How to Prevent and Clean Mildew in the Shower or Bathtub

Mildew buildup is a persistent and unsightly problem in bathrooms, especially in the grout of the shower or bathtub. There are things you can do to prevent or eliminate mildew from growing in the shower or bathtub areas and stay on top of it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vinegar
• Clorox
• Bathroom Fan
• Baking Soda
• Lemon
• Regular cleaning and drying
• A spray bottle

1. Keep the area dry and ventilated. Mildew thrives in humid areas. Open a window or turn on the fan so that air circulates in the bathroom and dries out any wet areas. Leave the shower curtain open so air can flow into the area. Or consider a dehumidifier to take the moisture out of the air.

2. Wipe down wet areas after a shower or bath to keep mildew from forming. Vinegar is a good mildew deterrent and is not a harsh chemical. Vinegar also fights fungus odors. Clorox bleach is effective too, but make sure the area is well ventilated as many people are sensitive to Clorox fumes.

3. Light up the bathroom. Mildew and molds love dark places. Leaving the curtain open or keeping the bathroom light on for awhile after a shower will help inhibit mildew formation if the other steps are followed. Use soft florescent lights to keep the energy usage lower.

4. Clean the shower area really well once a week along with the shower curtain. They often will mold too if not kept clean. All this should be done in addition to the daily preventative measures. Baking soda is another effective cleaner and it too helps destroy the sour odors. A spray bottle full of vinegar or Clorox is very handy to keep in the bathroom closet to use for quick and easy cleaning.

5. Keep the area cool. Mildew loves warmer temperatures so open the bathroom door when not in use and try to keep it a little cooler even when using it.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean soap scum regularly off shower walls walls and in the grout areas
• Lemon is also a good mildew inhibitor
• Wash shower curtains regularly in hot water
• Mildew can grow on sheetrock, fabric and in a variety of places
• For really bad mildew buildup, use a commercial cleaner after all other attempts have not completely eliminated it
• Mildew is usually black but it can also be white in color
• Use gloves when using Clorox

[alltrails]

on 10/11/2009 Excellent tips on how to prevent and clean mildew in your shower or bathtub. I use a commercial shower spray - I think I will refill the bottle with vinegar next time and save some money. 5 stars - thanks!

[mvalora]

on 10/1/2009 Good advice on how to prevent and clean mildew in the shower or bathrub. 5*