Mould thrives in moist locations with stagnant air, so there’s a reason it commonly occurs in the room with multiple water sources and running taps, your bathroom. Unfortunately, significant mould problems are not always visible and can risk serious structural damage and health concerns.
Our environmental consultants are experts at identifying and removing mould from domestic and commercial properties, but prevention is the best method for ongoing, mould-free bathrooms. Before you begin peering around your cabinets looking for the source of that musty odour, here are some common mould hiding places in your bathroom and how best to prevent the spread of mould.
1. Toothbrush holder and beneath cleaning products
Mould thrives in damp forgotten areas, which makes the base of your cleaning products a perfect spot for mildew and mould to form. After using a product such as mouthwash, the dampness of the bottle may go unnoticed as it is returned to the dark corner underneath the sink. The water accumulates at the base of the container to create mould. Left alone to grow, this mould can affect and warp bathroom cabinetry.
Similarly, after using a toothbrush and returning it to its holder, the dampness remains within the holding cup long after the toothbrush is dry. Remember to clean any bathroom containers, shelves and drawers regularly to prevent any surprise mould appearances.
2. Shower grout
The grout of showers and bathtubs are porous and often covered in condensation after hot showers. The porous material and moist air provide perfect conditions for mould growth in bathrooms, particularly if the bathroom lacks natural light or proper ventilation. Maintaining the shower’s sealant and cleaning grout regularly is a simple way to avoid mould growth.
To avoid mould in showers and bathrooms, consider moving any products from the shower floor to prevent bacteria from forming beneath the bottles. If the mould begins appearing outside the shower tiles and upon painted walls, professionals may need to be called to avoid it spreading further and causing structural issues.
3. Leaks
Leaks can often go undetected until a damp smell occurs. By then, mould may already have taken hold. If you find that you are constantly removing unsightly mould only for it to return, you may have a slow leaking pipe creating a consistently moist area within your bathroom. Check for leaks, rusty valves, broken seals or droplets along the pipes behind the toilet, inside the toilet system or beneath the bathroom sink.
These darkened corners are great spots for mould to hide, as it is difficult to regularly, and efficiently, clean and dry the moist surface. Leaks and hidden colonies can also be unnoticed if they are in pipes obscured by walls. If you can’t access or stop the dripping of a leaky pipe, call a plumber to prevent damage from water and mould.
4. Damp towels and cloths
Leaving bathroom towels and mats damp for lengthy periods of time causes mould to develop in the fabric fibres and folds. To avoid the scent of mildew and growth of mould, always stretch your towel out as much as possible to allow it to completely air dry and not remain damp between uses. It’s also important to wash the shower mat and towels regularly to prevent the spread of germs and mould spores.
5. Ceilings and exhaust fans
Adequate ventilation is a great defence against the formation of mould, which is why exhaust fans and windows are important elements within bathrooms. If you notice mould on your bathroom ceiling and that your bathroom seems humid, your bathroom fan may not be effectively removing excess moisture from the room. Take the cover off your exhaust fan and check for a build-up of dust around the grill and fan blades. Clean all the surfaces accordingly to bring the fan back to prime working condition.
Check if your exhaust fan has a build up of dust on its cover or fan blades, preventing it from removing excess moisture from the room. Take the cover off your exhaust fan and clean the grill and surfaces. Remember to open your bathroom windows and turn the ventilation fan on during hot showers and baths, and to leave it on for 30 minutes after the end of your shower usage. If you suspect your exhaust fan is still not providing appropriate air circulation after you’ve cleaned it, call in a professional for repairs.
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If you’ve encountered or removed mould in your home but failed to identify the source of the issue, you risk it returning and causing serious problems to your health and home. At home mould removal is only effective when the contaminated areas can be identified and easily cleaned with fungicide sprays.
Once mould starts to spread from room to room, walls and insulation may need to be removed which can release more spores into the home. To truly rid your bathroom of mould, contact our team of environmental consultants for a comprehensive investigation.
We conduct professional mould assessments and remediation processes so you can be rid of mould forever. For easy breathing and peace of mind for your home, business or construction site, contact the friendly team of experts at Alpha Environmental by calling 1300 039 181 or filling out our online enquiry form.
