How to Keep Mildew Out of a Florida Bathroom

If you've moved to Tampa Bay from somewhere drier, you've probably noticed how quickly a bathroom can start to show mildew. It isn't that you're a bad housekeeper. It's the humidity, and there's a lot you can do about it.

Why it's such a problem here

Mildew needs moisture, warmth and something to grow on. In a Florida bathroom it gets all three, especially in homes with small windows or weak exhaust fans, and in places that sit empty for part of the year with the AC turned up.

Everyday habits that help

• Run the exhaust fan during your shower and for 20–30 minutes after
• Squeegee or wipe down shower walls and doors
• Leave the shower door or curtain open so it can dry
• Hang towels and bath mats where they'll dry fully, and wash them often
• Keep your AC running, even when you're away, to keep indoor humidity down
• Fix leaks, however small, as soon as you spot them

Regular cleaning

Cleaning soap scum and grout regularly gives mildew less to feed on. A weekly clean goes a long way, and it's easier to keep on top of than to fix later. If you're booking a cleaner, you can add hard water stains and small areas of surface mildew to your booking.

When it's too big for a cleaner

There's a difference between surface mildew on grout and a mold problem. If the affected area is large, keeps coming back, smells musty or is inside a wall or ceiling, it may point to a leak or a ventilation problem, and that needs a specialist. In Florida, mold assessment and remediation are licensed professions, and the licensing rules generally apply once more than 10 square feet is involved. A house cleaner isn't the right person for that job.

Renting? Tell your landlord in writing, since a persistent moisture problem is often something they need to deal with.