I've been battling recurring mold in the seal of my bathroom tub. Even after re-caulking and trying various solutions like bleach, it keeps reappearing. This makes me suspect that the mold might actually be coming from somewhere deeper, possibly behind the tiles. Since I'm renting, I'm hesitant to start ripping tiles out. We had a professional mold test done after a basement flood, and thankfully, nothing showed up. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can effectively tackle this issue?
4 Answers
Since you're renting, it might be a good idea to contact your landlord or property management about the issue. They could help address the mold problem, especially if it’s deeper than just the caulk.
Have you considered how you're managing moisture in the bathroom? It's really important to run the fan for about 30 minutes after a shower to help reduce humidity. If you shower in the tub, try wiping down the walls after you're done to remove excess water.
One tip is to keep your shower curtain open about 30-50% after using it to promote airflow, which helps moisture dry up faster and can prevent mold growth. Also, make sure to run your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes post-shower to keep the space dry.
If the caulk keeps getting moldy, it might be a sign that something's off behind the surround. Sometimes the wallboard is too close to the tub, which allows moisture to seep in. This can lead to rot behind the tiles. It's worth having a conversation with your landlord to investigate further.