Keeping mold away from your shower - my favorite lazy hack

Humidity-sensing vent fans are actually pretty solid, at least in my experience. I put one in our main bath last year - no more forgetting to flip the switch, and it kicks on automatically after a steamy shower. It’s not totally silent, but it’s less hassle than nagging everyone to use the squeegee (which, yeah, nobody likes). As for the box fan, I’ve seen folks just stash it away when not in use. Not the prettiest solution, but it works if you’re desperate.

I’ve looked into those humidity-sensing fans, but I’m always worried about retrofitting in older plaster walls - did you run into any issues with wiring or mounting? My bathroom’s ventilation is ancient, and I’m hesitant to start cutting holes unless I know what’s behind there. The auto-on feature sounds great, though. Does it actually keep the mirrors clear too, or just help with mold?

I’ve looked into those humidity-sensing fans, but I’m always worried about retrofitting in older plaster walls - did you run into any issues with wiring or mounting? My bathroom’s ventilation is ancient, and I’m hesitant to start cutting holes unless I know what’s behind there. The auto-on feature sounds great, though. Does it actually keep the mirrors clear too, or just help with mold?

- Totally get the hesitation about cutting into old plaster. It can be a gamble - sometimes you find old knob-and-tube wiring or weird framing surprises.
- When I put in a humidity-sensing fan in my 1950s place, I was bracing for the worst. Ended up just needing a little patching around the edges (plaster dust everywhere, though). Wiring was more of a pain than mounting, honestly. If your current fan is ancient, you might have to run new wire to meet code.
- The auto-on feature is a game changer for lazy folks like me. No more forgetting to flip the switch after a steamy shower.
- As for mirrors: it helps, but don’t expect miracles. If you’ve got a tiny bathroom and the fan’s sized right, it’ll clear up fog faster than an old-school fan. Still get some condensation if you take super hot showers or don’t leave the door cracked.
- Mold-wise? Night and day difference. My ceiling used to get those little black spots every winter - gone now.

If you’re nervous about what’s behind the wall, maybe try one of those inspection cameras through the vent opening first? Or just be ready for some patchwork... that’s half the fun with old houses anyway.

Honestly, if your current setup isn’t doing much, even a basic upgrade will help both with mold and mirror fog. Just takes a bit of courage (and maybe some extra joint compound).

I get the appeal of humidity-sensing fans, but honestly, I’ve had just as much luck with a regular high-powered fan and leaving the door cracked. Sometimes those auto features are more finicky than helpful - mine would kick on at random times, even when the bathroom wasn’t steamy. If you’re worried about the hassle of retrofitting, maybe just upgrade to a stronger standard fan first. Less mess, and you might be surprised how much it helps with both mold and fog.

I hear you on the finicky sensors - some of those humidity-sensing fans seem to have a mind of their own. I’ve installed a few where the calibration was just off, and folks ended up frustrated. Still, I’d say if you’re dealing with persistent moisture or poor airflow, a high-powered standard fan can make a huge difference, especially if you don’t want to mess with wiring upgrades. Just make sure the CFM rating matches your bathroom size... people often overlook that and wonder why nothing changes. Sometimes simple really is better.