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.

“For general prevention, ventilate your entire home for at least 30 minutes daily by opening windows and interior doors for cross ventilation. This helps moisture escape instead of settling on surfaces. However, ventilation alone may not be enough. To further prevent mould, consider investing in a dehumidifier and avoiding air-drying clothes indoors.

“I recommend thoroughly cleaning your bathroom at least once a week to prevent mould buildup. Regular cleaning helps remove moisture, soap scum, and other residues that contribute to mould growth.

“You can remove mould from hard surfaces like the shower, tiles, and sink using a diluted bleach solution or a mixture of vinegar and water or soap and water. Instead of immediately using commercial chemical cleaners, try white vinegar or a soap solution first, as these natural remedies can help prevent mould from returning.”

“I highly recommend using a quality dehumidifier to prevent mould, especially if you can't open the bathroom windows. A dehumidifier helps reduce moisture, and if it has digital readings, aim to keep humidity below 40% to minimise mould growth.

“Dehumidifiers not only reduce excess moisture and prevent mould but also eliminate musty smells caused by high humidity. Place the dehumidifier where it can effectively remove moisture, away from water sources to avoid electrical hazards, and ensure proper air circulation around it. For best results, use it in conjunction with good ventilation and a working exhaust fan.”

“Mould most commonly grows in bathroom grout, but another often overlooked spot is the shower curtain. In fact, studies show that shower curtains can harbour more bacteria than any other bathroom surface, even more than the shower floor or toilet seat.

“To clean your shower curtain, carefully remove it from the rod to avoid damage. Lay it flat in your bathtub or a large basin and then treat any visible stains by scrubbing with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water using a soft brush or cloth.

“Next, soak the curtain in a solution of warm water mixed with 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of white vinegar, or an equal-parts mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Ensure the curtain is fully submerged, stirring occasionally, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

“Rinse thoroughly with clean water and hang it back on the rod to air dry. Be sure to leave it fully unfolded to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mould.”

“In addition to vinegar, soap, and bleach, other natural remedies can help with minor mould issues:

• Baking soda: A natural alternative to bleach, baking soda has a high pH that inhibits mould growth. It's mild, chemical-free, and safe for families and pets.
• Tea tree oil: This essential oil is a natural fungicide. Mix 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, apply to mould, let it dry for an hour, and wipe clean. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
• Lemons: Their high acidity breaks down mould, making it easier to remove and leaving the surface disinfected.

For serious mould problems, DIY methods may not be effective and can lead to regrowth.”

To further aid ease of cleaning and maintenance, our Wall Panel and Shower Tray ranges feature BioCote® technology to reduce bacteria and mould growth by up to 99.9%.