Make Your Bathroom a Mould-Free Zone

Make Your Bathroom a Mould-Free Zone

October 24, 2016
owen

Mould thrives in a damp environment, so it’s no wonder it makes itself so at home in a bathroom. But the good news is, with a few simple steps, you can prevent it.

Mould is a fungus that reproduces by way of spores carried through the air. Outside, it’s actually quite useful as it breaks down dead matter like leaves, plants and trees. But in the home it can be a pest – and it’s not just limited to bathrooms (although this is the most common place), it will thrive on any damp surface in the home.

Health issues associated with Mould

The allergens mould produces can cause problems for some, with allergic reactions such as sneezing, eye irritation, congestion, a runny nose, skin rashes and dermatitis. So it’s even more important to keep it at bay if you can.

Your bathroom design

  • When designing your bathroom, there are things you can do to help prevent mould from growing:
  • Make sure it’s well ventilated with an extractor fan that’s suitable for the size of the room.
  • Think about tiled or sealed stone surfaces, as they will absorb less moisture than wood or paint.
  • Use paints designed for bathrooms or kitchens, as they usually contain anti-bacterial and fungal additives.
  • Fit underfloor heating, as it helps floors dry quickly.
  • Use good quality sealants, and tile grouts and adhesives with bacteriostatic and fungi static additives.

Looking after your bathroom

Simple day-to-day care can help to keep your bathroom free of mould:

  • Don’t let water and moisture stand for long. Remove excess water from surfaces after showering or bathing. This will also help to keep your bathroom or wetroom looking good, by preventing watermarks and calcium stains.
  • Clean your bathroom often, using anti-bacterial products, and dry thoroughly after.
  • Ventilation isn’t just about having an extractor fan – keep the door open when you can and open the window too.

Good heating and ventilation, combined with carefully selected finishes and construction materials that contain anti-bacterial and fungal additives, can help make your bathroom or wetroom a mould-free zone.