There’s nothing I love more than a refreshing, hot shower (rather than soaking in a bath), and so I always want to make sure it’s kept clean and spotless.
But if you spot those unsightly dark or green patches, removing mold for good can be a real challenge. These invasive spores thrive on humid, damp conditions left behind by warm water and trapped steam.
Neglecting these spots can lead to long-term bathroom damage and potential health concerns if the spores are allowed to spread. That’s why it’s important to prevent mold in the first place.
It turns out that I’ve been inadvertently encouraging mold growth through one simple routine habit. In fact, most of us have likely made this same daily mistake. And by making this simple adjustment to your shower routine, you could make all the difference. So what is this easy tip?
Keep your bathroom door open during and after your shower
While it might feel slightly intrusive for some, cleaning pros suggest that leaving your bathroom door open while showering and afterwards is the most effective way to prevent mold from forming.
Essentially, closing the door will trap the humidity and moisture inside — creating the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow over time. If it’s not possible to leave the door open, however, you can crack the window open (if you have one); always put on the extractor fan to allow adequate ventilation. Leaving your window open for just 10-15 minutes can help to flush out any steam or excess moisture from settling on the surfaces.
Another top tip is to keep the shower area dry immediately after use. So you don’t want to let any water settle on the tiles or shower glass.
“Water left sitting on tiles, around the bath, or on windowsills is practically an open invitation for mold,” agrees Andrew Haydon, a Home Improvement Expert at Simply Plastics.
“A quick daily swipe with a microfibre cloth keeps surfaces dry and deters spore build-up. “The combination of warm, humid air and everyday moisture from bathing creates the perfect environment, especially in bathrooms without good airflow.”
Quick tips to dry out your shower
There are several effective ways to ensure your shower dries out properly after every use.
The easiest and most common way is to simply use a squeegee to wipe down the glass doors and tiles from top to bottom. This quick action gets rid of excess droplets before they can settle into the grout or corners.
Alternatively, you could use a microfiber cloth to wipe away moisture from damp surfaces, making sure to include the faucets, handles, and any shower caddies where condensation often lingers.
Adding these simple changes to your daily shower routine can significantly reduce the risk of mold or mildew growth for the long term—saving you from the intense scrubbing needed to remove it later.
Cleaning essentials we love
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Alternatively, you can read our content on the Tom's Guide app available now for iOS and Android. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less.
More from Tom's Guide
