Regardless of where you live, high moisture levels can make it almost impossible to eliminate bathroom mold. Reducing dampness in your bathroom is the key to keeping mold from proliferating in the first place. To effectively accomplish this task, follow the prevention tips outlined below:
Drying Shower Walls. After showering or bathing, use a cloth or squeegee to remove moisture from your shower walls. This simple technique will eliminate approximately 75 percent of mildew and mold growth.
Run Fans. Always run your bathroom’s fans when showering or taking a bath. It is also recommended that you allow the fans to run for approximately 30 minutes afterward as well, rather than merely running them during your bath or shower. Consider installing a timer to make this task easier if you think you will not consistently remember. If the fans do not clear out most of your bathroom’s moisture after 30 minutes, they may not be circulating enough air. If this is the case, consider using a small dehumidifier in your bathroom to enhance moisture removal.
Sealing Grout Lines. Among other top prevention tips is waterproofing grout lines. If you have tiles, you probably know that these spaces often serve as a breeding ground for mold and mildew. For this reason, it is wise to use a standard grout sealer to waterproof these areas on a yearly basis.
Eliminating Current Mold. To eliminate mildew and mold that has already started, let the surface dry completely and then use a solution of 90 percent water and 10 percent bleach to thoroughly clean the area. Brush or spray the solution on the problem spots and allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry. Mold is a problem for virtually every homeowner at some point in time, but by following the tips outlined above you can significantly reduce its presence and prevent it from returning.
Bathroom safety is extremely important, especially for seniors. Taking the time to learn some injury prevention tips will keep elderly people safe. Here are some easy ways to avoid harm in the bathroom.
1. Shower Grab Bars
When entering and exiting the shower, it is easy for a person to slip and fall. Installing a grab bar provides something to hold so that accidents are avoided. It is essential to attach this type of device with solid screws and to test it before use.
2. Appropriate Lighting
In the middle of the night, it is not uncommon to get the urge to use the bathroom. Oftentimes, the house is extremely dark. When lighting is not available, an elderly person may fall or trip on something. It is a good idea to install a motion-sensing night light. As soon as someone passes, the light will turn on and illuminate the space.
3. Remove Rugs
Although many people lay rugs outside the tub or around the toilet, these items may be trip hazards. It is vital to remove them and replace them with anti-slip mats. This is especially important in a bathroom with tile flooring.
4. Install Accessories Near the Shower
It is wise to make sure there are places to hang towels and to store soap near the shower. When an elderly person must reach for these items, he or she may accidentally fall. There are many units that can be installed inside or directly next to the shower or tub.
5. Raised Toilet
Many seniors have a difficult time getting up from the sitting position. Having a raised toilet seat makes it easier to go to the bathroom without assistance.
6. Label Faucets
When faucets have multiple handles, it is important to mark hot and cold controls. Seniors may become confused and use water that is overly hot, which may lead to severe burns. Since this can happen in the tub, shower, or sink, all fixtures must be properly labeled.
7. Avoid Deep Tubs
Although a jacuzzi tub can be relaxing and ease sore muscles, it can be a trip hazard. If possible, a senior should avoid using a deep bathtub. It is smart to install a walk-in shower that is flush with the ground so that accidents are prevented.
The experts at Columbus Bath Design can provide even more bathroom tips to increase seniors’ safety. This company specializes in bathroom remodeling and offers a wide variety of products that heighten function and lower the likelihood of accidents. For more information, call 614-721-3881.
A bathroom is a common place where mold thrives. Thanks to the wet conditions, it is a haven for spores to spread. Unfortunately, mold can cause a number of health problems. It has been known to cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks. To keep you and your family from becoming sick, here are some bathroom tips that will prevent mold from becoming an issue with an acrylic wall system.
Why Acrylic Systems are Prone to Mold Growth:
Acrylic wall units are extremely popular. They are crafted from molded plastic and are very affordable options. Unfortunately, they often develop mold. Unlike ceramic material, acrylic is easily scratched, so it offers places for mold to grow. Luckily, it is simple to clean.
Mold grows where moisture is plentiful, which is why a bathtub is the perfect surface. Even though you may scrub your tub or shower floor, there are hidden crevices that cannot be reached. This is where mold flourishes.
