Here’s What Actually Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Bathroom (2024)

You probably know that washing and changing your sheets frequently can help ward off dust mites, one of the most common household pests that can wreak havoc on allergies. But did you know there’s another type of microscopic mite—the mold mite—that’s common in households and thrives in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basem*nts?

Mold mites are tiny, just 0.3–0.4 microns in size, so you’ll probably never see a single mite with your naked eye, says Michael Rubino, a mold and air-quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse. However, as mold mites proliferate and their population increases in the problem area, their colonies may become visible. Mold mite colonies look like white or tan dotted clusters, and they frequently appear in moist areas or near food products.

“A small patch of mold can be home to thousands of these tiny mites,” says Rubino, who is also president of Change the Air Foundation and host of the Never Been Sicker podcast.

If you have any mold in your house, you likely also have mold mites that are feeding on it. You'll want to make sure you address the issue as soon as you're aware of it to prevent any potential health risks. Here's what the experts say on how to tell if your home has mold mites, to get rid of mold mites, and how to prevent them in the future.

What Are Mold Mites?

Mold mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) are tiny arthropods that belong in the same family as spiders and ticks, Rubino says. While there are thousands of species of mites, there are about 60 different species of mold mites. They range from tannish to white in color, are nearly transparent, and are wingless with six long setae (hairs). Female mold mites can lay around 500 to 800 eggs during their lifespan.

What Conditions Cause Mold Mites to Thrive?

Mold mites thrive in moist or high-humidity areas, Rubino says. “Basically, anywhere mold can grow, these mites can also thrive,” he says. “In homes, this means they’re normally found in bathrooms, kitchens, basem*nts, laundry rooms, and any space that has a leak, like behind the walls or in the attic.”

Mold mites are primarily attracted to growing mold colonies but can also be found on or near yeast, bacteria, other fungi, food products high in protein and fat, and other organic matter, he says.

What Are the Signs That You Have Mold Mites?

The strongest sign that you may have mold mites is any visible mold. But in some cases, mold can be hidden beneath the floor or inside walls. If you smell the telltale earthy, musty, almost cigar-like mold odor, it could be a sign that you’ve got hidden microbial growth and accompanying mites, Rubino says.

Are Mold Mites a Health Concern?

While mold mites don’t bite or sting like other notorious home and yard intruders like bed bugs or mosquitos, they can still potentially cause health issues. As their colonies proliferate, the mites will shed their skins and hairs, create small fragments, and release feces, Rubino says.

Mold mites can also cause skin irritation or pollute your home's air, says Dr. Laura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of SWELL Medical PC. However, the mold they’re feeding on is more serious to your health. “Mold exposure can be very dangerous for humans and can cause a range of health concerns,” Dr. Purdy says. “It will range from person to person how symptoms appear and the impact mold exposure has on them specifically. This differs based on allergies, sensitivities, and other medical conditions.”

Mold, for some people, can trigger a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, burning eyes, and skin rashes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those who have asthma or mold allergies may have more serious symptoms, and those who are immunocompromised may get infections in their lungs from mold, according to the CDC.

How Do You Get Rid of Mold Mites?

The first step in getting rid of mold mites is eliminating the source of their food and moisture. For example, if food products were the source, remove the contaminated items and deep-clean the surrounding area.

For small spots on nonporous surfaces, it's best to use bleach on the problem area to kill the mold mites and mold all at once. However, if the mold growth has spread into your walls, floors, or other hard-to-access areas of the home, it becomes a serious remediation project that's best left to a professional. Mold remediation can be pricey, costing from $5,000 for a small space to $30,000 or more for a whole-home project, which is why taking steps to prevent mold (and the mold mites that feed on it) is so important.

How Can You Prevent Mold Mites?

The best way to prevent mold mites at home is to have a good defensive strategy in place, eliminating the potential for indoor microbial growth, Rubino says.

The best tips for preventing mold mites at home:

• Immediately fix any structural issues with your home to avoid moisture intrusion.
• Ensure your gutters are clean and structurally sound so moisture doesn’t seep into the house.
• Reduce moisture wherever it occurs in the home. Clean up spills and pooled water quickly; hang wet items like bathmats and towels to dry; avoid leaving wet clothes in your washer; separate the shower curtain and liner so they can air out; allow appliances that run water (like the dishwasher) to dry out after use; fix any leaks that happen.
• Maintain an indoor humidity level of 35–50%. You can measure this with a device called a hygrometer, but most digital thermometers are also equipped with this function.
• Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
• Increase airflow in rooms that tend to be humid, like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.
• Regularly deep-clean your home.
• Invest in air purifiers, particularly a whole-home purifier.
• Change the HVAC filters on a regular schedule.

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