Troubleshooting Humidity in the Bathroom
Bathrooms can be tricky. From water problems to clogs, there’s a somewhat surprising number of things that can go wrong in this high-traffic room. One thing that can be particularly troublesome in the bathroom that doesn’t always come to mind, though, is humidity problems. Below, learn how to combat humidity and condensation issues in your bathroom to keep it dry and mold-free.
Why Does Bathroom Humidity Happen?
Bathroom humidity is what leads to condensation, which can cause some serious problems in your bathroom. This occurs because moisture is repeatedly released into your bathroom’s air through things like taking a shower or running the sink. As the moisture mixes with the air as water vapor, it will come into contact with cold surfaces, forming droplets on windows, mirrors, or bathroom fixtures.
While this phenomenon is responsible for the ever annoying fogged up mirror after you emerge from the shower, it can be the culprit behind even more harmful bathroom crimes, too. It could ruin a paint job or wallpaper over time and can lead to the growth of harmful mold.
General Tips for Avoiding Condensation and Humidity
There are a few easy ways to combat an abundance of condensation and humidity in the bathroom that will make a difference across the board.
Ventilation
First, ensure that your bathroom has adequate ventilation so that it stays dry by providing unwanted moisture the outlet it needs to vacate the area. An easy way to do this is to open a window in the bathroom as you take a hot shower, allowing the steam to leave the room. Another option is to use a ceiling fan to circulate air and to push moisture-heavy air out of your bathroom. If you have a fan in your bathroom, ensure that it’s cleaned often so it works optimally. A fan should run both during a shower and for a half hour afterwards to fully flush moisture from the room.
Use a Dehumidifier
Install a dehumidifier in your bathroom to extract moisture from the air, choosing a large dehumidifier for a large space and a smaller selection if you’re short on square footage.
Keep Your Bathroom Warm
The warmer your bathroom is, the less likely it is to breed dampness and condensation. Warm rooms are more able to carry moisture in the air and have fewer cold surfaces that allow for condensation to gather on. Bump up your heat or consider installing a small space heater in your bathroom (if you have the room to install one safely) to reduce the chances of high levels of humidity.
Wipe Down Surfaces
After a shower or whenever your bathroom has been exposed to an influx of moisture, take a few moments to wipe down surfaces so that they are dry. Simply use a cloth or paper towel to do so, particularly along the walls or on glass surfaces. Although it may seem like a bit of a nuisance to do this daily, it’s a small action that will make a big difference in the long run!
Avoid Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
One of the problems that bathroom condensation causes is peeling paint or wallpaper. This can be troublesome as it ruins the aesthetic of your walls and creates the need to repaint or reapply completely. To avoid this issue, always ensure adequate ventilation. Also try painting the room with specially formulated anti-condensation paint. This paint insulates the area and raises their surface temperatures. Two coats of paint should be applied for maximum effectiveness.
Discourage Mold Growth
Excessive moisture leads to the eventual growth of mold in your bathroom, which is definitely an unwanted occurrence in any part of your home. Luckily, there are several ways besides properly ventilating your bathroom to deter mold from forming.
First, after a bath or shower, use a squeegee to remove moisture from the shower walls. This will reduce the chance of mold and mildew growth by cutting down on moisture.
Another way to reduce the growth of mold is to seal the grout between the tiles of your bathroom. Use a standard grout sealer to waterproof and prohibit the growth of mold between tiles due to trapped moisture.
Consider the humidity levels of your bathroom on a day-to-day basis to keep it dry, mold-free, and in perfect condition. Taking these small measures will go a long way.
