9 Places in Your Bathroom That Are Especially Dirty

Mold and Mildew

The bathroom is the perfect incubator for the growth of mold and mildew. There is plenty of humidity and body soil to encourage growth. Mildew is a mold and while unsightly, it is usually not extremely toxic. It does spread quickly on surfaces like fabrics, grout, caulk, and painted wood surfaces through spores. So, if it appears, it is best to treat quickly.

The best way to reduce the growth of mildew and more toxic molds is to decrease humidity by increasing air circulation. The bathroom vent should be run for at least 20 minutes after a steamy shower. Allow towels and shower curtains to dry completely and as quickly as possible after every use.

Light Switches, Door Knobs, and Faucet Handles

Not everyone is diligent about washing hands after each trip to the bathroom. And hands can be pretty dirty when you simply open the door and switch on a light when you enter the room.

Door knobs, light switches, and faucet handles can be covered with body soil, mold, yeast, and bacteria like E. coli and Listeria that can make family members very ill.

Keep some disinfecting wipes on hand and give everything a quick wipe down at least once per day. Do it more often if anyone is suffering from a cold or virus.

Faulty Bathroom Fan

A bathroom fan or vent is essential for removing the excess moisture that accumulates after a steamy bath or shower. But is it working correctly?

If the fan is not vented properly to an outside exhaust system or the interior is covered with dust and mold, it may be recirculating dangerous particles.

Poor Water Quality

Hard water, or water that contains high levels of minerals like calcium and lime, can cause unsightly spotting on bathroom fixtures. Water testing kits are available through local health departments or purchased online to see if you have good water quality.

Showerheads

Showerhead nozzles can become clogged with soap scum, but that can easily be cleaned away with distilled white vinegar. The bigger threat with showerheads is what they may harbor inside.

In 2009, esearchers found that showerheads can be home to microbes like Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium avium. These are particularly harmful to those with lung disease or weakened immune systems.

Shower Brushes, Scrubs, and Loofahs

Shower brushes, scrubbing poofs, and loofahs are great for removing body soil and dead skin cells. They are also great at harboring all that soil, yeast, and bacteria so that the next time you use them you are spreading it all back onto your skin.

After every use, the scrubbing tools should be washed with soap and rinsed well. Remove them from the shower and hang to air dry where there is good air circulation. Toss them in the washer often for a thorough cleaning.

Hand and Bath Towels

Having to do less laundry is always a good thing and bath towels can often be used more than once if they are allowed to dry completely between uses. The problems begin if bath and hand towels, bath mats, and beach towels are shared or not washed often enough.

Hand towels should be changed daily and disinfected properly, especially if someone in the household is ill. 

Makeup Brushes and Grooming Tools

Makeup brushes, facial brushes, eyelash curlers, tweezers, and manicure and pedicure tools all come into direct contact with our skin and body fluids and can easily become contaminated with bacteria.

Vinyl Flooring

If you have a home built before 1972 with vinyl tile flooring, it may contain asbestos. The biggest threat comes if the flooring is cracked or if you decide to renovate and remove the flooring. Asbestos is a known carcinogen.

Almost all vinyl emits volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), but increasing ventilation during installation and for a few weeks when it is done will help them dissipate. There are vinyl flooring options that are manufactured to meet strict standards for indoor air quality. You can help offset problems by selecting a low VOC vinyl and adhesive and using a qualified installer.