How proper ventilation can help eliminate mildew in the bathroom

Mold and mildew can cause problems in the bathroom. Excess moisture is the culprit, so it is important to be able to direct moist air out of the room quickly. Here are some simple ways you can prevent mildew from growing in your bathroom by increasing ventilation.

• An open window is often an efficient way to circulate air in the bathroom.
• If there is no window, or if a bathroom has a lot of bath and shower activity, an exhaust fan is needed to help clear the air.
• A bathroom heater, built into the ceiling, can also reduce moisture. Don't use a space heater for this.
• After showering, pull the shower curtain across, so it can dry thoroughly. For the same reason, close double sliding shower doors after use.
• If your bath has a closet, install vents in the doors or replace solid doors with louvred ones.
• Another way to control mildew is to clean your bathroom regularly with a disinfectant.

An exhaust fan motor may sound like it is working, but it will not be doing its job if the grille covering it is clogged with dirt.

• Remove the grille by unfastening the screws or wires that hold it.
• Wash the grille in a mild dishwashing detergent and water.
• While the grille is soaking, clean any built-up dust and grime inside the fan's housing by vacuuming it with a crevice attachment.
• Check that the fan's blades can turn freely and that the housing is free of obstructions.
• Replace the grille and test.
• If the fan doesn't seem to work properly, call for service. You may have a problem in the ductwork that leads to the outside.

After a shower, the bathroom mirror is always fogged over. Instead of smearing it with a towel or waiting for it to clear, try this simple trick:

• Turn on a hand-held blow dryer directly on the mirror, using a low setting. The warm air will quickly clear the fog from the mirror without leaving streaks.

Preventing mildew doesn't have to be difficult. Eliminate moisture and increase ventilation in the bathroom to help get rid of mildew for good!