Mold & Mildew
Prevention
To reduce and often eliminate mildew, increase
ventilation as much as possible in the bathroom, by using an
exhaust fan (if supplied), and opening doors and windows
soon after bathing or showering. Extend shower curtains so
they dry thoroughly and leave shower doors ajar so that air
can circulate inside the enclosure.
Something as simple as wiping down walls after
showering can serve as an effective preventative treatment.
For small problem areas, wipe mildewed surfaces with
approved cleaning solutions that contain bleach. Be
sure to wear rubber gloves.
CAUTION: Never mix any combination of bleach,
ammonia and commercial cleaners; a toxic gas may result.
Keeping it Clean
Keeping sinks, bathtubs and showers clean and dry need
not be a chore if you know the right steps to follow.
Regular cleaning once a week usually wins at least half the
battle.
The best time to clean a tub or shower is right after
using it, when steam has loosened the dirt. Before
you exit, wipe off the damp surfaces with a towel.
For a weekly cleaning, run the shower on hot for
about five minutes beforehand. Then open the shower curtain
or tub door to help loosen dirt on other bathroom surfaces.
(Be sure to extend the curtain so it can air-dry.)
Wiping tub and shower surfaces while they are still
wet is important when living in Evansville, where the
water contains hard water minerals. Commercial cleaners
applied with a sponge or damp cloth will remove most
hard-water scale and film. For a home-made scale
remover try white vinegar, undiluted or mixed with up to
four parts warm water. Let the vinegar soak the area
for several minutes. Repeat as necessary.
To avoid bathtub rings, don't use oily bath
preparations. If a ring does form, wipe it off with
undiluted ammonia (wear rubber gloves) or a wet sponge
generously sprinkled with baking soda. For stubborn rings
wipe with white vinegar or automatic dish washing detergent.
Rinse.
