As the pending winter knocks on our doorstep we are faced with many minor headways through our properties, But none are more annoying than the build up of mold in bathrooms and laundries.
Last season was an exceptionally cold winter for us and the amount of heavily built up mold that I saw in bathrooms and laundries was at monumental levels. The crazy thing, it does not have to be! There are a few simple tricks to keeping mold from taking over your bathroom and potentially damaging paintwork (which could create bond issues for tenants) and more importantly health.
Mold removal should be part of any cleaning routine and must be kept in check to reduce its likelihood for growth.
So, what to do about controlling mold during the coming winter? – If you have a bathroom fan, make sure you use it. Always turn on the bathroom fan while you shower and be sure to leave it run long enough after you have finished helping moisture leave the bathroom.
If you only have a window, then be sure to make sure to open it a little.Another good idea while running a dryer is to make sure the laundry door is open, it will not only allow for ventilation but assist in keeping the home warmer.
A good idea while running a dryer is to make sure the laundry door is open, it will not only allow for ventilation but assist in keeping the home warmer.
Finally, if (and when, as you will not always be able to keep mold at bay) have a spray bottle of bleach, not the expensive stuff, but the simple home brand bleach. It costs near nothing and a few short and sharp squirts on the affected area will generally kill the mold in its tracks. No need to spray and scrub, just squirt on and leave, ideally when the area is dry, not just after a shower as it will dilute and be less effective.
These simple tricks should help you survive the mold attack that has become so prevalent during long and chilly winters.
It’s also worth noting that as a tenant you may very likely become responsible for any damage caused by mold. If not controlled and left unchecked, mold can eat through paintwork and even the walls. So control any mold that is starting to appear now, and this will help keep the unsightly growth away and may just help your health, too!
