How to Keep Mildew Out of Your Bathroom

The term mildew often refers to the more than 100,000 different species of mold or fungus that exist. According to Sashco Sealants, manufacturer of MildewFree Sealant* (www.sashco.com), mildew can be found living on a host of different surfaces and particularly thrives on surfaces like shower walls, tubs, bathroom sinks, bathroom windowsills and other areas where moisture and temperature levels are high. Sashco explains that, “Mildew can be transported by air, water, even insects and animals and can be nearly any color – black, orange, green, or white. Mildew can typically be identified by its thin, layered appearance than can quickly coat entire surfaces.”

Mildew is not only unsightly and can produce an unpleasant musty odor, but can also pose health risks if not eliminated. Although not necessarily always toxic or poisonous, molds and mildews are virtually inevitable in warm, moist environments like bathrooms. According to a quote by BetterHealthUSA.com, “EPA estimates indicate that 50 to 100 common indoor mold types have the potential for creating health problems.” If members of your family suffer from respiratory infections, asthma, or bronchitis, paying close attention to mildew control is particularly important as exposure to mildew may, in extreme cases, be the principal cause or at least contribute to making symptoms more severe.

Several factors can be attributed to bathrooms susceptibly to mildew growth. They are typically relativity small in size, and regularly generate humidity and temperature ranges of 70 – 90 degrees which provide an environment where mildew flourishes. Bathrooms can create a breeding ground for potentially bothersome and definitely unsightly mildew growth. Once mildew growth occurs, it can spread quickly on bathroom walls ceilings, shower tiles, and grout.

Don’t despair! With regular maintenance and use of products specially formulated for mildew control, maintaining a mildew free home can be simple. Sashco recommends following these easy steps:

1. Use a mildew resistant sealant on tubs, showers, and sinks like MildewFree Sealant that is guaranteed to prevent mildew growth on the sealant for seven years or Sashco will not only replace the product, but also provide a contractor for re-installation.
2. Keep things dry. Wipe shower walls after taking a shower, or dry any excessive moisture from bathroom walls and windows.
3. Increase air circulation by opening doors and windows, running a fan, or installing an exhaust fan if necessary.
4. Place a box or two of baking soda in damp areas such as under sinks.
5. Clean susceptible areas regularly. Surfaces surrounding sinks, shower tiles, tubs, virtually any bathroom surface are highly susceptible to mildew growth and should be scrubbed regularly.
6. For deeper cleaning and prevention of mildew, sanitize the area with a household bleach mixture (1:9 bleach to water) to kill any existing mildew. Work the mixture into the joint and scrub well using a scrub brush.
7. If excessive mildew growth is already present on tub and tile surfaces, remove old caulking, thoroughly clean with bleach mixture and reapply new, mildew resistant caulking like MildewFree Sealant.