Mold and mildew can cause problems in the bathroom. The culprit is excess moisture so it is important to be able to direct moist air out of the room quickly. 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 then 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. There are other ways to control mildew. Clean your bathroom regularly with disinfectant. 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 louvered ones.
Maintaining an Exhaust Fan
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 grill 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.
Defogging a Bathroom Mirror
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 a handheld blow dryer directly on the mirror using a low setting. The warm air will quickly clear the fog from the mirror without leaving streaks.
