Is Your Bathroom Causing Mould To Grow?

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the right techniques to get rid of bathroom mould out of your Mississauga home

6 Tips on Effectively Preventing Mould Growth in Your Bathrooms

Mould growth in bathrooms is a common but a pesky problem, irrespective of whether you are a renter or owner. It is a given that bathrooms will be generally humid and accumulate moisture. However, improper ventilation can often lead to mould formation, which further damages the walls and the ceilings. Additionally, mould allergies are a common cause of health issues. Thus, it is essential to tackle and prevent mould growth from happening in your bathrooms.

The good news is that with regular and proper care and maintenance it is possible to handle any mould growth problems that you might face. Here are 6 useful tips on how to prevent mould growth in bathrooms, along with things that you must watch out for.

1. Check the exhaust fan

The most important thing that every bathroom should have is a properly functioning and effective exhaust fan. The fan is instrumental in reducing the moisture content in the bathroom, especially after people shower in them.

Take proper care to position the fan above or near the shower area for maximum results. Care should also be taken to ensure that the fan is cleaned periodically. Make it a habit to switch on the fan whenever showering and leave it on for at least 30 minutes after. Many people opt to hardwire the exhaust with the bathroom lights to ensure that it gets switched on.

Another important aspect of an effective exhaust fan is its capability of performing around 15 air changes per hour. Calculate your bathroom's cubic volume and multiply this number by 15. For example, an exhaust fan with a capability of 480 cubic metres is sufficient for a bathroom sized 4 metres by 4 metres by 2 metres (4 x 4 x 2= 32 cubic metres; 32x15= 480 cubic metres). If in doubt, check with the fan's manufacturers for the exact capacity.

2. Remove additional moisture

It is tempting to ignore this step, especially when in a hurry. However, just leaving the exhaust fan switched on is not sufficient to handle moisture. Use a squeegee to remove all the excess water from the showering area. If you find water has accumulated on the surrounding walls, you can use an absorbent cloth, like microfiber to wipe down the surfaces. This additional step will go a long way in preventing mould from growing.

3. Watch out for any leaks

Keep an eye out for any cracks or leaks in the wall, ceiling or the floors. Leaks are susceptible to mould growth and hence must be repaired as soon as noticed. Do not leave them to be fixed at a later date. If you find that you cannot fix it by yourself, do not hesitate to call a plumber and get the job done.

After all, a stitch in time saves nine.

4. Wash your towels and rugs

As you can well imagine, damp towels, rugs and other linens like the shower curtain in the bathroom are the breeding place for moulds. Hence, make sure to wash your towels and rugs regularly. Opt for bathroom rugs that are machine washable so that cleaning them is easier for you. A good practice is to clean these items once a week.

5. Dry the shower products

Other spots that are vulnerable to mould growth are the shower items like sponges and loofahs. Once you are done using them, make sure to air dry them in a well-ventilated spot. Otherwise, moisture can accumulate in these products and allow mould growth to take place. Drying them properly is essential for hygiene purposes.

6. Open the windows

If your bathroom is equipped with a window, then it is good practice to open it occasionally to let the room air out. There is nothing as effective as natural ventilation if you are lucky to have it.

At SERVPRO of North Mississauga, we understand how problems like mould growth can negatively impact the lives of our customers. Our professional experts are experienced at handling both commercial and residential property damage restorations, including mould growth.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your property restoration needs.