Bathroom mould is an annoying and persistent issue, but it can be rapidly solved if Brits take care to manage a few bad habits. While tips like keeping the fan on or window open are common knowledge, there are a few strategies which could help prevent mould further. One common habit in particular could actually be contributing to the mould problem in bathrooms without Brits even realising it.
Long, Hot Showers: A Major Culprit
While tempting after a difficult day, taking long, hot showers could be a problem. As this produces large amounts of steam, the humidity levels will rise in your bathroom. This then leads to more moisture in the air, which is likely to settle on surfaces. Good Housekeeping explains that the moisture from a long, hot shower could settle on everything from bathroom walls to ceilings, windows, grout, and sealant as condensation. If these surfaces are not dried out properly or fast enough, they may remain damp for a long time, creating a breeding ground for mould.
Simple Solutions
Keeping showers shorter and making sure the bathroom is well ventilated with open windows or fans turned on can certainly help the issue. Additionally, breaking out of this routine could save Brits significant hassle in the long run.
Other Risky Actions
- Leaving the bathroom mat out: As bathmats absorb plenty of water, leaving them on the floor means the bottom of it can remain damp for hours. This trapped moisture is a perfect environment for mould to grow in. Hanging the bathmat somewhere to allow it to dry after a shower or bath is highly recommended.
- Bunched shower curtains: Those with shower curtains may also be unknowingly contributing to a mould problem. Leaving a shower curtain bunched up can cause mould to grow within the folds. If Brits take an extra second to stretch it out after their shower, they could ensure the curtain dries quicker and may save them a greater hassle in the long run.
- Back-to-back showers: While sometimes tricky with lots of housemates or family members sharing one bathroom, taking too many showers back-to-back could be risky. This is because this gives bathrooms little to no time to dry out between showers, leading to regularly heightened humidity levels. If possible, it is recommended to leave at least 20 minutes between hot showers.
As always, experts also advise keeping extractor fans on and windows open too. By addressing these common habits, Brits can effectively prevent mould growth and maintain a cleaner, healthier bathroom environment.
