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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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:
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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:
If you suspect you are suffering as a result of mould exposure, you should call a doctor, particularly if your symptoms don't improve.
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.
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.