Mould can start developing within 24 to 48 hours in the right conditions—warm temperatures, high humidity, and organic material (like dust, or soap scum). Once spores settle on a damp surface, they begin to grow and spread rapidly. If moisture isn’t controlled, visible mould colonies can appear within a week or two.
So how can we all try to keep mould at a minimum and maintain sparkling bathrooms for our own use and for our guests and tenants?
1. Check the Ventilation
Proper airflow is essential in preventing mould growth. Here’s how you can improve ventilation:
- Extractor fan: check your fan is working properly, is it clear of dust and grime preventing it extracting the moisture? Can the guests / tenants turn it off easily (as it’s so noisy and annoying!)
- Windows and doors: Encourage tenants and guests to keep the door open after showering to ensure the air can circulate and moisture clear after use. If possible encourage windows are opened, or a working vent is left open.
- Dehumidifier: If your bathroom tends to stay damp, a small dehumidifier may help reduce moisture levels.
2. Reduce Moisture Build-Up
Mould needs moisture to grow, so reducing water accumulation is key:
- Wipe down surfaces: Leave a squeegee for guests to wipe down the tiles, wet wall or surfaces after use.
- Level surfaces/easy to draim: Check your baths and showers don’t have gulleys or slopes around them that trap water and prevent it from draining away.
- Fix leaks promptly: Even small drips from taps or pipes can create the perfect conditions for mould.
- Use moisture-absorbing materials: Consider placing moisture-absorbing crystals or silica gel packets in problem areas.
3. Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning prevents mould from taking hold. Here’s what to focus on:
- Scrub tiles and grout: Use a mould-fighting cleaner or a homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove spores. Everyone has their favourite mould killing spray that they swear by. Remember when using any bleach based product to ensure there is good ventilation, and that you let it dwell (soak) for a while before cleaning off.
- Wash shower curtains and bath mats regularly: Mould can grow on fabric and get stuck on the base of anti-slip mats, so wash these items frequently.
- Use mould-resistant products: Look for grout sealants and paints that are specifically designed to resist mould.
4. Choose Mould-Resistant Materials
If you’re renovating or updating your bathroom, opt for materials that resist mould growth:
- Mould-resistant paint: Special bathroom paints contain mould inhibitors.
- Non-porous surfaces: Materials like glass, metal, and plastic are less likely to retain moisture. We recommend using wet wall in bathrooms in rental properties rather than tiles as they are quicker and easier to install and much easier for tenants to maintain. (NB: avoid using any of those bleach products on your wet walls as they may damage the surface)
- Properly sealed grout: Keeping grout sealed helps prevent moisture from seeping into cracks.
Final Thoughts
Keeping mould at bay in the bathroom requires a consistent effort to manage moisture, clean regularly, and use the right materials. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a fresh, clean, and mould-free bathroom for your guests. If mould problems persist in your silicone around your bath and shower, or through your grout then you will probably need to replace the silicone. It’s a straight forward task, but it can be really fiddly, and we train our handymen on ways to get the best results. Give us a shout if you need help either deep cleaning your bathroom or replacing the silicone or grout.
