If you want to learn how to get rid of mould in the bathroom and why it’s important to do so, keep reading. We’ll explain everything you need to keep your bathroom clean without having to torture your wallet.
According to the EPA, moulds are microscopic fungi that consume organic matter and can help decompose various types of animals, plants and even food.
These organisms can grow in any place with warm and humid conditions. So you’ll find them almost everywhere on Earth unless you travel somewhere very cold, like Antarctica. Even so, they can still appear in any man-made base.
It’s normal to see mould growing over time in various corners of a bathroom. But we don’t recommend leaving it unattended because it could cause different sicknesses.
Why Is It Important To Get Rid of Mould?
First, we must clarify that mould isn’t necessarily evil. These small organisms frequently add flavour to cheese, make bread and even medicine! They also help decompose all kinds of dead organic matter, which helps us and the ecosystem.
Unfortunately, mould can also have a very negative impact on human health, causing eye irritation, allergies, and stuffy noses. If left unattended for too long, it can weaken the immune system or cause lung diseases.
Even if you avoid getting sick, we don’t recommend letting the mould grow. It’ll deteriorate the total look of your bathroom, making baths unpleasant. Plus, it’ll give a poor impression to your visitors, especially if you have a walk-in shower.
Tools & Materials for Cleaning Mould
To understand how to get rid of mould in the bathroom, you first need to learn what equipment you should wear and what materials you need to eradicate the fungus.
Cleaning mould is different from regular cleaning. Depending on how much the fungus has developed, you might need to wear rubber gloves, masks and eyewear to avoid contacting the spores.
We strongly recommend the mask, as it’ll protect you from both the spores and the strong smell of the ingredients or chemicals you might want to use.
After finishing the cleaning, put all the masks, gloves, sponges, or rags you used into a bag and throw them in the dustbin. Avoid reusing the gear; it’ll spread spores throughout the house since the mould spreads easily.
Your clothes are also prompt to grab mould spores, which could cause allergies or ruin the material. We suggest handwashing them separately with warm water and a bit of detergent so they don’t contaminate other clothes.
Which Are the Best Ingredients To Get Rid of Mould?
If you want to learn how to get rid of mould in the bathroom, you must understand which ingredients are most effective against it. Believe us, using only water and soap won’t be enough.
- Natron: Also known as native soda, this ingredient was used in Egypt for cooking, agriculture, and dehydrating pharaohs. Nowadays, you can use it to absorb humidity and prevent mould in a bathroom without windows.
- Vinegar: You can use vinegar to remove the mould. But it won’t work to remove the spores or bigger infestations. Remember to let it sit for at least 30 minutes or more to get the full effect.
- Alcohol: It’s more effective than vinegar, but it doesn’t work with every type of mould. Plus, the result can vary depending on the type of alcohol and the concentration. So, we suggest investigating the brands available around your area before using them.
- Bleach: The nuclear option. Bleach will work perfectly in every area. But it can leave a strong smell and be toxic for pets and children. So, we recommend using it in complete bathrooms that are properly ventilated.
Steps for Getting Rid of Bathroom Mould
It’s time to learn how to get rid of mould in the bathroom. Some of these steps might be different depending on your type of bathroom. For example, a wet room won’t be the same as a standard bathtub or shower, so you might need to adjust accordingly.
- Correct ventilation: If your bathroom has windows, open them and close the door so spores and vapours from the ingredients don’t spread to other sides of the house.
- Clean until it shines: Pour the substance you want to use into a cleaning cloth and wipe the stains all over the area. We recommend doing this even in areas without stains since mould can develop without being seen.
- Check everything before picking up: Although mould tends to grow in the most humid areas, it can also grow in other areas like bathroom corners, under the toilet, etc. So, we suggest cleaning as much as possible before picking it up.
- Let it sit: Bleach, alcohol, and vinegar have strong smells. However, you must leave them to sit for at least 30 minutes or an hour for them to be effective. Keep the room ventilated so the smell fades away on its own.
How To Prevent Mould From Growing Up
Learning how to get rid of mould in the bathroom is one thing. But stopping it from growing up? That’s a whole different beast.
Depending on where you live and how your bathroom is designed, you might have to take different measures to stop mould from growing. That said, we can give you some tips to make things easier.
- Good ventilation: Mould grows in warm and damp environments. If your bathroom has good airflow, the temperature will be lowered, and everything in the room will dry out more easily.
- Use a bathroom exhaust fan: Many walk-in baths and other bathrooms don’t have windows to provide proper airflow. In these cases, we suggest installing an exhaust fan, which can pull moisture from the room.
- Air dehumidifiers: As the name implies, these machines can reduce the overall moisture of any bathroom. We particularly recommend using the non-chemical ones. They can create a bad combination with the substances you use for cleaning.
- Paint the bathroom: If you’re breaking your head to decide what paint to use in the bathroom to prevent mould, don’t worry. Just use a water-based paint with a high resistance to moisture.
- Clean regularly: Cleaning the bathroom and keeping it dry is the best defence against mould. Just clean up the corners since the moisture tends to accumulate there.
FAQs
What is black mould, and how do I get rid of it?
Aspergillus niger, or Black Mould, is a type of mould that can be extremely harmful to humans. It can cause allergies or issues for people with asthma.
Some subspecies of this mould can deteriorate food and damage the house materials. If you see any, we recommend arranging a test first to see if it’s safe to clean. Perhaps you may even need professional help to learn how to get rid of black mould in the bathroom.
How do I prevent ceiling mould in the bathroom?
Check the ceiling thoroughly (use your hand if needed) for possible water leaks causing the mould. If there are none, consider installing an exhaust fan to reduce the moisture around the bathroom.
What should I do to prevent mould in a bathroom with no windows?
If your bathroom has no windows, you’ll have to reduce the humidity and temperature using electronic fans, air dehumidifiers or exhaust fans. We also suggest cleaning and drying the bathroom at least once a week to eliminate mould before it becomes an issue.