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I began to get really nervous about the amount of mold building up in my bathroom last year. I have to admit that the bathroom doesn't get the amount of attention that other parts of the house get. Especially that tub. No one sees it besides my husband and I and my puppies during their bi-monthly bath. I know that's no excuse, it's just that it is likely my least favorite household chore. But recently I noticed some nasty buildup and I realized that there was no way that it was good for my health. In fact, according to the EPA, potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. So with that, it was me against the mold. Here are my tips for winning the war against the mold that's attempting to take over your bathroom:
- Keep it dry
Mold grows very well in tons of moisture so it's really important to keep the bathroom well ventilated, repair leaky faucets, don't leave wet towels balled up throughout, and clean the towels and bathroom rug regularly. Replace plastic shower curtains with hemp or organic cotton so that air can penetrate the curtain and dry it. - Control humidity
Just like you keep the room dry you need to keep the air somewhat dry. Try and keep the humidity to between 30 and 50 percent. You may need to put a dehumidifier in the room to keep it controlled. - Reduce clutter
Toiletries, shampoo, and shower gel bottles, etc are constantly in contact with water and are the perfect breeding ground for mold. The more of them there are in the bathroom, the longer it takes for the shower or bathroom to dry. Get rid of items that you don't use that often or put them where they will not collect water. - Test your mold
If the mold is really bad or you're just not sure, get it tested. You can get a mold remediator test kit or you can hire a certified mold remediator to come in and test.
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Detox Your Home: In the Bathroom, Part 1
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