The bathroom is the most likely culprit for mould in the home because it’s a moist area that generally lacks proper ventilation. The problem with mould is it is unhygienic and ugly, whether it’s a patch on the ceiling or growth on your grout.
All mould requires is moisture and poor ventilation – two things that are common in bathrooms. And once it appears, it can be a challenge to remove it permanently. Beyond its unsightly appearance, it is harmful to your health, especially if you have respiratory issues or allergies.
So, what is mould? It’s a toxic fungus that thrives in damp and dark areas. You often find it in shower recesses, tiled wet areas, bathroom walls, and ceilings. The key to distinguishing between mildew and mould is texture and colour. While mildew is powdery looking and grey, mould is fuzzy and black.
If you spot mould in your bathroom, you need to act fast before it has a chance to spiral out of control. The presence of mildew is a sign that you have a growing problem that could escalate to mould. Mould is much harder to get rid of and if allowed to build up, can be dangerous. Though the reaction varies, mould can produce cold-like symptoms or exacerbate existing allergies or respiratory symptoms.
The key to preventing mould from forming in your bathroom is great ventilation – so open the windows and door after showering and give it time to breathe. You should also have a ventilation fan in use whenever the bath or shower is in use. A dehumidifier will also help.
After bathing, take steps to deal with excess moisture. You can clean down and dry all of the wet surfaces, and hang used towels and rugs out to dry. Be sure to regularly clean your shower curtain or glass regularly to prevent mildew or mould from building up.
You may want to consider resealing your grout to prevent moisture from seeping through slight cracks. This is the gateway for mould so you need to stop it in its tracks.
One of the biggest sneaky mould spots is a leaky toilet or tap. If you notice a damp or musty odour, you need to launch an inspection to locate the source so it can be dealt with immediately before it escalates.
Be sure to check your bathroom regularly for mould, behind the toilet, under your units, and in adjoining cupboards just to be sure. Take action as soon as you find mould. Bleach and white vinegar are fine for stopping a small patch from spreading. But if you have a major outbreak, purchase a commercial solution designed specifically for mould removal. Regular cleaning should also help keep mould at bay.
Diving into bathroom renovations may seem like a big decision, but if you have a persistent mould problem then it could be an underlying issue. Unless you address the root of the problem, you will have to live with a damp, mouldy bathroom. When renovating a bathroom, be sure to speak to the professionals about the steps they plan to take to combat dampness and mould in your Sydney bathroom.
Before you jump to renovating bathrooms or looking at new suites, seek professional advice. If it’s time for a bathroom renovation in Sydney, then the friendly experts at Crystal Bathrooms are more than happy to help. No matter the size of your bathroom, Crystal Bathrooms can provide you with expert advice on where to go next. Reach out for your free no-obligation quote.