Mould flourishes in bathrooms thanks to a combination of high humidity and poor airflow, often helped to spread unseen by poor ventilation, particularly after showers.
However, lingering humidity isn’t the only cause: deteriorating silicone bathroom sealant around shower trays //www.ct1.com/product_application/sealing-your-shower-tray-with-bt1-bathroom-sealant/ and elsewhere can create moisture traps that contributes to the growth of black spot mould.
Here are some relatively easy ways in which you can prevent this twin-pronged attack and maintain a hygienic and aesthetically sound bathroom.
Improve Ventilation
An extractor fan should be an essential feature in every bathroom. If you don’t have one and you’d rather not get to the expense of installing one, make sure you always open the window or leave the door ajar after showering, to allow cross-breezes to dissipate the condensation on tiles and mirrors. If you do have an extractor fan, leave it running while you shower and for 20-20 minutes afterwards. In windowless bathrooms, a dehumidifier can keep humidity below 50%.
You should also wipe down wet surfaces with a squeegee or towel to prevent water from pooling. This may seem like a bit of a chore, but the rewards are worth it.
Repair Seals
Regularly check the condition of your bathroom sealant, at least once a year and preferably more often. Cracks can promote damp and mould, so you should replace crumbling sealant as soon as you spot it. When you’re reapplying, try to use anti-mould bathroom sealant. In addition, regular weekly cleaning with vinegar or baking soda in solution will kill mould spores early.