How to Prevent Bathroom Mold in a Pacific Northwest Home

Short answer: Preventing bathroom mold comes down to two things: keeping water out of the walls and getting moisture out of the air. That means proper waterproofing behind the tile and a vent fan that actually vents outside.

Waterproof the shower right

Water in the walls is where serious mold starts. A membrane behind the tile is the fix.

Vent fans that work

A fan that vents outside, sized for the room, run during and after showers.

• Vent outside, not into the attic
• Run it 20 minutes after a shower
• Replace noisy, weak old fans

Seal and maintain grout

Keep grout and caulk in good shape at changes of plane.

Signs of a bigger problem

Soft spots, loose tile, peeling paint near the shower, or a musty smell mean water may be getting behind the wall.