Many homeowners care about how their bathroom smells because it makes them feel positive and puts them in a good mood. However, when you enter the bathroom and smell something musty, you’ll feel annoyed and sometimes embarrassed. You start to ask, “Why does my bathroom smell musty?” 

What Causes of Musty Smells in my Bathroom

 Water runs frequently in your bathroom and hot water used in showers leads to a humid environment. This is a perfect place for mold and mildew to develop. The fungus that causes mold creates an unpleasant odor which makes the bathroom smell musty. 

Common Places for Growth

 Mold can be tricky and sneaky. It grows behind walls, picture frames, towels, or mirrors, inside the folds of shower curtains and cabinets. Moreover, it can linger around your bathtub, toilets, faucets, inside the fan, and light fixtures. It can even buildup on your paint, tile, and grout.

Any buildup of mold can cause a musty smell in your bathroom.

Mold-Related Health Issues

Mold not only produces a musty odor but can be dangerous to your health as well. Prolonged mold exposure can cause a runny nose, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and respiratory issues. If mold is disturbed, the spores can spread and can make problems worse.

How to Prevent Musty Odors in my Bathroom

Prevent mold so take action if your bathroom smells musty. The problem will only continue to worsen if neglected. Here are a few tips to try:

• Address the problem immediately if your bathroom has water leaks.
• There should be proper and adequate ventilation in your bathroom to keep the area dry. Mold spores can’t live where there is a lack of moisture.
• Run a fan while showering and keeping it on for 30 minutes after to reduce humidity and moisture content inside the bathroom. You can also use a dehumidifier if available.
• Open the window or door before the bath or shower to allow cool air in for circulation.
• Check if your bathroom vent is in good condition at least every 6 months
• Instead of tossing your wet towel into a hamper, hang it on a rack after showering. This will prevent mold/ mildew smell.
• When you clean, move permanent wall hangings in your bathroom so you can wipe down the wall.
• Regularly clean your bathroom to keep it smelling good while getting rid of the fungus that creates mold.
• When you’re done showering, try using a squeegee to get rid of excess water from your tile. 
• Use the right disinfecting and cleaning products to keep your bathroom clean.
• Place desiccants (tiny sacks of silica) in your bathroom to absorb excessive moisture, preventing mold and mildew build-up.
• Consider placing a fern or other plants that are naturally good at pulling moisture out of the air. This can also help in keeping your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
• Bleach solution can kill and remove mold and mildew but it’s not usually necessary. Just make sure to have adequate ventilation and wear protective gear if you choose bleach. 
• You can also choose more natural yet effective cleaners for mold, you can:

1. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar solution.
2. After spraying the affected area, let it sit for several hours.
3. Soak the sponge in hot water then sprinkle or dip into baking soda.
4. Scrub the mildew/mold off the surface.

 Contact a Reliable Mold Remediation Company

Homeowners who have bathrooms that smell musty and extensive mold growth should hire a certified mold removal or remediation company such as Superior Restoration. Mold and mildew issues are best handled by our trained professionals.

Please call our office today, Water Damage Ontario. Our experts are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.