PNW Tips
Run the Bath Fan Longer
Bathrooms make a lot of moisture, especially during a damp Northwest winter. Turn the fan on before a shower and leave it running afterward, wipe the tub walls, and hang the bath mat to dry. Keep the fan cover clean and report persistent dampness or a musty smell before it turns into a bigger move-out problem.
Why this helps
Bathrooms get steamy, and damp winters make it worse. A fan that keeps running after your shower helps keep a smell from starting, and a smell can turn into a mark you both have to deal with.
Do this
- Turn the fan on before a shower. It starts clearing the air early.
- Leave it running afterward. The steam needs time to leave.
- Wipe the walls of the tub, and hang the bath mat so it can dry. Dry surfaces are less welcoming to mustiness.
- Keep the fan cover clean. A clean cover lets the fan move more air.
- Report a damp smell that does not go away, before it becomes a larger problem. A quick heads up keeps it small.
Next step
After your next shower, leave the fan on and wipe the walls on your way out. That's all it takes!