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A bathroom is an unavoidably damp and humid environment, and without careful attention it can soon develop problems such as mould and mildew. This spoils the appearance of tiles and sanitaryware, and can also cause or exacerbate health problems such as asthma and allergies. It can also make skin conditions such as atopic eczema worse.
People with existing health problems or weakened immune systems, and babies, children, and older people are at particular risk from damp and mould. Mould produces spores that can cause allergic reactions or irritate the immune system, leading to excessive sneezing, itchy skin, and watery red eyes.
Mould growth is caused by excessive moisture, so obviously the bathroom is frequently a problematic area as it is prone to build ups of condensation when we take a shower or bath. Therefore it is important to take steps to reduce the amount of moisture in the air through proper ventilation.
This is not only for health reasons, but because mould and mildew can eventually damage tiles, grouting, paintwork, and plasterwork, resulting in costly and time-consuming repairs. The correct levels of ventilation for bathrooms in the UK is outlined in the Building Regulations Document F.
The basic requirements are that the bathroom must be ventilated via an openable window or an extractor fan. In a new-build property, any bathroom must have a mechanical extractor fan installed, because new-builds tend to be more air-tight than older properties. However, it’s advisable to still use an extractor fan in older properties.
When installing an extractor fan, be aware that there are certain requirements for the rate at which it is able to replace the damp air with clean air. This is expressed as litres per second. The minimum requirement for a bathroom is 15 l/s, so make sure that you choose a good quality model that is appropriate for the size of your bathroom.
The fan is usually fitted to an external wall or ceiling. In some cases it may be possible to fit a ventilation unit to a window if there is no suitable place on the external wall. However, for the best results, the fan should be placed as close as possible to the source of the moisture, which in most cases will be the shower or bath.
An electrical extractor fan should be installed by a qualified electrician. This is both a legal requirement and to ensure that the fan works correctly and safely. Replacing an old fan with a like-for-like model is a relatively straightforward procedure, but rewiring or drilling work will take several hours to complete.
As well as the previously mentioned extraction rate, you may also want to look for other features such as a timer with a delayed switch off, a humidity sensor which will automatically switch the fan on once a certain level of moisture in the air has been detected, and a quiet operating system.
It’s still important to clean your bathroom regularly to keep on top of moisture build ups. Wipe down the tiles and sealant after every shower, and carry out a deeper clean on a weekly basis. Use a mild detergent or dilution of white vinegar to clean tiles and shower screens. If you have natural stone tiles, check the manufacturers’ cleaning instructions.
The longer any mould is left untreated, the more difficult it is to remove. If you have stubborn mould that won’t shift with your usual cleaning product, you may need to try a diluted bleach mixture or a commercial mould remover. When using a spray bottle, alway wear gloves and a mask to avoid contact with harsh chemicals.
Mould in grouting can be removed by scrubbing it with an old toothbrush dipped in bleach solution. Wipe down your tiles afterwards to avoid causing them any damage or discoloration.
Make sure that you dispose of the cleaning cloths and sponges straight away rather than store them, otherwise you risk spreading mould spores around the house. Simply rinsing them in water won’t remove the mould, so use disposable items and take them straight outside to your wheelie bin after use.
To add an extra sparkle to surfaces such as glass shower screens and windows, add a mixture of equal parts distilled vinegar and water with a few drops of lemon juice to a spray bottle, and liberally spray the surface. Leave it for 10-15 minutes to allow the dirt to lift, then rinse with cold water.
Next, run a squeegee over the surface to take off the excess moisture, and rub down with a soft lint-free cloth. Apply gentle pressure until you bring out a shine to the surface. In some cases, a more stubborn layer of soap scum or mildew might have built up, especially if it has been some time since a deep clean was carried out.
Areas with hard water, which are most prevalent in the south and eastern parts of the UK, will also be prone to building up mineral deposits on surfaces. Over time, this can cause a cloudy and discoloured appearance that looks dull and grey. These can be removed with commercial cleaning products designed to tackle limescale.
However, it is often cheaper and just as effective to use bicarbonate of soda if you already have some in the kitchen cupboard. Mix half a cupful with water to create a thick paste and apply it in firm circular motions to the surface with a sponge or cloth. Leave it to take effect for at least 15 minutes, and then rinse with undiluted white vinegar.
Finally, rinse with cold water and buff the surface to a shine with a clean dry cloth. Future build-ups of limescale can be minimised by using a water filter at the shower head, or a water softener.
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