack to air out the room as well.
Fix Leaks
You may be great about cleaning up the obvious pools of water by the sink and shower, but don’t forget to deal with smaller drips as well. Take care of leaks under the sink or by the toilet as soon as you notice them. Putting off repairs lets more moisture into the room and can over time turn a small mold problem into an even bigger headache.
Clean Bottles in the Shower
It’s not enough to just mop the floor and scrub the tiles. You also need to pay attention to items that are kept around the shower. Clean underneath shampoo bottles, regularly toss the shower curtain and hand towels into the wash and replace your loofah often. Mold and mildew love to hide in these neglected places.
Tackling Mold During Your Bathroom Remodel
Tackling a bathroom remodel can be both challenging and exciting. But, amid all the hard work and enthusiasm, it’s easy to focus too much on appearance and forget about what’s going on behind the scenes. In particular, whether the bathroom’s new design and layout do anything to help prevent the spread of mold and mildew. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can undoubtedly help. Still, to keep these fungi at bay more effectively, a one-day bathroom remodel can be the answer.
From the grime you just can’t seem to scrub off anymore to outdated colors and styles, your bathroom is in need of some TLC. At Bath Planet we can update your bathroom, giving it a fresh look and feel in just under a day!
Give us a call to schedule your FREE bathroom remodeling consultation today!