Mold Growth in the Shower

How it Affects Your Health & What You Can Do About It

According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, more than 1,000 types of mold have been found in homes across the USA. This persistent intruder can wreak havoc on our homes and health. Mold thrives in environments with excessive moisture, such as our bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers. That combination of warm air, poor ventilation, and damp surfaces creates the perfect breeding ground. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold is part of the natural environment, and it can grow indoors when mold spores land on wet surfaces.

Mold in Your Shower

When it comes time to take a bath or shower, the goal is to get clean. But mold in your shower is not a clean space and can cause health concerns if we leave it unaddressed. The presence of mold indicates excessive moisture and a potential breeding ground for mold species. Taking action to tackle mold growth in your shower is crucial to maintain a hygienic environment and protect yourself from potential respiratory issues and allergies associated with mold exposure.

What can cause mold growth in your shower?

The most common culprits behind mold growth in your shower are:

• Inadequate ventilation
• Insufficient air circulation, which inhibits proper drying
• Leaks or water seepage
• Combination of warm temperatures, persistent moisture, and soap scum or shampoo residue.

Regular maintenance, ensuring your bathroom and shower space has a proper ventilation system installed, and proactive cleaning measures can help combat mold growth.

How bad is mold in the shower?

Mold growth in the shower can have significant consequences both in terms of your health and in the structural integrity of your home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), health effects can include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and exacerbation of existing conditions. And while we'll go into the health effects in further detail in the next section, we'd be remiss not to mention that, quite simply, mold in the shower is bad and can pose risks to our health and overall well-being.

Beyond health issues, mold can cause structural damage to your shower and the surrounding areas in your bathroom. According to the EPA, excessive mold growth can deteriorate your home's drywall, wood, and even structural components. Mold weakens the integrity of these materials, making it necessary to take steps to prevent further damage. Doing so can ensure the safety and longevity of your home.

Health effects

Exposure to mold in the shower can have detrimental effects on our health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can trigger various health issues, especially those with respiratory conditions, allergies, or compromised immune systems. When mold spores are inhaled, it can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs and lead to coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and even asthma attacks.

Certain mold strains produce mycotoxins, a toxic substance that can harm your body and overall health. Prolonged exposure to these mycotoxins, whether ingested, inhaled, or touched, can result in more severe symptoms such as headaches, fever, fatigue, respiratory, and neurological problems. Those with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to these effects.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms as other upper respiratory allergies.

• Sneezing
• Congestion such as a runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Postnasal drip
• Itchy or dry eyes, nose, and throat
• Watery and irritated eyes
• Dry, flaky, or scaly skin

However, it is essential to realize that mold symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people might experience little to no symptoms, whereas others can get seriously ill. And you should know that you may only notice symptoms with damp weather or when subjected to high mold concentrations.

Structural damage

The high humidity level in your bathroom can create an environment where mold can thrive. Failure to promptly identify and monitor mold outbreaks can cause those spores to spread. They can then take root in areas such as the walls, around baseboards, and near plumbing fixtures.

Plus, if a bathroom fan puts humid air into the attic, it can increase the chances that damage can begin there too. The moist air transported to the attic can contribute to mold growth and the subsequent decay of the structural components. Over time, this can compromise the strength and stability of your attic's structures, leading to potentially costly repairs or replacements.

The best thing you can do to avoid structural damage to your home due to mold is to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation. Check your bathroom for leaks that can exacerbate issues, creating the perfect place for mold to grow, thrive, and spread.

How to prevent mold in the shower

Wondering how to prevent mold in the shower? Look at these tips to help prevent mold in the shower and minimize its health and structural impacts.

1. Ensure proper ventilation and control humidity levels.
2. Keep your shower clean and dry.
3. Fix leaks and seal cracks.
4. Use mold-resistant materials.
5. Inspect and clean your shower and tub regularly.

As a rule, you should deep clean your shower every month. This deep cleaning is in addition to the regular wipe-downs we recommended earlier. And while deep cleaning, conduct a regular inspection to check for mold and moisture accumulation. If moisture or mold is detected, contact a professional like those at Mold KO of Elizabeth to remove the mold safely. Do not try to remove it on your own.

Following these suggested tips can lessen the risk of mold growth and create a cleaner, healthier, and safer bathroom shower environment.

Can I remove mold from the shower myself?

While tackling mold in your shower may seem like a feasible DIY project, it is essential to consider the limitations of such an approach. Sprays, gels, ointments, glues, paints, and other household remedies cannot guarantee reliable results in the fight against mold. The EPA emphasizes that professional mold remediation services are the surest way to effectively eliminate mold in your shower and the rest of your home.

DIY methods for mold removal often fall short for various reasons. Take a look at these downsides to DIY mold removal.

• It can be challenging to identify the extent of the underlying problem.
• DIY techniques only address surface mold, allowing those hidden mold colonies to continue their spread.
• DIY methods often lack the appropriate tools, equipment, and specialized cleaning agents.

In most cases, DIY mold removal results in incomplete removal, leading to potential health risks and recurring mold growth.

To ensure that mold is wholly and effectively removed from your shower, bathroom, and home, we recommend that you seek the services of a professional mold remediation company like Mold KO of Elizabeth.

The benefits of doing so include the following:

1. Expertise and experience. Trained professionals have the knowledge and experience to identify mold at the source and determine the extent of the infestation. As such, they can implement effective removal strategies.
2. Proper containment and removal. Professionals follow strict containment protocols to prevent the spread of mold spores during the removal process. They utilize advanced techniques to safely and completely eliminate mold, addressing visible and hidden mold growth.
3. Preventive measures. Professional mold removal services not only remove the mold but can also provide homeowners with recommendations to minimize the risk of future outbreaks.

By opting for professional mold remediation services, you can trust in their expertise and comprehensive approach, ensuring a thorough and long-lasting solution to the mold problems in your shower and tub.

How to choose a good mold removal services provider

Consider a few things when selecting a mold removal services provider.

1. Look for a provider with relevant certifications and qualifications, along with being licensed and insured.
2. Consider their experience and track record - a reputable provider will have a proven history of successfully addressing mold issues and will be able to provide references or testimonials of satisfied customers.
3. Inquire about their approach to mold removal, ensuring they are following best practices and are leveraging the appropriate containment, removal, and preventive measures and strategies.

Conducting your research and asking the right questions can help you choose the right professional for the job.

Contact Mold KO of Elizabeth to remove your shower mold

Protecting your NJ home from damage and ensuring a safe and healthy environment requires the services of a good mold inspection, testing, and remediation company. Mold remediation experts are trained and skilled to detect the causes of mold in your shower and can determine the best approach to prevent future mold infestations.

Contact Mold KO of Elizabeth now at 908-677-5111 and let our certified mold experts help keep your shower, tub, and home mold free.