Preventing Bathroom Mold:
The best way to prevent mold on an acrylic wall system is to use your ventilation fan when bathing. It should be kept running for at least 30 minutes after you are finished as well. This cuts the humidity in the air and encourages the shower or tub to dry.
Also, it is wise to use a mildew-resistant shower curtain. Allowing mold to grow on the material will help it spread to other places in the room. It is smart to purchase a cloth curtain that can be frequently laundered.
Finally, it is best to avoid keeping bottles of shampoo, loofahs, and other items in the shower area. They offer prime space for mold to hide and grow.
The Columbus Bath Design Difference:
At Columbus Bath Design, we offer multi-layer acrylic systems infused with Microban technology, which inhibits mold reproduction. Thanks to this additive, your bathroom will be cleaner and healthier for your family. To learn more, contact our experts today.
Homeowners are always looking for effective bathroom tips that keep the area free of mold. Thanks to the regular use of vented ceiling fans, the bathroom is a space filled with humidity and high temperatures. Since mold grows best in warm and damp spaces, the tub and shower are two ideal spots for it to develop. When mold strikes, it can be dangerous to your health and hard to scrub away. Mold can cause allergy symptoms, including congestion and sinus pressure. It can also cause skin irritation. When ingested, mold can have toxic effects on the body.
Mold Removal:
Although mold may require scrubbing, the best way to remove it is with a homemade disinfecting mixture made of bleach and water. To avoid skin irritation, the solution can be placed in a spray bottle. After application, it should set for several minutes before it is wiped away. This will remove even the most stubborn cases of bathroom mold.
Acrylic Wall Systems:
The newest innovations in bathroom designs are crafted from acrylic materials, which are simple to clean. Besides being affordable, they make the room look elegant as well. The surfaces naturally resist mold so that homeowners will not have to deal with such issues.
Scientific advancements have led to the invention of durable and chemical resistant acrylic. With a new bathroom wall system, there is no need for intensive demolition, and the end results look rich and stylish. There are no grout lines to clean and no risks of cracking like with ceramic tile.
Within one or two days, your bathroom will be transformed into a modern work of art. Thanks to the wide range of colors, patterns, and other design options, your ugly and outdated decor will be immediately given a boost. Acrylic never peels or chips, so it will last a long time.
When you are looking to update your bathroom with an acrylic wall system, Columbus Bath Design provides a four-layer, high molecular material with antimicrobial properties. For more information or to get a free estimate, contact the company. Get ready for a mold-free bathroom in your future.
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous places in the house for seniors as these rooms have a high potential for slips and falls that can cause serous injury. Therefore it’s no surprise that many older Americans modify their bathrooms with products that help seniors take care of their personal needs in a safer manner. Walk-in bathtubs are one of the many products that are recommended for those with mobility issues. When designing facilities with safety in mind, however, bathroom tips include taking precautions with walk-in tubs as they can pose some risks.
An obvious, but often overlooked consequence of walk-in bathtubs is that you still have to be able to walk to get into them. Bathers enter these tubs, which have sidewalls that are higher than normal tubs, through a door. They also have quarters that are tighter than normal bathtubs, making it difficult for caregivers to assist seniors with getting in and out. This situation requires some mobility, and as such, senior tips include taking precautions that will apply not only to the tub itself, but also be applicable to the bathroom as a whole.
Installing grab bars near the entry to the tub is one way to maximize safety. They may not be pretty but they may mean the difference between independence and injury. Towel racks and soap holders should not double as grab bars because they are not designed to hold a lot of weight. Grab bars are bolted into the studs in the wall and have the ability to support someone’s weight.
Consider what is on your floor. Do you have any bathroom rugs? If so, these can pose danger when getting in and out of the tub. Make sure that bathroom rugs have non-skid backing so they don’t move, or better yet, get rid of them entirely. Install a floor that has a non-glare finish or is textured so that feet can easily grip the surface.
Another overlooked safety issue is water temperature. Make sure you have you water heater set to a level that won’t scald the skin. Seniors’ senses and response time is slower and they may not realize how hot the water is until they are already burnt. You can also install a thermostatic mixing valve that senses changes in the flow of water temperatures and adjusts accordingly.