SourceBathroom maintenance is one of the worst tasks any homeowner has to do. There’s something about your bathroom that makes it a harder room to clean and keep tidy than anywhere else. Partially, this is because there are little areas that are hard to reach – like behind the toilet.
But, there’s one key element that definitely puts bathroom maintenance ahead of every other room. That’s right, we’re talking about water!
Obviously, water will be ever-present in your bathroom. You need it to shower and wash your hands, so the room is bound to get wet. Furthermore, hot water is the biggest problem as it creates steam. The steam then evaporates in the bathroom, leading to condensation. Condensation is an issue as it can very quickly lead to mould. When mould forms, it leads to these horrible dark patches appearing on your wall, ceiling, around windows, etc.
So, the focus of today’s post is to look at ways of reducing mould and dampness in your bathroom. As a result, this will definitely help you keep it in the best condition possible! It will be so much easier for you to clean this room and keep it tidy. With that in mind, here are the tips:
Use an extractor fan
Every bathroom should come equipped with an extractor fan. This is usually installed in the ceiling and you need to turn it on whenever you are in the bathroom. The whole purpose of this fan is to extract warm air from the room. Turn it on, and it should dramatically reduce the condensation in this area. A lot of bathrooms have switches that let you turn the fan on whenever you flick the light switch. This is such a smart idea as it means you’ll never shower without forgetting to put your fan on.
Clean your extractor fan regularly
Following on from the point above, you need to clean your extractor fan regularly. So many people end up with damp bathrooms because the fan no longer works properly. While this fan does suck up warm air and prevent condensation, it also sucks up a lot of dust from the room. Eventually, the fan gets so clogged up with dust that it stops working properly. In turn, your bathroom becomes a steamy mess with condensation and mould everywhere. It’s very easy to clean your extractor fan; all you need to do is remove it from the ceiling and wash all the different pieces.
Keep a window open
Try to keep a bathroom window open as often as possible – particularly when you’re showering or running a bath. This helps to fliter out the hot air, working alongside your extractor fan. Unfortunately, fans aren’t good enough to completely eliminate condensation in the bathroom. But, opening a window can definitely boost the chances of this happening. Keep the window open after you’ve finished in the bathroom as well, further letting the hot air evaporate out into the world – rather than in your bathroom!
Install more mould-proof tiles
Typically, bathrooms will have ceramic tiles that are installed in place with grout. Grout is the gap between the tiles – and this is the place where mould grows the most! If mould starts growing in grout, it is super hard for you to get rid of. Most bathrooms end up with horrible black lines of mould along the wall tiles near the sink or shower.
How can you prevent this from happening? Obviously, regular cleaning and drying of the tiles will help. But, the best advice is to opt for something like terrazzo tiles instead of traditional ones. These tiles are easier for you to maintain because of how they’re installed. They don’t have large grout gaps between them, meaning there’s less space for mould to grow. It should mean you can keep your bathroom in much better condition, while also making it easier for you to clean.
Dry your bathroom after every use
Whenver you use the bathroom to wash your hands or take a shower, ensure you dry the surfaces. Use a soft cloth to do this, removing moisture from the walls and surfaces. Why? Because this stops the water from settling on surfaces and causing damp marks or leading to mould. It is such an easy step that allows you to maintain a clean bathroom with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Follow these tips to reduce condensation and mould in your bathroom area. As a consequence, bathroom maintenance is easier than it’s ever been. All you have to do is wipe down surfaces, get the duster out, and you’ll have an extremely clean room.
