How do I stop my bathroom from smelling like mildew?

What causes mildew smells in bathrooms?

Mildew smells in bathrooms are caused by excess moisture. When surfaces stay wet for too long, mildew and mold can start to grow, releasing unpleasant odors. The most common causes of excess moisture in bathrooms that lead to mildew smells include:

• Lack of ventilation – Bathrooms need proper ventilation to allow moisture to escape. Without enough air circulation, condensation and dampness builds up on surfaces.
• Steam from hot showers – Hot showers produce a lot of steam which condenses on surfaces like walls, windows, mirrors, and tiles. The condensation provides ideal conditions for mildew to thrive.
• Leaky plumbing – Leaks from showers, sinks, tubs, and toilets can allow water to seep into crevices and accumulate. This standing water promotes mildew growth.
• Flooding – Major flooding from broken pipes, overflowing tubs, malfunctioning appliances, etc. can cause moisture damage and mildew, sometimes hidden behind walls or under floors.
• High humidity – Humid environments cause dampness and excess condensation. Coastal climates or humid parts of the country are more prone to bathroom mildew problems.
• Poor grout/caulk maintenance – Outdated or cracked grout and caulk provides openings for water to get in and pool, allowing mildew to take hold.
• Wet towels/mats – Leaving damp towels, bathmats, shower curtains, linens, etc. bunched up in the bathroom creates moist areas for mildew.

Any excess moisture or dampness in the bathroom can lead to mildew growth and unpleasant musty smells if not addressed. Proper ventilation and moisture control are key to preventing mildew odors.

How can I get rid of bathroom mildew smells?

Here are some effective tips and methods for removing mildew smells from a bathroom:

Clean mildew and mold

The first step is to clean visible mildew and mold growth. This helps eliminate odor sources:

• Scrub mildew-prone areas like shower walls, grout, caulk, windows, and tiles with a Tilex or Clorox cleaner containing bleach. Bleach kills mold and mildew.
• Use a grout brush or old toothbrush to get into crevices.
• Wipe down and dry all surfaces after showering to prevent moisture buildup.
• Clean mildew in cracks and crevices with a spray bottle of diluted bleach solution. 1 part bleach to 10 parts water is effective.
• Clean mildew from discolored silicone caulk. Consider replacing if it stays stained.
• Clean shower curtains, bathmats, towels, and bathroom linens regularly in hot water to kill mildew.

Thorough cleaning removes odor sources and helps prevent future mildew growth.

Improve ventilation

Adding proper ventilation is key to stopping mildew odors long-term:

• Run the bathroom ventilation fan during and after showering for 20-30 minutes. Ventilate steam and moisture to outside.
• Open a bathroom window while showering if no ventilation fan exists. Install an exhaust fan if possible.
• Keep bathroom door open after showering to allow ventilation and airflow.
• Consider adding a dehumidifier to control excess moisture in the bathroom air if ventilation is limited.

Ventilation helps remove humid air and prevent condensation buildup that mildew needs to grow.

Fix plumbing leaks

Repair all plumbing leaks that can lead to mildew-promoting moisture:

• Fix leaky faucets, showerheads, toilets, drain pipes, etc. to prevent water accumulation under sinks, near walls, or on floors.
• Replace old silicone caulk and re-grout areas around bathtubs and showers to seal cracks that can leak water.
• Regularly check under bathroom sinks for leaks, condensation, or signs of water damage like bulging or warped cabinets.
• Ensure overflow drains are clear and working properly to prevent flooding from clogged drains.

Preventing water leaks and overflows limits excess moisture.

Control humidity

Use these tips to keep humidity levels down:

• A dehumidifier helps reduce overall humidity in bathrooms prone to excess moisture.
• Absorb bathroom humidity with moisture-absorbing crystals or charcoal bags.
• Hang absorbent bamboo charcoal bags or moisture catcher bags in closets and cabinets.
• Leave bathroom doors open for airflow when possible.

Controlling humidity makes it harder for mildew to grow and release odors.

Use mildew-resistant paint

Paint bathroom walls and ceilings with mildew-resistant paints. Mildewcides in the paint prevent mildew growth. This helps walls stay cleaner between cleanings and resists odors.

Apply mildew-proof sealers

• Apply grout sealers to protect porous grout lines and make them water-repellent.
• Use caulk labeled “mildew resistant” around tubs, sinks, showers, and tiles.
• Seal tile floors and walls with penetrating sealers that prevent moisture absorption.

Sealants protect surfaces from mildew growth and odors. Re-apply as needed.

Use mildew-fighting products

A variety of mildew-fighting cleaners, spray foams, and automatic dispensers help control bathroom odors:

• Clean regularly with bleach bathroom cleaners or tile cleaners containing chlorine to kill mildew.
• Spray mildew-prone surfaces like grout and caulk with daily shower sprays containing chlorine dioxide. The foam clings and continuously cleans.
• Install automatic bleach or chlorine dispensers in toilets to prevent mildew buildup in tanks and on toilet bowl surfaces.
• Place a mildew-removing pouch in damp areas like under sink cabinets or in shower caddies. The beads in the pouch continuously fight mildew growth.
• Plug in moisture-absorbing bags containing charcoal or calcium chloride when humidity is high. They actively absorb dampness.

Using active mildew-fighting products prevents odors between cleanings.

Tips for preventing bathroom mildew smells

Be proactive with these prevention tips:

• Open windows or run fans while showering. Ventilate thoroughly after.
• After showering, wipe down the walls, floor, fixtures with a squeegee, towel or microfiber cloth.
• Keep bathroom surfaces clean and dry. Clean frequently with bathroom sprays containing bleach or other antimildew ingredients.
• Squeegee glass shower doors after each use and leave open to air out.
• Leave the bathroom fan on for 45 mins or 1 hour after bathing. Consider installing a timer switch.
• Keep towels, mats, and bathroom linens laundered and thoroughly dried. Don’t leave damp items sitting around.
• Check under bathroom sinks for leaks and standing water. Keep areas clean and dry.
• Repair grout, caulk or tile, especially in moist areas like tubs and showers. Don’t allow water to seep behind.
• Consider installing humidity-controlled bathroom exhaust fans or dehumidifiers.
• Pour drain cleaner or baking soda and vinegar down drains monthly to prevent mildew in pipes and traps.

Good moisture control and cleaning practices help stop bathroom odors at the source. Be vigilant if humidity is high. With proper prevention and mildew removal, your bathroom can stay fresh smelling.

When to call a professional for bathroom mildew odors

Call an indoor air quality specialist or mold remediation professional if:

• Mildew and moisture problems are severe and persistent, despite your cleaning efforts.
• Walls or ceilings show signs of mildew, mold growth, or water damage.
• Musty odors return quickly even after cleaning mildew and trying moisture control methods.
• Someone in your home has health issues like respiratory problems that may be aggravated by mildew exposure.
• You need help identifying and fixing humidity or leakage issues leading to mildew growth.
• HVAC systems or ductwork may have become contaminated with mildew spreading spores.

Professionals have specialized tools, protective equipment, and expertise to remediate bad mildew problems. They can identify and correct hard-to-solve moisture sources. For severe cases or health concerns, it may be worth getting professional help.

Conclusion

Mildew smells in bathrooms can be unpleasant but they are manageable. The keys are controlling moisture, improving ventilation, meticulously cleaning mold growth, and using mildew-fighting products and sealants. Implementing moisture control best practices, addressing leaks early, cleaning regularly, and ventilating properly are the best defenses against smelly bathroom mildew. With vigilance, you can successfully eliminate mildew odors and enjoy a fresh smelling bathroom.