Prevention is better than a cure – this is especially true when it comes to mould.
Watch: How to prevent mouldy curtains
Mould spores are everywhere. There’s nothing we can do about that. But what we can control is the environment.
How to reduce bathroom mould
We know that mould spores thrive on damp environments, so your biggest defence against the fungi growing in your bathroom is to reduce moisture.
John Liddell is the Managing Director at The Mould Doctor. He says that the extra moisture is what causes mould to grow.
“If a property is damp from condensation, building defects or inadequate ventilation, the humidity will be elevated,” says John.
“When the humidity in a living space exceeds 55%, the conditions are ideal for mould.”
What causes bathroom mould?
We won’t blame you if you’re partial to a steaming hot shower.
But according to information on the Mould Doctor website, a significant cause of elevated humidity levels in a home is steam escaping from the bathroom.
Running the exhaust while you are showering isn’t enough – the key is leaving it on after you’ve finished.
The length of time you need to leave the exhaust on will vary, depending on who you ask. But around 15-20 minutes should be enough to eliminate that extra moisture.
Other ways to reduce moisture in your home
Using certain appliances without an exhaust fan significantly increases moisture in homes.
So ensure exhaust systems are turned on in bathrooms and when using the stove, including boiling the kettle.
Additionally, A/C units are effective in dehumidifying areas.
“Run the A/C on cooling mode to dehumidify the apartment. In extreme cases, utilise de-humidification equipment. These systems are commercially available and can operate in conjunction with the heating systems within the apartment.”
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