How to Prevent Mold and Mildew in Your New Shower

Nothing ruins that “just remodeled” feeling faster than spotting mold or mildew in your brand-new shower.

If you’ve recently upgraded your bathroom (especially with a tub-to-shower conversion or walk-in shower), you want it to stay looking fresh, clean, and safe for the long haul. Mold and mildew thrive in damp, poorly ventilated environments, so without a little regular maintenance, even the most beautiful shower can lose its shine.

The good news? If you’ve chosen an acrylic shower from Bathroom Pros, you’re already ahead of the game. But no shower is entirely maintenance-free, so here’s how to keep yours in tip-top shape year-round.

Choose the Right Shower Materials From the Start

Let’s start with what matters most: the construction of your shower. Traditional tile and grout absorb moisture and soap scum, creating the perfect environment for mold to grow in those tiny crevices.

Acrylic, on the other hand, is non-porous and grout-free. That means water, soap, and bacteria can’t seep into the surface or hide in hard-to-reach areas. It’s easier to clean, dries faster, and doesn’t require harsh chemicals or constant scrubbing.

If your shower is already acrylic, like the ones we install at Bathroom Pros, you’ve already eliminated one of the biggest causes of mold buildup.

Daily Habits Make a Big Difference

Even with mold-resistant materials, moisture is still part of everyday showering. A few quick habits can help keep your shower cleaner, longer:

• Rinse the walls and floor after each use to remove soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

• Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces and glass doors (if you have them).

• Leave the shower door or curtain open to promote airflow and help surfaces dry faster.

• Turn on the exhaust fan or crack a window during and after your shower to reduce humidity in the room.

These small steps take less than a minute, and they go a long way in preventing mildew stains and musty odors.

Clean Gently, But Regularly

With acrylic, you don’t need fancy sprays or scrubbing brushes. In fact, harsh cleaners can do more harm than good.

Instead:

• Use a mild soap or vinegar-water solution to clean your shower weekly.

• Skip anything abrasive (no steel wool or gritty powders).

• Pay extra attention to corners, built-in shelves, and shower tracks where water tends to pool.

Pro tip: If you have hard water in your area, wiping things down daily helps prevent mineral buildup that can trap bacteria and cause streaks.

Watch for Problem Areas

If you notice standing water or musty smells, it’s worth a closer look.

Check for:

• Clogged or slow drains that leave water sitting too long

• Poor ventilation in windowless bathrooms or fanless setups

• Loose caulking or seals that may let water sneak into hidden spots

At Bathroom Pros NJ, we professionally install every shower to avoid these issues from the start. However, it’s still smart to stay alert, especially in older homes or multi-user bathrooms.

A Clean Shower Is a Safer Shower

Mold and mildew aren’t just unsightly; they can affect indoor air quality and increase slip risks. Keeping your shower clean supports both the health and safety of your home, especially for aging homeowners or those with respiratory sensitivities.

Ready to Upgrade to an Easier-to-Maintain Shower?

If your current bathroom is a magnet for mold, we can help. At Bathroom Pros, we specialize in custom acrylic walk-in showers and tub-to-shower conversions designed to resist mold, clean up fast, and look beautiful for years to come.

Schedule your free consultation and say goodbye to scrubbing grout for good.