With so much extra moisture in the air that can lead to damp and mould, bathroom ventilation is essential. Excess moisture can be particularly problematic in windowless bathrooms and wet rooms, but even bathrooms with windows can experience issues as a result of high levels of moisture. Read on to find out what you can do to keep your bathroom well-ventilated.
Benefits of having good bathroom ventilation
There are multiple interlinked benefits of good bathroom ventilation:
- It helps to limit condensation.
- It helps to prevent damp and mould, which not only look unsightly but can lead to health complications, including respiratory problems such as asthma and skin reactions such as eczema.
- It helps to lengthen the lifespan of your bathroom, so you won’t have to redecorate so frequently.
How to prevent excess moisture in your bathroom
Air needs to circulate to prevent excess moisture from building up in your bathroom, and there are certain steps you can take to help air circulate effectively:
Install an extractor fan
A bathroom extractor fan is one of the easiest ways to keep your bathroom well-ventilated. They pull moisture out of the room and vent it outside. The type of bathroom ventilation fan you require will depend on whether your bathroom is on an external wall. As with anything technological, there are different models and levels available, from simple extractor fans to high-tech styles with adjustable timers and sensors, so do your research before you buy to ensure you select the best type for you and your bathroom.
If you already have an extractor fan installed but you don’t think it’s pulling its weight, it could be time to invest in a new one that will work more effectively and help to keep your bathroom mould-free for longer.
Once your bathroom ventilation fan is installed, make sure you let it run whilst you’re in the shower or bath and for at least 15 minutes after you’re finished to fully air out the room.
Keep windows open during and after showering
Whether you have an extractor fan or not, if you have a window in your bathroom, leave it open during and after showering to let out steam and assist with ventilation. As with the extractor fan, leave your window open for at least 15 minutes after you’ve finished in the bath or shower to allow plenty of time for the air to circulate and moisture to escape.
Keep your shower door open after showering
After you’ve stepped out of the shower, leave the shower door open to help moisture to escape from the shower walls, door and floor. If you have a shower curtain, however, create a gap to allow air to circulate, but keep the plastic or fabric relatively flat to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the folds. This could otherwise lead to a build-up of mould and mildew.
Invest in a dehumidifier
This is by no means a long-term solution, but if you’re in the process of replacing your extractor fan and need a little extra help removing moisture from the air, then a dehumidifier can work wonders. They work by extracting humidity and trapping condensation, preventing it from spreading around the room.
Now that you know how to keep your bathroom well-ventilated, explore the “How To” section of our blog for more tips on maintaining your bathroom