“I’ve spotted black mould in my bathroom! What do I do?”
We get this question time and time again in our line of work. Many homeowners panic at the first sign of black mould, but these problems can be easily remedied by tackling poor ventilation, addressing the source of excess moisture and a little bit of elbow grease.
Bathrooms are one of the most common areas of the house for black mould to germinate. A poorly ventilated bathroom provides the perfect environment for mould to form from hot water generating excessive moisture in the air that is unable to escape and ends up settling as condensation on walls and ceilings.
The black mould that comes from condensation settling on bathroom walls is an extremely common problem for properties across the UK as well as an entirely preventable problem that can be solved with minimal disruption.
What is Black Mould?
Black mould is an unpleasant fungus that grows in damp, humid environments such as bathrooms. As previously mentioned, black mould in the bathroom can be caused by steam, that is unable to escape condensing on cooler surfaces such as painted bathroom walls, in between the grout of tiles and on window ledges.
Once mould has begun to grow, it is vitally important not to ignore the problem.
What Solutions are there for Black Mould?
There are many solutions available online to prevent black mould forming in the bathroom from old wives tales to genuine practical tips. To save you from trying every solution the Internet can throw at you, here are three very simple methods we have found to work in our experience:
Reduce the humidity
A simple hack that can be adapted into your everyday bathroom routine. If you have a bathroom fan fitted, make sure that a) it works and b) it is used every time you shower or bath. Keeping the fan on afterwards will ensure any excess moisture is ventilated. This can also be achieved by opening the bathroom window while you shower or bath… though we appreciate some people may not like doing this when it is cold.
Wipe down the bathroom after every use
This may seem tedious to do after every time you take a bath or shower but it will prevent damp surface forming and black mould germinating. Remember to wring out the cloth in the sink, rather than dry it on a radiator.
Keep the bathroom door closed
Always keep the bathroom door closed when in use. This prevents cold air from entering and hot humid air escaping to condense elsewhere in the property. The door should remain closed until the bathroom has vented.
It may seem like simple advice, but these actions are often ignored and they can dramatically reduce the chances of black mould. There are of course more extreme condensation problems that require professional assistance but we would always recommend trying simple lifestyle changes first.
For more expert tips and advice, take a look at our free online guide on how to reduce condensation and black mould throughout your home.
How to Remove Black Mould in the Bathroom?
Stopping the source of black mould is one thing, but if it has already started growing in your bathroom you still need to clean up what is there. Unfortunately, black mould requires a little bit more than just soap and water.
Cleaning Mould from Bathroom Ceiling and Walls
Black Mould can be effectively removed using chemical and sterilisation products. There are many products widely available on the market that you can use yourself. Using a combination of a specialised anti-mould spray and applying anti-condensation paints to the walls and ceiling can effectively remove black mould and prevent any future growth recurring. The mould (even when dead) can still leave a stain and not all products will remove this.
Rentokil Property Care provides an extensive range of solutions and services to prevent and treat any problems your property may face including condensation on walls, damp problems and mould growth. If you require more information about our range of service or need help with your mould problems, we will be more than happy to help.
Leave a Reply