If you’ve ever dealt with mould in your bathroom, you’ll know how unsightly and unhygienic it is. Left untreated, it can have detrimental effects on your health.
Knowing how to maintain your bathroom to avoid mould is therefore key, because mould loves bathrooms.
Smaller rooms offer the perfect growing conditions: damp, wet, and often dark. Shower grout is one of the most common places for mould growth, but mould can also grow in your bath, on your showerhead, in carpets, on wooden bath panels, on sinks and toilets… Pretty much anywhere that collects lingering moisture.
But all is not lost! You’re not consigned to deal with mould in your home and the awful respiratory health implications forever.
There are five simple steps you can take starting today to maintain your bathroom to avoid mould growth.
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Get a fan and keep your bathroom ventilated
If you don’t have a fan built into your bathroom, run to the nearest bathroom or DIY store today and buy one. Turn it on during your shower or bath and keep it on for at least 30 minutes after you’ve finished.
Once you’re done, leave the door and any windows open for as long as possible. This way the moisture will either leave your property entirely or redistribute throughout the rest of your house in a way that doesn’t lend itself to mould growth.
Remember – even leftover moisture can damage walls.
An air conditioner or dehumidifier can also be used to keep humidity low.
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Get rid of moisture after bathing
When you’re ready to leave the bathroom after your bath or shower, there’s one final step that is crucial in preventing mould growth. You must spend two to five minutes getting rid of excess moisture.
The best tool we’ve found for this process is a shower squeegee. If you squeegee off your shower walls, you’ll eliminate most of the moisture that leads to mould and mildew growth within the shower itself.
You’ll also want to wipe down the tub, sink, and all other wet surfaces with a dry towel. Just be sure to hang up your towels and bathroom rugs to dry once you are done using them.
If you have a shower curtain, replace the liner with a mould- and mildew-resistant one, and pull the curtain out to its full length, perhaps laying it out across the edge of the tub, immediately after use.
We get it; everyone runs late in the morning every so often But taking these simple steps before you rush out the door will save you from a world of hurt further down the line.
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Wash your bathroom linens regularly
A good rule of thumb is that towels which have been used and then hung up in the bathroom for a period of time should be washed at least once a week. The same goes for rugs and hand towels.
Running a hot water wash once a week will contribute to a clean, mould-free bathroom.
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Keep your shower items dry
You might think that keeping your various shower items in the shower would prevent mould from spreading, but it’s actually a sure-fire way to allow mould to cluster in one moist, damp spot.
This is because, as your bottles and tubes dry, water will collect underneath them. And it’s why you should always remove your shampoos, conditioners, loofahs, washcloths, and sponges from the shower or bath immediately after use.
It’s also a good idea to wipe these items down with a dry towel, and replace items that are more fibrous – such as loofahs and sponges – regularly.
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Check for mould frequently
Despite your best efforts, mould may still grow in your bathroom – often without you noticing.
Common places are the areas that are out of sight and not regularly checked, like the areas behind the toilet or under the sink.
Leaky water supplies are a prime spot for mould to grow, too, so check for mould before you notice a musty odour, not after.
We hope you found these tips helpful. Now go forth and conquer that mould, and remember to get in touch with the Modern Home team if you need any form of bathroom renovation.