Wall Damage From Shower-Curtain Rods

Mold and Mildew

• Mold and mildew can often grow on the paint behind a shower curtain rod, as the rod provides a place for water to get trapped. The best way to get rid of black or green growth you discover behind your rod is to use bleach and water. A few drops of bleach on a wet sponge can be used to wipe away most any mold or mildew growth taking up residence on your bathroom wall.

Peeled Paint

• Sometimes when a homeowner removes a tension-style shower curtain rod, a piece of the paint on the wall comes with it. This is due to the damp conditions of the bathroom, causing the metal of the rod to adhere itself to the paint. If the damage is limited to the paint on the wall, and no deeper damage has been done to the drywall, a touch-up repainting may be all that's necessary. Match the paint to the rest of the bathroom wall, and paint over the damaged area.

Depression

• If a curtain rod is tightened to the wall too much, it can press the rod into the drywall and leave a permanent depression. These marks are not noticeable when the rod is up, but when the shower curtain comes down, they are much more apparent. Any visible depression in the wall is going to require joint compound for filling. Use a putty knife to apply a small amount to the depression, and use the knife to smooth the surface of the joint compound. Use as little joint compound as you can to reduce your need to sand. Allow the joint compound to dry before sanding it smooth. Paint the area with a color-matched paint.

Holes

• Occasionally, a shower-curtain rod can actually punch through the drywall and leave a hole. This requires a bit more work and material than simple drywall depressions, and necessitates using either a drywall patch or drywall tape. Patches and tape both serve the same purpose: They bridge gaps between two pieces of drywall or over a hole, giving a backing for joint compound to be applied. Patch the hole, or use drywall tape to cover the hole, and apply a thin layer of joint compound over the surface. Allow the compound to dry, sand smooth and repaint with a color-matched paint.