We always clean our bathroom. We see to it that the tiles are clean and shiny. We brush, we scrub, we rinse, and wash to make sure that our bathrooms are hygienic. But wait, why does our bathroom smell stinky? This may be a sign of bathroom mould. They are not commonly visible because they develop in hidden areas that are cold, damp, and dark. They may crawl between the tiles of your bathroom or underneath your sinks and toilet bowls. Since mould spores are airborne, they have an impact on the air quality of our homes. Their spore or stinky smell can cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory infections. The best way to avoid these is to keep our bathrooms and homes mould-free. Here are some ways on how to prevent bathroom mould as advised by a local Sydney plumber.
What are Moulds?
Mould is a type of fungus that commonly thrives in a dark, humid, and moist environment. They are usually harmless in a small amount. But since they reproduce quickly, they can cause damages and health hazards to the household. Moulds reproduce by trillions of spores so they can quickly get out of hand if undetected early. In the bathroom, moulds are commonly caused by:
- Damp cellulose materials from bathroom products.
- Harsh chemicals.
- Lack of ventilation.
- Leaking pipes, sinks, and toilets.
- Moisture from wet fabric, rugs, and towels.
How to Prevent Bathroom Mould?
The best way to avoid problems from bathroom mould is to prevent them. There are several things we need to avoid and do to prevent bathroom mould. Here’s a list:
Avoid harsh chemicals
The fumes of harsh chemicals contribute to the poor indoor air quality of our bathroom. They are caustic and reactive and can harm the abrasive protection of your bathroom surface. When this happened, the tile surfaces became more susceptible to the growth of mould.
Clean your bathroom regularly
The best way to prevent bathroom mould is to regularly clean your bathroom. Cleaning wipes moisture out of the environment. The proper way is to wash, wipe, and dry. After showering, look for areas where condensation builds up. These can be moisture formation on your shower screen and windows. Wipe them dry to prevent mould to form from moisture that seeps on the surface.
Fix leaks immediately
Leaks from bathroom sinks, pipes, and toilets lead to stagnant water build-up. This can be a good area for moulds to thrive. So, it is important to fix leaks immediately to prevent mould and bigger plumbing issues.
Keep household humidity levels below 50%
As much as possible, keep a 50% humidity level inside your home. Using an air-conditioner or humidifier can help. The higher humidity you have inside, the higher the chance bathroom mould will develop. Putting a cactus or dehumidifying plant inside your bathroom is also a great option.
Improve ventilation
Improving the ventilation inside your bathroom can also help prevent mould. Proper ventilation keeps humid and moist air outside the bathroom. Installing an exhaust fan improves ventilation. Turn it on whenever you shower or use the bathroom. Dust them regularly to make sure that they are working efficiently.
Open blinds and windows
As mentioned, mould likes damp and dark areas. Opening up your blinds and windows keeps your house with enough lighting to prevent them.
Tidy up your bathroom products
A big culprit to mould growth is the products we have in the bathroom. Loofahs, shampoos, shower gels, bath toys are commonly left wet inside the bathroom. They can be a place for mould to grow. So, it is best to organise and simplify your bathroom products to prevent mould growth.
Wash bathroom curtains, rugs, and towels regularly
Damp fibres like clothes, rugs, and towels should not be left hanging inside the bathroom. They are a perfect breeding place for mould. As they harbour moulds, the spores can transfer to your bathroom floors and walls then grow. Washing bathroom curtains, rugs, and towels regularly can also make them mould resistant. If possible, use mildew-resistant fabrics and replace them frequently.
