The Bathroom Exhaust Fan Mistake That Could Be Causing Mold

No one wants mold in their bathroom. It looks terrible, and can also be potentially harmful if not taken care of promptly. Unfortunately, bathrooms are primary targets for mold because of the high moisture content and limited airflow of the space. While keeping the shower dry is a great way to prevent mold, running the exhaust fan will also help mitigate additional growth. However, there is one small mistake you might be making that could actually be causing mold instead of preventing it: Not running the fan long enough.

Most people already run their exhaust fans while they're showering, and that's good! Unventilated steam causes condensation on cold surfaces, trapping moisture inside of drywall or tile grout. That trapped moisture can cause mold growth to take place within 24 hours. This is why exhaust fans are so beneficial– because they redirect the moisture caused by continuously running hot water and divert it outdoors.

However, if you're not running your fan long enough, you could unknowingly be causing mold growth. If you turn off the fan a few minutes after you finish showering, there is still a good amount of moisture left in the room. With nowhere to go, that moisture will infiltrate those aforementioned services, and thus continue the mold growth cycle. Therefore, just because you run your exhaust fan doesn't mean you're totally eliminating the potential for mold. So, what correction can you make to keep this from happening? Run your exhaust fan a little bit longer.

You'll want to make sure the exhaust fan in your bathroom has been sized to properly ventilate the space. For optimal moisture removal, start running your exhaust fan before turning on the water, keep it going while you're showering, and at least 30 to 50 minutes more after you've finished. This will help to truly excise the remaining moisture, thereby preventing a potentially harmful mold buildup.

We understand that running a fan for that length of time might mean that it gets forgotten about. Thankfully, with today's smart bathroom technology, you can purchase moisture sensing fans and programmable timers set to cut power once the fan has run for the length you want. However, there's a chance your home may already be equipped with an old school timer. These are entirely mechanical, making them incredibly easy to retrofit into a bathroom if you don't already have one installed, or don't want to put in a smart exhaust fan.

It's also important to leave the bathroom door closed while the exhaust fan is running. This will help keep the moisture contained. You should, however, be able to feel air being pulled through the bottom of the bathroom door while the fan is running. With luck, you should have absolutely no bathroom mold issues in the future.