Few things are more frustrating than finding mould creeping into your bathroom. Whether it's lurking in the corners of your shower, staining the grout or walls, or appearing around the sink, mould is always an unwelcome visitor.
Not only is mould unsightly, but if left untreated, it can pose health risks and cause long-term damage. As a result, tackling mould as soon as possible is vital to protect both your home and your health.
In this guide, we'll explore what causes mould and why it can be dangerous, walk you through how to get rid of mould in your bathroom, and share our tips to keep it from coming back.
How to get rid of mould in a bathroom: A step-by-step guide
Getting rid of mould doesn’t require blood, sweat and tears; just a few cleaning supplies and a little persistence. To tackle your mould problem, follow the recommendations of our step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Prepare your supplies
Before you begin, gather the supplies and protective gear. What you’ll use could vary depending on the severity of the mould and the method you opt for. Here are some things you may need:
- Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- A face mask to avoid inhaling mould spores
- A scrubbing brush or sponge
- A spray bottle
- Cleaning solution
- Old towels or rags
- A ladder (if you need to reach high areas)
Step 2: Prepare a cleaning solution
Next, it’s time to make or retrieve your cleaning solution. There are many commercial mould cleaning solutions on the market, so purchasing one of these is a great option.
- A few drops of washing up liquid mixed with warm water
- Undiluted white vinegar
- One part bleach diluted with three parts water
Mould sprays, washing up liquid, and white vinegar are tough on mould but soft on skin and non-toxic to children and animals. Bleach is a harsher solution, so we’d advise trying it only if the other solutions prove ineffective.
Step 3: Apply the solution
Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the mouldy areas. Be generous with the amount you apply, and ensure the mould is thoroughly saturated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to give the solution time to kill the mould.
Step 4: Scrub the mould away
Using a scrubbing brush or sponge, vigorously scrub the mouldy areas. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles/mask for this step, particularly if you’re using harsher mould sprays or bleach.
Pay extra attention to grout lines, corners, and areas around taps and fixtures where mould tends to accumulate. For stubborn mould, you may need to repeat the application and scrubbing process.
Step 5: Rinse and dry the area
After scrubbing, rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any remaining mould and cleaning solution. Use old towels or rags to dry the surfaces completely. It’s crucial to ensure the area is dry to prevent new mould from forming.
Step 6: Dispose of contaminated materials
Carefully dispose of any rags, sponges, or brushes used to clean the mould. Spores can remain on these materials and cause mould spread to other areas if not disposed of properly. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
What are the types of mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm places. It spreads by releasing spores—tiny, airborne particles—into the air, allowing the mould to spread and reproduce. As mould thrives in warm, damp environments, bathrooms are a perfect breeding ground.
Mould can appear in various colours, including black, green, white, and even orange. In addition to being an eyesore, mould can lead to serious health problems.
Some types of mould are more dangerous than others. Here are some of the most common types to look out for:
- Aspergillus: Aspergillus can appear in various colours, such as black, yellow, or green, and often grows on walls, ceilings, and around damp areas in the bathroom. While it’s usually not harmful in small amounts, prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues.
- Penicillium: Known for its blue or green colour, Penicillium can spread rapidly on surfaces exposed to water, such as wallpaper, insulation, and carpeting. It’s often found in bathrooms with poor ventilation and can cause allergic reactions and breathing difficulties.
- Cladosporium: This mould can grow in warm and cool environments, making it a common issue in bathrooms. Cladosporium is usually black or olive green and can be found on painted surfaces, wood, and fabrics. It’s known to cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
- Stachybotrys Chartarum (black mould): Often referred to simply as black mould, this is the most notorious type of mould due to its potential to cause severe health issues. Stachybotrys is typically dark green or black and thrives in consistently damp areas, such as around leaks, under tiles, or behind walls. Its spores can be particularly harmful, leading to respiratory problems, fatigue, and other serious health concerns.
What causes mould in bathrooms?
As mould thrives in warm, damp environments, it’s not unusual to find it in your bathroom, even if you are attempting measures to prevent it. Several factors contribute to the development of mould, including:
- Excess humidity: Bathrooms have high humidity levels as we use hot water for showers and baths. This humidity has nowhere to go without proper ventilation, creating a perfect environment for mould to grow.
- Poor ventilation: Poor ventilation is one of the primary causes of mould in bathrooms. When moisture cannot escape, it lingers on surfaces, creating conditions that are irresistible to mould. Bathrooms without windows or extractor fans are particularly vulnerable.
- Leaking pipes and fixtures: Even a small leak can contribute to mould growth. Look out for consistently dripping taps and leaking pipes that might be creating damp areas. Worse still, water seeping from behind tiles can create obscured damp areas, allowing mould to establish itself unnoticed. If you have a leaky tap or pipe or suspect one is hiding away, book a JustFix plumber. Tell us a few details about the job at hand, and we’ll connect you with an accredited plumber in your local area. Say goodbye to damp caused by dripping taps for good.
- Wet surfaces: Water left on surfaces, such as shower walls, windowsills, and around the sink, can provide the moisture mould needs to grow. Regularly wiping and drying these areas is essential to prevent mould.
- Organic materials: Mould feeds on organic materials, including soap scum, grout, and even dust. If there is a build-up of substances like this in your bathroom, it could contribute to mould growth.
