There is nothing quite like bringing a stressful day to an end like taking a hot shower. Sometimes, you may spot an unpleasant surprise on your shower curtain before entering.
You may notice some dark splotches that were not there before. What you are likely seeing is mold.
Mold on a shower curtain may be a relatively small deal at first. If you do not address it quickly, it may grow into a much bigger and more dangerous problem.
Let's explore what causes mold on a shower curtain, why it's important to address it promptly, and how to prevent future growth.
Causes of Mold on Shower Curtains
Why Mold Grows on Shower Curtains
Mold grows on shower curtains because showers generate high humidity and steam. Mold is a fungus, and as such it requires nutrients to feed off of and moisture that can support it.
The humidity of a shower can help kickstart mold growth if the bathroom is not properly maintained and moisture is allowed to accumulate on the shower curtain.
Factors That Contribute to Mold Growth
Why Shower Curtains are Particularly Vulnerable to Mold
Having a prime location for mold growth makes shower curtains particularly vulnerable to mold. The fatty content of soap in shower curtains gives mold plenty of nutrients to grow.
Health Risks of Mold on Shower Curtains
The mold on your shower curtain might seem quite harmless, but it can become a serious health issue if not cleaned immediately.
This is because mold travels throughout your home by emitting small, microscopic spores you can inhale.
When this happens, you can develop several illnesses.
The primary type of illnesses you can develop by inhaling the spores is based on the respiratory system. You can formulate nasty symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, allergy-like symptoms, chest pain, and even headaches.
If you have immune system weaknesses, then it needs to be said that these symptoms will only be worse for you.
Prevention Strategies
If you do not want to deal with the problem of mold on your shower curtain then you must take steps to prevent the mold from occurring in the first place. Here are the tips you need to keep your shower curtain mold-free.
Let the Air Flow
Proper air ventilation is the most important tool for preventing mold growth on your shower curtain.
Mold thrives in stifled air environments. The moisture mold needs to grow does not exist in such environments.
When you utilize proper ventilation, it dries out the environment and Rob's mold of the moisture it needs to thrive.
Reducing Humidity
In addition to proper ventilation, the humidity in the bathroom must be dealt with, especially the humidity left after you shower. Turning on a fan can be helpful in this regard, but if you want to take things up a notch, use a dehumidifier, which will help dry out the bathroom after you shower.
Regular Cleaning
Mold thrives in dirty environments. That is a simple fact. One of the best ways to prevent future mold growth is to clean your bathroom and shower curtain regularly. This will rob the mold of the nutrients that it needs to thrive.
Using the Right Shower Curtain
One step you may wish to take is to replace your shower curtain with a new one completely. Due to their design, shower curtains are mold-resistant.
Treatment Options
If you already have mold on your shower curtain, do not worry as there are steps you can take to remove it from the curtain.
How to Remove Mold From Your Shower Curtain
If your shower curtain can be washed in your washing machine, place it in your washing machine and then clean it with detergents specifically designed to kill mold. You can find such detergents at your local supermarket.
However, if you cannot place your shower curtain in the washing machine, you will have to spot-clean it yourself. You can either purchase a commercially available mold-cleaning solution or you can create one yourself.
To avoid discoloring your shower curtain, do not use bleach. Instead, use white vinegar mixed with water. The ratio of white vinegar to water that you should use is 70% water and only 30% white vinegar.
Allow the cleaning solution to set up for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing the area thoroughly with a soft brush. After rinsing off the mold, repeat the process as necessary.
Conclusion
Having mold on your shower curtain is not unto itself a big deal. However, if you allow the problem to worsen by not taking action, the consequences could be worse than you can imagine. Do not let such an easy-to-fix problem turn into a catastrophe.
