Keeping your bathroom free of mould is essential for maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment. Thankfully, keeping your bathroom mould-free is relatively easy if you are consistent in your cleaning and keep moisture levels as low as possible.
Here are 10 top tips from property expert Gregory Smith at PriceYourJob.co.uk on how to prevent the problem from developing and getting out of hand:
Invest in a good exhaust fan
The primary reason for mould developing in a bathroom is due to the high moisture levels in the air from actions such as showering. An exhaust fan is essential in tackling this problem as it forms the first line of defence against moisture and mould.
The vents of the fan work by sucking the moisture out of the air and releasing it outside, allowing cooler and fresher air to fill the space. This will allow your bathroom to dry out much faster and prevent mould and mildew growth.
Run a dehumidifier
Whilst a dehumidifier won’t get rid of existing mould, it is a great preventative measure against growth in wet and humid places. These appliances can help to reduce the excess moisture in a bathroom and prevent the growth of mould and the development of unwanted musty odours.
However, there are some important safety considerations when using this method. Place the dehumidifier in an area where it won’t come into direct contact with water. It is best placed in a space where it can effectively capture moisture from the air but is away from water sources such as showers to avoid electrical hazards – just outside of the bathroom door is perfect!
Make use of a squeegee
Taking a few seconds to run a squeegee over your bathtub, shower walls, and shower door right after washing will go a long way in reducing moisture from the room. For best results, use a cleaning solution like hot water and vinegar mix to soak the surface before squeegeeing.
Additionally, if you see water dripping from the inside of your bathroom window, squeegee and dry it with a towel to discourage condensation. Any water left to sit in the bathroom can contribute to mould development, and this is an ideal way to tackle the issue as soon as you see it.
Wash towels, rugs, and curtains regularly
Fabrics within your bathroom, such as bathmats, rugs, towels, and shower curtains, are ideal spots for mould to grow, especially if they are left moist and unwashed for long periods of time.
A simple way to help prevent mould in your bathroom is to clean these items regularly – at least once a week is recommended. If your shower curtain liner isn’t washable, change it frequently and be sure to never leave any wet towels lying around. Following these steps will leave you with a much cleaner, healthier bathroom.
Dry out shower items
After showering, many of us will just step out, dry ourselves off, and move on with our day. But what about those items that are left behind sitting in water? When items are kept in the shower after use, water accumulates under them as they dry.
This situation provides the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, so it is well worth taking a few extra seconds to remove items. Taking loofahs, sponges, and product bottles out of the shower when it is not in use is a big step in keeping mould at bay.
Fix any leaks
As well as coming from regular routines like showering and bathing, moisture can accumulate and cause mould to grow as a result of leaks. Whenever you see a leak or drip, it is vital that you act fast and don’t rule it out as a job for later!
Fix the leak immediately if you are able to, or call a plumber if it is a more complex issue that requires professional care. Leaving the issue will only make it worse, especially if mould takes hold and starts growing – always remember that it is much harder to get rid of mould than it is to prevent it.
Reseal your grout
Tiles are a popular choice for bathroom walls and floors as they are durable, functional, water-resistant, and easy to clean. However, hairline cracks can easily form, creating an entryway for moisture to seep in, providing the perfect environment for mould to grow and develop.
It is a good idea to consider resealing your grout around once a year to prevent moisture from getting into any cracks. You may also need to reseal between tiles around the seals on areas such as sinks and bathtubs.
Open doors and windows
Whilst investments such as exhaust fans and dehumidifiers are excellent in tackling mould growth, a more natural method is simply to crack open a window! To reduce dampness and circulate air after your shower, keep the shower door or curtain, bathroom door, and any windows open.
Air needs to be able to move freely to discourage the development of condensation and subsequent mould growth. Additionally, keeping doors and windows open will let in more natural light, which is excellent at fighting mould and mildew.
Clean with mould-killing products
It is well worth keeping your cleaning product cupboard stocked with specific mould-killing bathroom cleaners that you can easily access to defend your home against mould and mildew growth.
Clean your home with these products on a regular basis to stop the problem before it starts. There are also plenty of products available to effectively remove mould if it has managed to creep its way in.
Clean with existing household products
If mould has already started to develop, bleach is a great way to get rid of it, but if you prefer to go for a more natural method, white vinegar or baking soda are efficient solutions.
To get rid of mould with baking soda, mix it with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area, let it sit for 10 minutes, then use a brush to scrub it off. Other household cleaning products, including soap and water, will usually also do the trick.
Gregory Smith: “Gregory Smith has worked in the property and construction industry for over 20 years. He currently continues to work on domestic building projects while also providing expert comments in the property and construction field for PriceYourJob. He has worked with PriceYourJob for the past 4 years and has been published in a range of reputable publications.”
Featured image: Ziga Plahutar, Getty Images Signature
