I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve seen a lot of folks just forget the fan entirely—like, they’ll shower and walk out, and the fan never even gets flipped on. That’s when the mold really starts creeping in. The sensors can be a pain, yeah, but at least they’re automatic. I’ve had better luck with the newer models, especially if you keep them away from direct steam. Leaving the fan on works, but only if everyone remembers... and in my house, that’s a lost cause half the time.
Leaving the fan on works, but only if everyone remembers... and in my house, that’s a lost cause half the time.
- Totally get this. In my rentals, I’ve seen tenants ignore the fan switch like it’s invisible.
- Ended up installing those humidity-sensing fans—cost a bit more upfront, but way less hassle (and mold) later.
- Honestly, it’s saved me from some nasty drywall repairs. Worth every penny if you’re managing multiple places or just tired of nagging people.
Humidity-sensing fans are a total game changer, but man, I wish they’d been around when I first bought my place. Back then, my “system” was just taping a passive-aggressive note to the bathroom mirror: “Please use the fan unless you want to shower with mushrooms.” Didn’t work. My teenager still managed to ignore it, and I swear the bathroom started smelling like a swamp.
I finally caved and put in one of those auto-fans last year. Not cheap, but honestly, it’s probably paid for itself in saved sanity (and not having to scrub black spots off the ceiling every month). The only downside is now my dog gets spooked every time it kicks on by itself—small price to pay for not having to play Mold Detective.
Funny thing, though—my brother swears by just leaving the door open after a shower. Says it’s “free ventilation.” Maybe that works if you don’t mind your whole hallway smelling like Irish Spring and wet towels. Personally, I’ll stick with the tech.
Anyway, if you’re tired of nagging people (or yourself), those humidity fans are worth a look. Just don’t expect them to solve the mystery of why nobody ever replaces the empty toilet paper roll... some things are just unsolvable.
Maybe that works if you don’t mind your whole hallway smelling like Irish Spring and wet towels.
Yeah, I tried the “door open” trick for a while. Ended up with condensation on the hallway walls and the bedroom started smelling like a YMCA locker room. If you’re on a budget, here’s my lazy routine: squeegee the shower walls (takes 30 seconds), crack the window if you have one, and run the regular fan for 15-20 minutes. Not as slick as a humidity sensor, but it keeps the mold at bay—and saves some cash for when you inevitably need to buy more toilet paper.
I hear you on the locker room vibes—been there, done that. Squeegeeing is such a game-changer, though. I used to think it was overkill, but after seeing how much less gunk built up, I was sold. The window trick is gold if you’ve got one (old houses, right?), but I still forget sometimes and end up with fogged-up mirrors anyway. At least your routine doesn’t require fancy gadgets or a second mortgage.
