How To Prevent & Get Rid Of Mould In The Bathroom

Mould thrives in dark and warm conditions, so it’s no wonder that bathrooms are so susceptible to this unwelcome house guest. Here are the most common causes for mould in your bathroom: 

• Lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation 
• Leaky pipes, taps and toilets seeping into plasterboard and wood
• Damp cellulose materials such as grout, plasterboard and fabric provide the ideal breeding ground for bathroom mould

You can take a few simple precautions to stop mould from appearing in the bathroom. While these suggestions aren’t guaranteed to eradicate existing mould, they may help prevent mould from appearing in the future.

• Peace Lily: These purifying plants need very little sunlight to survive, so they’re an excellent choice for bathrooms without windows. However, peace lilies can be toxic to animals if consumed, so keep them out of reach from pets.

• Boston Fern: Another great choice for humid bathrooms, the Boston Fern is an attractive, evergreen plant that thrives in indirect sunlight and moist soil.

• Reed Palms: Found in some of the most tropical regions on earth, palms can keep humidity at bay in your bathroom by absorbing moisture through their leaves. Unlike other palms, the Reed Palm can survive in low light, so it’s perfect for keeping inside the home. 

• Tillandsia: If your bathroom has a bright window, this is the damp-eating plant for you. Tillandsia plants thrive in filtered sunlight and absorb moisture through their leaves, so they’re great for combatting persistent humidity problems in the home.

Getting rid of mould in the bathroom is notoriously tricky, especially if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals. Firstly, you should identify what kind of mould you have, then assess how severe the problem is. This will help you choose the right products to remove bathroom mould effectively.

Black mould is one of the most common bathroom moulds and is usually the hardest to eradicate. It often appears in spots or clusters and can give off a musty smell.

Although unsightly, black mould is no more dangerous to your health than other types of mould unless you are allergic or asthmatic. Regardless of this, you should always wear rubber gloves and a face mask when tackling any mould in the home.

• Wondering how to remove black mould from silicone sealant or grout? Apply bleach to a cloth or old toothbrush and scrub these hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and keep the bathroom well ventilated when using bleach.

• If the first two methods haven’t worked, buy a specialist bathroom mould remover. These products contain strong chemicals, so it’s important to wear a face mask and keep a window open to avoid breathing in any harmful fumes. We strongly recommend wearing rubber gloves throughout the entire cleaning process to protect your hands.

1. Test the product in a small area first.
2. Apply the mould remover as directed on the bottle. Many products need to be left for a certain amount of time to achieve optimal results, so it’s worth setting a timer to ensure the product works fully before scrubbing off.
3. Rinse thoroughly and wipe with a damp cloth or sponge
4. Repeat if needed until all the mould is gone.
   
   

For more cleaning and bathroom tips, check out our guides on deep cleaning your bathroom and how to wash your towels.