Showers can be the perfect breeding ground for icky mold.

But mold in your shower isn’t an inevitability.

Try these tips from Michael Rubino, mold expert andHomeCleansefounder Michael Rubino.

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Photo:John Keeble/Getty Images

“Preventing mold involves eliminating the components needed for growth,” Rubino says.

“This includes reducing moisture and physically wiping away organic matter.

The spores also need to be wiped away so theyre no longer present on the surface.”

Clean them monthly cleanings in the washing machine, using a botanical laundry additive like EC3, Rubino says.

If you’re facing a really moldy shower curtain, it’s probably time to trash it.

“The contamination can exist deep within the fibers and be nearly impossible to remove completely.”

And get ready to do a really thorough clean.

Give the shower a good scrub at least once a week.

“These are 100 times better than regular rags at removing small particles,” Rubino says.

Then apply a sealant to help keep new mold colonies from forming.

Then, monitor your trouble spots carefully.

“Some bacteria, such as Serratia Marcescens, is pink in color and a common culprit in showers.

On the other hand, it could be a species of mold such as Aureobasidium pullulans.

“They are also typically better at keeping water away from the rest of the bathroom floor.

But it depends on whether the door is properly installed and sealed correctly.

“Check hotspot areas in the home for moldincluding the toilet tank.”