Is Mold in My Shower Dangerous?
Mold thrives in warm, moist environments, so bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold. You may see brown, green or black colored mold growing on the walls, shower curtains and other surfaces of your bathroom. While many people are unaffected by mold growing inside their homes, others may suffer health problems, which can usually be resolved by removing mold from the home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Health Problems
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Some individuals are allergic to mold and will experience symptoms when they breathe it in or come in contact with it. Symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to those of other allergies, like ragweed or dust, including a runny nose and sneezing. Itchy, irritated eyes are also common as is a scratchy or irritated throat. If you touch mold in your shower, your skin may develop a red, itchy rash. The best way to relieve these symptoms is to remove mold from your home. If your symptoms become severe, see your doctor. Mold increases asthma symptoms and attacks in those individuals who suffer from asthma. Similarly, individuals suffering from lung problems will find that their condition becomes more severe if mold is growing in their home. See your doctor for any concerns regarding your respiratory health.
Cleaning Mold From Showers
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If you spot mold in your shower, clean the area with warm water and detergent. To disinfect, mix a solution consisting of a small amount of bleach with warm water. Alternatively, use undiluted white vinegar for disinfecting. Never combine bleach and vinegar, and use gloves to avoid irritation. Once the mold has been cleaned from your shower, allow it to dry thoroughly, which may be difficult since the bathroom is generally a wet environment. Turn on the ventilation fan, open a window or turn on a fan to allow your shower to dry completely.
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Removing Mold From Shower Curtains
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Mildew is a type of mold that is often found in the bathroom. To clean fabric shower curtains, follow the directions given on the product. For all other shower curtains, place in the washing machine with 1 cup of bleach, 1 cup of detergent and several towels. Use color-safe bleach if necessary. The bleach will remove mildew and disinfect, and the towels will wipe the towel clean. Remove the shower curtain after the spin cycle is completed and return it to the shower. Let it air dry. To clean mildew from plastic shower curtains, fill your bathtub with water, and add 1 cup of bleach. Place your curtain in the tub, and let it soak for at least 20 minutes to remove all mildew. After soaking, wipe the curtain clean if necessary; use gloves to protect your hands from the bleach. Rinse clean and hang to dry.
Preventing Mold Growth
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Preventing mold growth in the shower and bathroom is difficult since mold grows in warm, moist environments. Good ventilation is key in preventing mold growth. Turn on the ventilation fan in the bathroom whenever you take a shower. If the weather permits, open a window to allow the steam and humidity to escape. After showering, turn on a fan to help dry the bathroom. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will also prevent mold growth. Many cleaners on the market help to prevent the growth of mold. Vinegar is a cheap alternative that may be sprayed on bathroom surfaces to inhibit mold growth.
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References
- Photo Credit Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com
