This is how you avoid mold and “damp smell” too well when changing the bathroom
Mold and mildew can feel like unbeatable enemies when it comes to maintaining a clean bathroom, but more often than not they can be kept under control by changing the lining around the shower. While both curtains and screens are made specifically to protect the floor from excess water, neither is particularly easy to keep free of bacteria-infected stains. However, according to one Reddit user, it’s a clear winner if you struggle to control the humidity in your laundry room.
Whether you’re renovating your bathroom or simply tired of seeing clusters of black mold spores around the shower, replacing the liner is a worthwhile investment for both functionality and appearance.
However, not all bathroom decor is designed for screens or curtains, as one Reddit user discovered. In a recent post on the forum, a person who goes by the name Plastic-Cow-1551 wrote: “I’m renovating my bathroom and want to keep the shower but can’t decide between shower curtain or folding glass screen .
“The problem with screens is that they are usually only one meter long (longer than this is not an option for me, as the sink is in the way), so when you shower, water will splash out of the bath over the screen, onto the floor.”
They added that while a curtain covers the length of the tub, they feel “cheaper and get moldy” without frequent cleaning. In response to pleas for help, another forum poster shared that a screen was a clear winner for fighting mold.
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Reddit user joesus-christ shared the significant improvement in the shower experience since replacing the material curtain with a screen.
They said, “If you can get a screen to work, it’s worth it! No flapping cold damp curtain touching me while I’m naked getting clean… no damp smell… no continuous dripping… no light blocking , room-halving sheets… no trying to scrub away the shape… no days where the curtain is in the wash so I have to shower in a weird open space.”
According to experts at Bathroom City, a screen is actually a more durable option for your bathroom. They noted that although it is slightly more expensive, it will “last a lot longer than shower curtains” and look “infinitely more elegant”.
Not only are they much more effective at containing water in the shower, but they also avoid creating that frustrating puddle on the floor that can soak your bath mat.
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While other Reddit users agreed that “shower curtains are terrible” and “cause them a lot of stress,” others noted that screens are much harder to keep clean.
In areas where the water is hard, scale and lime stains can become more of a problem than mold and mildew.
However, some savvy homeowners noted that daily use of a squeegee to wipe away excess water, and a splash of limescale remover is all you need to combat unsightly mineral deposits.
They explained that with a tight seal on the bottom of the screen, mold, mildew and scale should not be a problem.
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How to prevent mold in the shower
In addition to keeping seals and sealant around the edge of the tub airtight, experts at Mira Showers noted the importance of drying the area after use.
They said: “Clean and dry your bathroom regularly, including grout and hard-to-reach corners prone to mould.
“Wash towels and bath mats frequently, and hang wet towels and bath mats in dry, well-ventilated areas”
Although it may seem strange to try to keep the wet room dry, it is the only way to avoid damp, musty odors caused by moisture and mold.
Other ways to control black mold and mildew in your bathroom include using vinegar sprays or specialist treatments to target moisture-prone surfaces.
Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto the affected area or use a spray bottle to apply as soon as you notice black mold forming. Although vinegar is not as strong as bleach or specialty mold removal products, its affordability makes it a great option for larger clusters of mold spores.
Once the chosen treatment has been applied, wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and allow the area to dry. Opening windows or keeping an exhaust fan on will help remove moisture faster, but you can also pat the surfaces down with a towel to speed up the process.
The experts at Mira Showers explained that prevention is always better than a cure for mold and is best achieved through a regular cleaning routine.
