Mould is a common bathroom problem in a large number of London properties. Not only is mould unsightly, and the musty smell off-putting, but long-term exposure can cause health problems. If you have green, red, or black mould starting to grow in your bathroom then now is the time to address the issue before it spreads.
What is mould?
Mould, sometimes spelled in the American way “mold”, is a microscopic fungus that is typically found in moist and humid environments. Mould spores are found everywhere and released in their thousands into the atmosphere, and if they find a suitable area to grow they will appear as fuzzy black, white or green patches on the walls, and create a damp and musty smell.
Is mould dangerous?
Long term exposure to mould has been linked to respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, but severe reactions are relatively rare. Nonetheless, it is unhealthy to have mould growing within a property and the issue should be addressed as soon as you spot it to prevent it spreading further.
Black mould is the most common type of mould to affect bathrooms around the UK, and causes the musty smell people associate with damp. Evidence suggests that black mould is no more dangerous than other types, but exposure cane cause some people to experience allergic reactions. Whatever type of mould you find in your home, it should be addressed as soon as possible.
Why does mould grow in bathrooms?
Mould thrives in dark and warm conditions, which makes bathrooms particularly susceptible to outbreaks. Many bathrooms do not have sufficient ventilation and so warm moist air is often trapped inside after people take showers or baths, and that gives mould the perfect conditions to grow. Leaky pipes, taps, and toilets where water slowly seeps into plasterboard and wood can also add to the problem.
You might find mould growing on wooden skirting boards, on the walls, particularly at the corners of a room, or even in the grout between the tiles in your bathroom – essentially any cellulose-rich building material.
How can you get rid of mould in the bathroom?
Getting rid of mould from a bathroom can be tricky, especially if you do not want to use harsh chemicals. Firstly, you should try and determine the type of mould that your bathroom is suffering from, and that should help you choose the right products to effectively address the issue. Bleach solutions and vinegar are commonly used to remove mould, but there are also specific sprays for each type of mould that can be bought in most supermarkets that do a good job of removing the growth.
Whatever the mould you find or the products you chose to eradicate it, you should always wear rubber gloves and a face mask to avoid ingesting or spreading the spores. If you are struggling to determine the type of mould affecting your bathroom, or need some help addressing the issue, such as by replacing the discoloured grout between the tiles, then a local London handyman can help.
How can you avoid mould growing in a bathroom?
The best way to stop mould growing in a bathroom is to reduce the moisture in the air through circulation. This means both one or more fans running both during and after people take showers or baths, as well as remembering to regularly open the window to let the warm moist air escape. If you do not have sufficient air-flow within your bathroom then consider booking an electrician to install one or more fans to improve the situation. And if you have a leak however minor, then book in a plumber as soon as possible to prevent the problem becoming any worse and giving mould enough time to spread.
Beyond improving air circulation, you should also keep a close eye on taps, shower heads, and toilets to make sure there are no leaks or drips, which can create the damp conditions that mould requires.
Whether your bathroom fan has stopped working effectively, the window in your bathroom is sticky and difficult to open, or you have a dripping tap that needs fixing then get in touch with CanCan today and get a visit from a reliable London handyman or trusted plumber at a time that suits you..