Bathrooms are prone to mold and mildew buildup because of its moist, humid environment. Mold can one of the most damaging elements in your bathroom. If left uncleaned, it can cause hard-to-remove stains, bad odors, and extensive damage to your bathroom walls and fixtures. However, it can also be the hardest to remove, especially if it's been building up for some time. Here's a step-by-step guide to removing mold and keeping your bathroom mold-free.

Removing bathroom mold

1. Scrub off existing mold from the walls and ceiling using household bleach and a piece of cloth. Dilute the bleach (two parts water to one part bleach) to keep from damaging the wall paint or tile. Rinse the cloth under running water from time to time to remove the mold and keep from spreading it to other areas. Remember to wear gloes and protective clothing, and keep the area well-ventilated.

2. When you've scrubbed off the surface mold, wash off the remaining bleach with water and allow the surface to dry. You can use fans to help them dry faster.

3. Using a roller, apply a coat of Bin paint to the surface. This will remove stains and keep existing mold from sticking to the wall. It also keeps leftover mold from growing back out on the surface. Allow the paint to dry (usually about 45 minutes). Note: This step is not necessary for new bathrooms.

4. Apply two coats of mildew-proof bathroom paint over the Bin paint. This paint contains a special resin that prevents mildew from growing back, even in moist environments. It will not kill existing mildew, however, so make sure you've removed it all before applying the paint. Wait one hour before applying the second coat.

Mold-proofing your bathroom

Keep moisture low. Mold and mildew grow on moist surfaces, so keep things as dry possible. Do not leave towels on the floor or keep damp clothes in piles. Keep the room well-ventilated so that excess water can evaporate faster.

Clean mildew-prone areas regularly. Use a sponge or squeegee to remove excess moisture from walls and shower curtains. Scrub these areas every other week with a bleach and water solution.

Hang loose cloths. Mold can accumulate on damp cloths that are left crumpled or in contact with the floor. Hanging them from a rack will allow them to dry before mold or mildew can grow. Make sure you hang them stretched out, as mold can grow between the creases.

Brighten up. Dark areas are more prone to mold and mildew growth. Use bright lights and light colored paint or tiles. Install light bulbs in dark areas like closets and cabinets.

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