Preventing Mold & Mildew in Bathrooms
Updated February 20, 2026
Mold and mildew love bathrooms -- warm, wet, and often poorly ventilated. That pink film on the shower curtain, the black spots in the grout, the musty smell that won't go away. It's not just ugly -- mold triggers allergies, respiratory issues, and can cause structural damage if it gets into walls. The good news: preventing mold is mostly about controlling moisture, and it doesn't take much effort.
Overview
Mold and mildew love bathrooms -- warm, wet, and often poorly ventilated. That pink film on the shower curtain, the black spots in the grout, the musty smell that won't go away. It's not just ugly -- mold triggers allergies, respiratory issues, and can cause structural damage if it gets into walls. The good news: preventing mold is mostly about controlling moisture, and it doesn't take much effort.
What to Know
Pro Tips
- Spray the shower walls and door with a vinegar-water mix after the last shower of the day. It takes 10 seconds and prevents mold from getting established.
- A squeegee kept in the shower makes a huge difference. Wiping down glass and tile after each shower removes 75% of the moisture that feeds mold.
- Wash the shower curtain liner monthly in the washing machine with vinegar -- or just replace it every 3-6 months at $5 each.
- Check your bathroom exhaust fan by holding a tissue to it while running. If it doesn't hold the tissue, the fan is too weak or the duct is clogged.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Only cleaning visible mold without addressing the moisture source. The mold will return within weeks.
- Painting over mold. The mold continues growing under the paint.
- Using a bathroom exhaust fan that vents into the attic instead of outside. This just moves the moisture problem to the attic.
- Ignoring pink mildew because it seems minor. It's an early indicator that conditions are right for black mold growth too.
When to Call a Pro
If you see black mold covering more than about 10 square feet, or if mold is growing inside walls (you can smell it but can't see it), professional mold remediation is recommended. Mold behind walls requires proper containment and removal to prevent spreading spores throughout the house.
Bottom Line
Run the exhaust fan, squeegee after showers, spray with vinegar weekly, and keep caulk and grout sealed. Moisture control prevents mold. Once mold is established, cleaning treats the symptom -- only fixing the moisture source fixes the cause.