How to Properly Ventilate Your Bathroom

Let’s face facts: the moisture, warm temperatures and tight spaces commonly found in bathrooms provide the perfect environment for mold, mildew and other build-up to thrive when left unchecked. Plus, consistent exposure to damp conditions can damage your bathroom walls and flooring, resulting in peeling wallpaper or paint and raised laminate flooring. 

The good news is proper bathroom ventilation can keep these issues at bay by reducing the amount of moisture held in the space—even after a steamy shower! Here’s how you can  maintain your bathroom’s quality for years to come: 

Open Bathroom Windows (and Doors)

One of the easiest ways to limit trapped moisture in your bathroom is by leaving the space open when possible. Crack your windows when bathing and leave them open for 15 minutes or more when you’re done. This allows air to flow more freely in and out of your bathroom, so moist air won’t end up clinging to your bathroom surfaces. If you can, leave the bathroom door open too!

Run Your Exhaust Fan—and Clean It

Exhaust fans pull moisture-full air from your bathroom and transport it outside your home. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, you likely already have a vent installed. While most are placed near your bath or shower, bathroom vents come in a wide range of sizes, styles and functions and may be located elsewhere depending on your vent type. Regardless of style, your fan should run for at least 15 minutes after you finish bathing in order to pull as much moisture as possible from your bathroom (many bathers even run the vent while in the bath or shower). 

To keep your bathroom vent performing, be sure to clean it frequently. Dust and other build-up can impair the vent’s ability to draw as much moisture from your bathroom as it should. Refresh the vent with a wipe-down of the fan cover, then use your vacuum’s extension to remove any remaining particles.

Use Dehumidifiers When Necessary

Dehumidifiers are a must, especially when you prefer an ultra-hot shower temperature. Just like bathroom vents, dehumidifiers pull moisture out of the air, reducing the humidity level of your surroundings. If your bathroom vent just isn’t cutting it, consider a plug-in dehumidifier as a supplementary option. These may be particularly helpful in bathrooms with metal fixtures vulnerable to rust or corrosion.

Install Proper Shower Surrounds for Better Absorption

Reducing moisture in your bathroom is certainly easier when your bath or shower enclosures are designed to keep water from escaping. Consider shower doors that pivot inward and outward to minimize overspray on entry and exit. You’ll also want to leave your shower door open after you exit to allow air to circulate within your shower space—a quicker dry of your shower walls, base and doors can help reduce unsightly build-up (and the amount of cleaning you have to do to get rid of it).

Refresh Your Bathroom With a KOHLER_® LuxStone_® Shower

The KOHLER LuxStone shower makes it easy to design with form and function in mind. Grout-free walls and water-repellant glass doors let you enjoy your shower for as long as you want without concern for mold and mildew. Ready to stop scrubbing your old shower and design your dream shower instead? Contact us today to request a free quote.