Bathroom

Controlling Mold and Mildew

Reducing mold and mildew in the bathroom is all about controlling moisture. Follow these guidelines:

• Keep the bathroom clean and well ventilated to prevent the growth of molds.
• Clean and disinfect tiled walls and other hard surfaces. This prevents the growth of molds and fungi where moisture is likely to collect.
• Clean shower curtains with a suitable disinfectant or launder them according to the curtain manufacturer's instructions.
• Launder and replace towels frequently.
• If possible, replace bathroom carpet with hard surface flooring such as tile, linoleum or laminate. Hard floors are easier to clean and don't harbor moisture. Use an all purpose disinfectant cleaner to help clean and disinfect hard flooring. If your floors are wood, use a product that is safe on wood surfaces.

If you have experienced flooding in your home, you are at risk for large amounts of mold growth. There are specific strategies available for reducing the growth of mold and ensuring indoor air quality; visit the Environmental Protection Agency's online mold information at www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html.