subject: Preventing And Eliminating Bathroom Mould [print this page] Mould and mildew aren't uncommon in bathrooms but can be incredibly unsightly if left untreated as they can continue to spread and ruin your bathroom dcor. Not only can mould make your bathroom look unclean, it can also harbour nasty odours and be harder to remove once it's begun to spread across your bathroom. Common places it can be spotted include: grouting in between tiles, ceilings and around your bath and basin taps. Mould found in the bathroom is generally harmless but preventing it from occurring can make your bathroom look much more pleasant.
Why does it grow in my bathroom?
Mould and mildew grow in warm, moist conditions. Bathrooms are their perfect breeding ground as hot steam, which emits from the shower or bath, hits the cold air and turns into condensation. This condensation clings to the walls and allows mould to develop. You may also notice mould growing on the sealant connecting your sink and bathtub to the wall - this is because it's prone to getting wet from when they're used.
How can I prevent mould from ruining the appearance of my bathroom?
It can be very hard to completely eliminate mould, although good ventilation drastically minimises the chances of it developing. Always open the window when showering or bathing so the steam leaves through the window rather than being boxed in. Bathroom fans can provide extra prevention and can be more convenient for the winter months when it may be too cold to open the window.
Dehumidifiers, which can be placed just outside of the bathroom, can help to collect some of the moisture from the air. This can also help homes which suffer from damp problems, as mould isn't restricted to bathrooms. Dehumidifiers generally need emptying a few times a day and many homeowners stand by them as an effective mould prevention technique.
Regularly wiping down the bathroom after every use can be time consuming but is a sure-fire way to beat the mould - if the moisture isn't there it can't grow. However, homeowners with busy schedules and large families can struggle to keep the bathroom completely dry after every use which is why bathroom mould is so common.
How can I get rid of existing mould?
Generally, bleach and water can eliminate mould. The bleach can also prevent the mould from reoccurring too. If you're unsure of whether to use bleach on a certain surface be sure to check with the manufacturer before applying as damage can be irreversible. For items or surfaces which you know you can't use bleach on, soap and warm water can effectively remove mould stains. Some bathroom sprays are specifically designed to tackle the mischievous mould and mildew, and you have the satisfaction that they're suitable for use within the bathroom.