How do I stop mould from coming back into my bathroom?
Congratulations! You’ve successfully banished the mould! But before you sit back and relax in your mould-free bath, it’s important to take some steps to prevent it coming back. Here are a few of our top tips for keeping mould at bay:
- Improve ventilation: Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated by using an extractor fan during and after showers or by opening a window to allow moisture to escape. Any way you can increase airflow will help to improve ventilation.
- Use a dehumidifier: In bathrooms prone to high humidity, using a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture levels and prevent mould growth.
- Dry surfaces after use: After showers or baths, use a squeegee to remove excess water from tiles, baths, shower doors, and other surfaces. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of mould growth.
- Use anti-condensation or mould-resistant paint: Consider using anti-condensation paint to create hostile conditions for mould. You can also get mould-resistant paint, which contains anti-microbial properties to prevent mould growth.
- Clean regularly: Regularly clean your bathroom to remove soap scum, grime, and dust that could act as a source for mould to feed on. Pay extra attention to grout lines, corners, and areas around taps and shower heads.
- Fix leaks promptly: Check taps, pipes, and the area around the toilet regularly for leaks. Repair any leaks as soon as they are discovered to prevent water from creating a damp environment. A plumber can quickly repair your leaky pipes or water fixtures. Book an accredited Fixer through our website or app, and let us handle the rest! Plus, with a 12-month guarantee on all work undertaken, you can rest easy knowing that whatever we’ve fixed stays fixed.
- Seal grout lines: Over time, grout can crack and become porous, allowing water to seep in and create an environment for mould. Consider resealing grout lines every few years to keep them water-resistant.
When to call in a JustFix professional
As much as we love a DIY solution, sometimes it’s better to hang up the hard hat and call in the pros. Here’s when some expert help could come in handy.
- Extensive mould growth: If the mould covers a large area (over one square metre), it’s safer and probably more effective to have a professional handle the removal.
- Hidden mould: Mould that has spread behind walls, under tiles, or into other hidden areas can be difficult to remove without professional tools and expertise.
- Health concerns: If you or anyone in your household has health issues such as asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system, it’s advisable to have a professional remove the mould to avoid exposure. If any members of your household are seriously ill and you suspect it may be due to the mould, it could be a more serious case that requires professional intervention.
- Recurrent mould problems: If mould keeps returning despite your best efforts, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.
If you need a hand getting rid of mould in your bathroom, or any room for that matter, our Fixers are happy to help! Book a trusted handyman in minutes through the JustFix website or app. We’ll match you up with a local expert who can help, and advise a fixed price per hour for the work at hand, and you can tell us a time and date that suits you to get it sorted. It’s that simple!
FAQs
Why is it important to get rid of mould in your bathroom?
Mould isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s also a threat to your health and your home. As a result, it’s vital to get rid of mould when it occurs. Here’s why:
Health risks: Different types of mould can pose significant health risks. The spores it releases into the air can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and fatigue, especially for those with asthma or weakened immune systems. Black mould is particularly hazardous.
Damage to surfaces: Mould can start to deteriorate on surfaces that it grows on over time. Walls, tiles, and grout can be damaged by mould, and costly repairs may be necessary.
Unpleasant odours: Another side effect of mould is a musty, stale smell. This smell can permeate your bathroom, spread to nearby areas of your house and even linger after it has been treated.
Unpleasant appearance: Mould can make your bathroom appear dirty, even if it isn’t, ruining the aesthetics of the room. What’s more, mould that has damaged the surfaces after being left untreated can ruin the appearance of paintwork and tiles.
How can I get rid of mould on the bathroom ceiling?
Use a ladder to reach mould in high areas like the ceiling. Apply a mould-cleaning solution to the affected areas and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, scrub with a brush, rinse the area, and dry it thoroughly. Mould can grow on ceilings due to poor ventilation, so make sure to open windows or turn on the extractor fan after running hot water.
How will I know if mould is making me ill?
Members of your household may be vulnerable to mould exposure, especially when the mould has spread excessively or has been established in an area for a while. Look out for symptoms like:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Rashes or dry skin
- Headaches
- Fatigue
If you suspect you are suffering as a result of mould exposure, you should call a doctor, particularly if your symptoms don't improve.
Can I paint over mould?
Painting over mould may temporarily improve the area's aesthetics, but it’s not an effective long-term solution. Unless you’ve targeted the existing mould and addressed its cause, it will continue to grow and spread. Plus, covering up the mould, even with anti-mould paint, will not prevent it from making you ill or deteriorating the surface it grows on.
If you’ve successfully removed the mould, painting over the affected area is a great way to restore it to its original glory. Anti-mould or anti-condensation paint can even prevent recurrence.
Got enough DIY projects under your belt for one day? Draft in a JustFix Handyperson to paint your mould-free surface. Download the app to find pre-vetted handypeople in your local area at the touch of your fingertips, with prices starting at just £90 per hour.
What is black mould?
Black mould (or Stachybotrys chartarum for long) is a particularly harmful type of mould that appears dark green or black. It thrives in consistently damp areas, such as around leaks, under tiles, or behind walls.
Black mould is notorious for the health risks it poses. Exposure to black mould can cause serious respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other severe health problems, especially in individuals with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems. It’s important to address black mould as soon as it’s discovered to prevent it from spreading and to protect your health.
