Fungal growth is what causes mildew odor in bathtub. Damp places like restrooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, two fungus species.
Humidity can be affected by increased water used in a bathroom, especially hot water. Disinfecting the air and maintaining a dry environment are complex tasks to accomplish at once.
A mildew stench in your bathtub? Here’s what you should do about it, as well as a primer on what mildew is and how you should avoid getting it in the first place.
What Is the Smell Of Mildew?
People often use the term “musty” to describe a stench of mildew. The scent of dirty feet, decaying wood, or paper can smell like mildew.
To quickly assess whether you have mildew or mold, check to see if the odor continues after you’ve fanned the space. You may have mold if the smell lingers or mildew if it disappears.
Basements with high humidity tend to have a musty stench due to the presence of these fungi. They flourish in restrooms and other damp, small, and cramped spaces.
What Causes Mildew Odour?
The most apparent cause of a musty drain odor is something you probably know. However, there may be other causes for the mildew-like smell in the air — included are the following:
Clogged gutters are a warning sign that mildew is on its way. Mold and mildew spores thrive in the ideal conditions created by a clogged drain.
The mold will begin to grow sooner rather than later if you don’t remedy wet circumstances.
Even if you don’t smell mildew right away, it doesn’t rule out its presence elsewhere in the plumbing system. It’s essential to check the drainage system as part of the investigation for the scent.
Shower drain biofilm can also cause a musty odor and unpleasant scents if it builds up over time. Inspect the drain to see whether there is a buildup of biofilm, which you should remove immediately.
How Do You Identify Mildew In Bathtubs?
You can find the mold by smelling it. You can also detect the presence of mold by doing a visual check of the bathroom.
Mold is easy to spot by the sudden appearance of dark, ugly specks.
The appearance of the stains might range from green to black. It depends on the mold developing on the walls or behind the toilet.
Mold colonies can grow between walls and within pipes. When mold develops in the nooks and crannies of your bathroom, it’s best to bring in a mold removal specialist.
It is simple to tell the difference between mold and mildew on a surface. Mold spores penetrate adsorbents, making it harder to get rid of the mold.
On the other hand, mildew sticks to damp surfaces you can clean with a brush and elbow grease.
Why Does Mildew Grow On Bathtubs?
Moisture attracts mold spores, which thrive in moist, dark areas with plenty of food. Mold thrives in the bathroom because of the persistent water from daily showers, the constant blackness, and elevated indoor dampness.
Bathrooms are a breeding ground for various pests and critters, including roaches, flies, and other insects. Mildew grows on the faucets, in the tub, and even on the ceiling fan.
What Can I Do With Mildew Odor?
The issue will only increase with time. What options do you have? To get you started, here are a few ideas to consider:
- Better airflow can help your bathroom dry out after you take a shower or a bath, reducing humidity and preventing mold formation.
- Regularly cleaning your bathroom will keep the fungus that causes mold at bay and make it more difficult for it to establish a foothold.
- Maintain your area clean by using the right supplies, just like you should wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom.
- Wash the shower walls to eliminate extra water and decrease humidity when you finish bathing.
- To keep the bathroom from being too hot and humid when you’re taking a shower or bath, you should turn on the fan. Running a fan during and soon following a bath or shower can help prevent mold growth.
How Do I Prevent Mildew Smells?
Mold is the primary cause of musty scents in the bathroom and preventing it is easy. You keep the bathroom dry by having enough airflow there.
A lack of moisture inhibits the growth of mold spores. You can reduce the dampness and water absorption capacity in the bathroom by using the bathroom fan while bathing and leaving it on for at least 30 minutes after you finish.
Open a window as an alternative. Alternatively, you can use a humidifier or a tiny fan in the bathroom if neither is accessible.
For further help about bathrooms, here’s how to get rid of red mold in the shower and remove black mold in the jacuzzi tub.
Conclusion
Aside from knowing what causes mildew odor in the bathtub, it’s best to maintain it. A sanitary environment is likely to have a pleasant smell.
Regular cleaning will help keep the bathroom free of mildew growth.