You might think about rushing into a shower and then behold a dark stain dragging its way to the top edge of the wall. Regrettably, it’s nothing but a magic trick done by your eyes. Mould has begun to grow, and it is pretty much faster than expected by most people.
Just a tiny period of moisture retention and poor air exchange, and mould will conquer the area, causing bad odour, destruction, and even health risks.
In any case, there is a silver lining. Simple practices can help to avoid mould becoming a huge problem. With the right method applied, your bathroom can be clean, dry, and healthy, if possible. Here is how one can help themselves.
Recognise Early Warning Signs
Mould may not necessarily be visible right away as well-defined black spots. In fact, the majority of cases allow early detection, and you will be able to react before the enlargement of the affected area. One of the earliest indicators is a smell of mustiness or earthiness.
In the event your bathroom gives off an awful vibe no matter how many times you clean it, then it is likely that mould is concealed behind tiles, under sealant, or in walls. Discolouration is yet another sign. Very light pink, orange, or yellow spots on grout or caulk can be the first signs of mould.
Moisture held under the covering is generally shown by wallpaper that has bubbled or paint that has peeled. Likewise, pooling water spots on the floor and damp corners are unmistakable signals of the issue.
In case some regions consistently have a cooler and more humid feeling compared to the others, there is a high probability that the mould has already started growing there. If these indications are selected at an early stage, then there will be a chance for cleaning or fixing to be done in a simple way before the help of the expert is required.
Control humidity levels in the home environment, and you can ultimately say goodbye to mould, which is the most effective way to prevent its formation, you might say.
Stop Moisture at Its Source
Damp areas are the favored breeding grounds of mould, hence moisture removal should be the first step of the whole process. Go for the areas under sinks, toilets, and carpets, the spots where water could possibly be trapped and gathered near racks or shelves.
As typically worn-down briars or loose subordinate bits, most cases of dripping taps or leaking showerheads need to be remedied if not already.
One more disadvantage is that there is condensation on the glass of the windows, on the walls, and on the mirrors. Solutions for dealing with this problem are wiping the surfaces after taking a shower and using dehumidifiers.
Moisture is also trapped in the pipe joints, washing machine connections, and closed cabinet spaces. If you have loose fittings, tighten them, and replace damaged seals as well as add insulation if needed.
Hygrometers are one of the methods used to monitor the humidity levels. If such levels exceed the limit of 60%, the maximum limit for the growth of mould, then bringing it down to an acceptable level might be done with the help of a dehumidifier.
Plenty of little daily actions like opening the shower curtain, drying the wet places, and looking for cracks in grout help to get rid of moisture. This also helps to keep mould from coming and spreading in the first place.
Boost Airflow
In case you lack an exhaust fan, it is really a worthy investment if you install an exhaust fan that is appropriate for the dimensions of your bathroom.
For at least 30 minutes, leave the fan running after showering, as this will greatly assist in removing any moisture that remains. A timer switch can make this entire process automatic, thus forgetting it won’t be a problem.
Opening a window during or after bathing enhances airflow, and also slightly opening the door when the room is unoccupied helps. A louvred door can ensure airflow even when it is shut.
A small portable fan can further improve circulation, keeping corners dry and reducing the chance of mould forming.
Pick Mould-Resistant Materials
By selecting products that resist mould, it is much simpler to prevent the problem. Use of mildew-resistant coatings, anti-mould caulking, and rapidly drying shower curtains will keep the physical problem from growing back.
Those items that come vented, such as soap holders, a mug for toothbrushes, and towel racks, are crafted in such a way that they allow water to drain completely, preventing the accumulation of humidity.
Using tiles that have no mould growth, sealing of grout, water-resistant drywall, and using specific insulation for the walls all contribute to the elimination of hidden moisture, especially in the cold corners.
The application of these materials makes for a bathroom that is unfriendly to mould and thus saves you a lot of time, money, and effort over the long run.
Stay on Top of Cleaning
Mold can be easily fought with plain sweeping as the best defense. Vinegar and baking soda, combined with weekly cleaning, can do most growth control without resorting to harsh chemicals. Difficult areas can be well treated with commercial cleaners if used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The application of soft brushes or an old toothbrush for the cleaning of grout lines and corners will give the best result. Just combine hydrogen peroxide and water, put the mixture on the stained areas, and after a few minutes, start scrubbing.
Vents and fans cleaning should not be overlooked at all. Monthly dusting of these will not only ensure good airflow but also enhance hygiene.
Steam cleaners or borax solutions can be very good alternative ways of getting rid of hard stains. Mixing one cup of borax and one gallon of water can be used for the mould, left on for some minutes, and finally scrubbed off to get rid of the mould safely.
If the attempts to clean are unsuccessful and the mold remains, professional cleaning companies such as house cleaning services will remove the mold and do bathroom renovation through cleaning.
Conclusion
You did it, great job! It has been a huge step already toward obtaining a clean and healthy bathroom. The main distinction between a bathroom free of mould and one with never-ending problems is the factor of awareness and consistency.
You’re now totally prepared, as you’ve already figured out the signs and the right reactions.
By adhering to these good practices, you will shortly possess a bathroom that always has a pleasant smell, with no mould in the clean corners for a long time.