Easy ways to prevent potentially harmful mold

What, exactly, is that green, black, and blue substance that likes to grow on the inside of your shower curtain? It's mold, a type of fungus that grows most extensively in warm, damp environments. In small amounts, mold may not be harmful, but if you don't stop its growth, it's likely to spread.

"A large amount of mold in the home can be potentially damaging to your health," says William Crouch, M.D., a physician based in Charleston, SC. "Especially if you have allergies, since mold is an allergen." In many cases, a bit of disinfecting bleach and a nice sunny day are your best weapons against the black and green fuzz. Below are some time-honored mold fighting strategies.

Prevention is the best strategy to stop mold growth. Effective prevention gives you the upper hand. Be sure to keep surfaces clean, improve air circulation in your bathroom, and take measures to reduce dampness. If you have a shower curtain, stretch it across the rod, fully opened, so it will dry faster than if it's bunched at one end, where mold can grow in the folds. If you have a fan, run it for 5 to 10 minutes after you shower to get the air circulating.

Daily maintenance. Wipe down bathtubs, shower doors, and floors with a product approved to kill mold. A daily dose of it will keep mildew (visible mold) growth in check. Use a solution of Clorox® Regular-Bleach to kill mold and remove mildew*.

Get in the grout. Grout is porous and therefore especially susceptible to mold and mildew. Use a utility brush and cleaner specially formulated for tile and grout.

Calling it curtains. Mildew loves shower curtains. Shower curtains usually come in two parts: the outer, decorative curtain, and the water-repellent liner. Keeping the liner clean and dry is key to avoiding mold growth. Generally speaking, vinyl, and synthetic liners can be washed in the washing machine with laundry detergent and disinfecting bleach.

Source: "Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: Bathroom"

*Use as directed.