How To Prevent Mould In Bathrooms

CONTENTS

• Why is it important to prevent mould?
• Causes of bathroom mould
• Preventative techniques
• How to remove mould
  • Give us a call

Why is it important to prevent mould?

According to Easy Bathrooms, the average Brit spends around 11 days a year in their bathroom. But how clean are our bathrooms?

Despite the fact that the nation’s interest in bathroom cleanliness has risen by 75% over the last 5 years, many of us are still unaware of the health issues related to an unhygienic bathroom. 

One of the biggest health concerns is mould; a living organism found in humid conditions. Mould poses a range of threats to human health, including:

Respiratory problems

• Wheezing or sore throat
• Tightness in chest
• Breathing difficulties
• Violent coughing

Skin conditions

• Eczema
• Skin rashes or bumps
• Red or inflamed eyes

Toxic mould syndrome

• Brain fog
• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Sensitivity to light or blurred vision

Causes of bathroom mould

Bathrooms are typically damp, warm places – perfect conditions for mould. 

The most common type of mould in bathrooms is known as ‘black mould’. This is caused by excess moisture, which occurs as the result of condensation following a bath or shower. 

For example, not opening your bathroom window after a hot, steamy shower means that excess moisture is forced to linger in the air. When this settles on cold surfaces, it leaves behind a form of fungus.

Alternatively, leaky pipes, taps or toilets may be the culprit of mould in your bathroom. Leaks have the potential to not only cause mould but also damage the physical infrastructure of your property.

Preventative techniques

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent mould in your bathroom:

Use an extractor fan

If you don’t already have an extractor fan, now is the time to install one. 

An extractor fan can work wonders if used correctly. The main benefits of installing an extractor fan are:

• Reduced condensation
• Lower risk of mould
• Clean, odour-free air
• Extended bathroom lifetime

Open windows

Make sure to open any windows and your bathroom door after you’re finished in the bathroom. This will allow fresh air to circulate and prevent excess moisture from settling. 

Whilst opening windows won’t reduce existing mould, it will prevent the situation from getting worse. Allowing the moisture to disperse naturally will minimise the risk of condensation settling on the walls, ceiling and around the windows. 

Stick to a regular cleaning routine

A strict cleaning schedule is essential to maintain a good level of hygiene in the bathroom. 

Without a routine in place, bacteria, viruses or fungi – such as mould – may linger. Tasks should include washing your towels and bathmat frequently and wiping down surfaces. 

To prevent mould in the shower itself, wipe down any wall panels and shower trays. This will remove any excess condensation that could turn into mould. 

How to remove mould

What if it’s too late to prevent mould? 

Well, you have 2 options:

• Attempt to remove the mould yourself
• Hire a professional cleaning company

According to the Centre For Sustainable Energy (CSE), you may be able to reduce the presence of mould with a bleach-based solution. 

Try wiping down traces of black mould on your bathroom walls and ceilings and leaving it to dry overnight. Don’t forget to read the label before using store-bought chemicals.

Whilst this may restore your bathroom’s appearance in the short term, it’s important to remember that not all mould is visible.

Without access to certain tools, there is no way of knowing whether airborne mould spores are present. Therefore, professional assistance is required. 

A team of experts will be able to carry out a damp survey to determine the level of moisture in your property and treat the affected areas using persistent solutions. 

Give us a call

If your bathroom is riddled with mould, get in touch.

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer a comprehensive mould remediation service. Using specialist equipment, our highly skilled technicians are able to detect and eliminate traces of both visible and invisible mould. 

Give us a call on 0208 066 0360 to discuss your options with our friendly customer support team, or email us on [email protected]. 

If you’re currently renting, our blog on ‘What To Do If You Find Mould In Your Rented Home’ may be of interest. Likewise, if you’d like to learn more about the dangers of mould, check out our blog on ‘The Effects Of Mould On Human Health’.