Two common elements found in the Essex bathroom are water and humidity.
Every time we take a bath or shower excess water occurs combine this with warmth and poor ventilation (most bathrooms) for a humid environment.
Add darkness (no one keeps the bathroom light on 24/7) and you have the prime breeding ground for mould.
When the conditions are right (water, humidity, oxygen and darkness) mould will grow within 24 hours
What is mould?
Mould is an organism part of the fungi family, unlike plants they don’t get their energy from sunlight. Instead, they feast on the surface they are growing on.
Moulds purpose is to break down dead organic matter
Mould should be removed as the effects can be harmful (in extreme circumstances) it’s unhygienic and doesn’t look nice either. Mould, in some cases, causes allergic reactions and in extreme cases can present health risks. Although don’t worry it’s unlikely the mould in your bathroom will damage you. Unless you let it get out of control, it consumes your whole bathroom, and you’re exposed to it for a number of years, a highly unlikely scenario.
How to remove mould
Mould is usually easy to remove in the bathroom. Mould’s especially Common on sealant and grout around your shower, bath and basin. You might find it elsewhere on areas such as tiles.
When cleaning, mould always wear gloves and make sure you have adequate ventilation. Turning on the fan and opening the bathroom window should be enough.
White vinegar is an excellent mould remover fill a spray bottle then spray directly onto the affected areas. Scrub with a cloth or toothbrush for stubborn to remove mould.
Alternatively, you can use commercial mould and mildew remover. You’ll find several brands in the cleaning section of your local supermarket
For extreme cases of mould you can use bleach mixed with water use 1ooml bleach to 1 litre of water. Spray with a spray bottle and scrub as per the white vinegar method mentioned above.
Bleach is very powerful stuff and isn’t too friendly on the eyes, lungs and skin. Wear gloves, and maybe even eye protection make sure the bathrooms well ventilated when you clean.
How To Prevent Mould
Prevention is better than cure
- Make sure you have a ventilation fan fitted in your bathroom and use every time you take a shower and bath. Leave the fan on for around 20 minutes when you’re done.
- You can open the window for an hour or so as well.
- Don’t leave any items in the shower, such as bottles of shower gel, sponges, etc. Mould will grow around these items.
- Use a mould and mildew resistant shower curtain, as soon as it starts getting mouldy wash or replace
- Clean your bathroom regularly
Follow the steps and you’ll have a mould free bathroom