What is mould?

Mould is a very common and unsightly household problem that can not only cause unpleasant sights and smells; it can also be dangerous to a person's health. A common area for mould growth is the bathroom due to the moist and humid conditions a bathroom often possesses after a shower or bath has been taken.

Mould only breeds where moisture is present. Condensation is a major trigger for mould growth. Condensation is caused when a shower or bath is taken; the steam that is produced hits a cold surface like a window pane or ceramic floor tiles and turn back into water - this water is the perfect breeding ground for mould to grow.

How can mould affect my health?

There are 3 different types of mould that generally occur within the home: green, grey and black. Black mould is toxic and can be particularly harmful to children, the elderly and those with a history of respiratory illness and asthma. Continued exposure and inhalation of black mould spores can lead to respiratory problems, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fungal skin infections and allergic asthma.

How do I remove it?

Preventing and ridding your home of mould can prove to be difficult, due to the fact that mould exists in small quantities everywhere and is vital to the cycle of life. If your bathroom has discoloured patches or smells musky then it's time to break the mould.

In many cases mould can be removed with everyday household products such as soap and water. For worse cases a bleach solution can be used to tackle the problem. The solution should be a maximum of one cup of bleach per gallon of water. Avoid mixing bleach with any other household chemicals as can create a toxic solution. When removing the mould ensure the bathroom is well ventilated and that all doors and windows are open.

Grouting is a common place for mould to grow. Remove mould from grouting with a bathroom cleaner, be prepared to scrub vigorously and persevere.

How to prevent mould growing

Ensure all windows and fans are on whilst taking a bath or shower to avoid steam developing.

Use a dehumidifier, this device absorbs excess moisture within the air and acts as an extractor.

Avoid carpets in bathrooms as they collect and harbour moisture whereas tiles and vinyl flooring can easily be wiped up. Any carpets that have experienced flooding should be removed.

Keep the bathroom clean - avoid leaving damp towels on the floor, hang them on a heated towel rail to dry quickly and avoid moisture.

Opt for a shower screen as opposed to a shower curtain. Shower curtains are renowned for becoming mouldy whereas screens can be wiped clean and dry much quicker.

Detect any plumbing problems. If you suspect a leaking bathroom tap you should source and resolve immediately to avoid leaking water causing damp.

It's important to prevent mould developing in rooms as mould is harder to get rid of than prevent. Ensuring the humidity levels of your bathroom are kept under control can reduce the unsightly mould problems. Opening windows slightly whilst having your radiators on to ventilate excessive humidity can reduce the likelihood of mould developing. If mould reoccurs despite efforts to remove and prevent it then call a specialist as there could be an issue with damp coursing.