It's no secret that bathrooms can get steamy. Where there's steam, there's generally condensation. And where there's condensation, there can eventually be mold and mildew, which is why it's so important to keep the bathroom properly ventilated.
Avoiding Condensation
Realistically, you should ventilate your bathroom any time steam creates excess moisture in the air. You'll be able to tell it's doing this from the feeling of humidity and condensation on your mirror and other bathroom surfaces. This excess moisture can affect everything from the structural integrity of your bathroom to your family's health.
Sometimes, however, getting rid of condensation isn't as simple as flipping a switch to turn on the fan. In some instances, like if you're renting or have a restricted budget, ventilation options can be downright limited. So, read on for a few ways you can eliminate condensation in your bathroom.
How to Ventilate Your Bathroom
- Open the window - or skylight! - while bathing or showering. Open windows allow moist air to escape and fresh air to enter. This helps reduce mold or mildew growth.
- In a windowless bathroom, leave the door open during and after bathing. If your home has relatively low humidity (below 50%), the air that escapes your bathroom can help increase the overall humidity. If your home is overly humid, remove the excess moisture by opening a window in the room nearest the bathroom.
- Use a dehumidifier! Dehumidifiers draw moisture from the air, but many are electric so use them with caution when running water in your bathroom.
More Ventilation Tips
- Mold thrives in dark spaces. So, if you have a window in your bathroom, leave the blinds or curtains open when you're not using it to restrict growth.
- You can track the humidity level in your home with a handy-dandy hygrometer, which can be found in most home and garden stores.
- If you're renovating your bathroom or building a whole new one, it's required in many areas to install a properly sized ventilation system. Check with local authorities and building retailers for an exhaust fan with the right amount of output for the size of your bathroom.
