SPOTTING the first signs of mould in your bathroom should set the alarm bells ringing.
If you ignore it and the problem gets worse, it can be harmful to your health.
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In addition to the health risks, this toxic fuzz can also be unsightly, and a complete nightmare to shift.
Issues arise when excess moisture in the air comes into contact with a cold surface, such as a window or wall, causing condensation.
Your bathroom is an obvious place where steam builds up, especially if you have a hot bath or shower.
If you don’t take action and treat condensation, it could result in mould growing on your walls or ceilings.
You might start to notice black, white or green patches slowly appearing, along with a musty smell.
Bathrooms can be the perfect environment for black mould spores to thrive, according to Elaine Aguiar from Elaine Cleaning Services, based in Bromley, Kent. She has been a verified member on Checkatrade for three years now.
The property supremo told The Sun: “Black mould can affect our health, and spaces with excessive moisture build-up, such as bathrooms, are particularly prone to it.
“The good news is, there are lots of simple adjustments you can make to help keep mould at bay. None of these need to cost the earth.”
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Here are Elaine’s budget-friendly tips on the best ways to prevent and remove mould.
Switch the fan on
While you are showering, Elaine recommends having the extractor fan turned on if you have one.
“Ventilation is key,” she said. “Fans can be a great way to reduce lingering moisture during a bath or shower, helping to reduce the risk of mould.”
But be mindful of how long the fan is left on for, as you could end up spending money unnecessarily on electricity.
“Leave it on for around 30 minutes after you’ve finished,” she said. “If you think you’ll forget to turn it off, set a timer on your phone as a reminder.”
Elaine adds that it’s also important to ensure the fan is cleaned and serviced on a regular basis to keep it working as efficiently as possible.
Open the window
Be disciplined about opening the window in the bathroom after you shower.
“Better still, do this while you are in the shower,” said Elaine. “This can help ventilate a room and will allow the steam to escape.”
This will also mean you can reduce the amount of time your extractor fan is on for. Better still, it may mean you don’t need to use the fan at all.
Elaine added: “While you’re at it, leave the shower curtain or shower door open too, to ensure better ventilation of the area.”
Once you’re done, remember to keep the bathroom door closed, as this will ensure the humidity doesn’t escape to other parts of your house.
Wash bathmats
One of the simplest ways to prevent mould spores from appearing and spreading is by being disciplined about washing mats and rugs.
Elaine said: “A regular routine is very important.”
If you’re worried about energy costs, try washing at 30C rather than 40C, as this could shave around £12 off your bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Generally speaking, you are only really likely to need a warmer temperature for especially soiled items or bad stains.
At the same time, now that the weather is improving, make further savings by ditching the tumble dryer and hanging clothes outside instead.
Replace your shower curtain
Washing your shower curtain should also be part of your regular routine, and Elaine also recommends replacing it from time to time.
“If the finances allow, aim to do this every few months,” she said.
“Don’t spend a fortune when picking a new one, as you should ideally look to change it relatively frequently.”
Asda has a basic white shower curtain costing £2.25, while the Bjarsen white curtain from Ikea is priced at £2.50.
Tidy products and towels away
Many of us are guilty of hoarding a whole host of products in the shower. But this is a bad idea, according to Elaine.
“If you leave multiple shower essentials in the corner of your unit, they all become covered in slimy scum,” she said.
“If you’re not careful, this can contribute to mould build-up on the shower walls and grouting.”
A better approach is to put shampoo bottles and other bits and pieces on a rack immediately after you’ve showered.
“The excess water will then dry out more quickly, meaning there’s less chance for mould to grow,” said Elaine. “Also avoid leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor. Be sure to pick them up and hang them somewhere they can dry.”
At Tesco you can buy a plastic hook-on shower caddy for £2, while at Argos, there’s a steel hook-over caddy for £8. Wilko has a five-tier over-door towel rail costing £12.
Invest in a squeegee
Get into the habit of washing the shower door and wiping down the silicone around the door on a regular basis.
“Make sure you also wipe down walls and the tub immediately after use,” said Elaine. “A squeegee is a good tool to invest in to help you quickly and effectively remove excessive moisture.”
Morrisons has a squeegee with a sucker for £1.
Use white vinegar
One of the best products to use to help prevent and remove mould is white vinegar, according to Elaine.
“It kills approximately 80 per cent of different species of fungi,” she said.
“With this in mind, even if your bathroom is currently mould free, it’s a good idea to include white vinegar in your cleaning routine. Spend time wiping the shower walls, grouting and silicone with it as a preventative measure.”
On Amazon, you can get your hands on a 5-litre bottle of white vinegar for around £6.
