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Mould and mildew usually grow in places which have high humidity levels. You will see the fungus appearing if your surface has been damp for more than 24 hours. Hence, it is crucial to inspect for leaky pipes and drains in your home. A musty odour usually characterizes
the fungus on walls and other places. They also ruin the paint on your walls.Â
Difference Between Mould and Mildew
Please note that mould and mildew are different. Mould usually grows much below the surface layer where as mildew grows on the surface and can be easily spotted. Mould usually grows on food or walls where as mildew grows on damp surfaces like wet clothes, paper etc.
You must treat the mould and mildew as soon as you spot them because they can cause many health complications. Children and the elderly are more susceptible. They cause
major problems in people suffering from respiratory or skin diseases.Â
Follow the steps given below to remove mould and mildew from the various surfaces in your bathroom. Ensure that you are well-protected while cleaning the mould from your bathroom
with gloves and face mask. Keep the bathroom windows open. Throw away the cleaning
rags after use to avoid the spread of fungus spores to other areas of your house.
Ingredients to Keep Handy
a) Dishwashing gel
b) Bathroom cleaner
c) Bleach
d)Â Warm water
e) Gloves
f) Protective eye gear
g) Cotton face mask
h) White vinegar
i) Towel
j) Vacuum cleaner
k) Utility knife
l)Â Paper towels
m) Cleaning rags
How to Treat Mould on Bathroom Walls
Method 1: For Painted Walls
Step 1: Wash the Affected Area
Scrub the spores from the walls using a soft-bristle brush with soapy water. Pat the walls dry with a towel.
Step 2: Treat with Vinegar
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar. Apply it on the mould affected parts of your walls and wait for 10 minutes. Now, scrub off the spores.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the walls with water and let them air dry. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying.
Method 2: For Wall Tiles
Step 1: Treat with Vinegar
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the spray bottle. Liberally spray it all over the
affected area of your wall tiles. Allow it to sit for 1 hour. Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated.
Step 2: Wipe the Surface
Now, take ½ a bucket of warm water and a cotton cloth. Dampen the cloth with warm water and wipe the surface thoroughly. Keep refreshing the cloth with warm water frequently to ensure thorough cleaning. You may use an old toothbrush to gently scrub stubborn mould deposits.
Step 3: Allow Air-Drying
Once the entire area is clean and free of mould, wipe it dry with a dry cotton cloth. Turn on
the exhaust fan and keep the bathroom windows and door open to ensure maximum
ventilation.
How to Keep Mould and Mildew in Check?
Ensure that all the surfaces in your bathroom right from the buckets to faucets to shower curtain and wash basin are thoroughly disinfected after cleaning. You can use a suitable disinfectant spray such as Domex Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Spray, which kills germs. Always test on a small hidden area and rinse to check compatibility first. It also leaves behind a pleasant fragrance. Don’t forget to read the instructions on the product, and check if it’s recommended for soft and porous surfaces. Once you’ve wiped the walls, dispose of the cleaning rag. It will help you avoid the spread of the fungus to the other areas of your
home.Â
Preventive Measures to Control the Growth of Mould and Mildew
Let the natural light come in. Proper ventilation will prevent moisture from seeping into the walls and prevent the growth of mould. While taking a shower, you must keep the exhaust fan on. Â
If you spot mould growth on your shower curtains or doormats, toss them away. Remember, even dormant spores can be hazardous to health. It is better to replace these items than risking the chance of spreading the spores further.Â
Damp walls are one of the leading causes of mould growth in homes. Inspect your pipes regularly to ensure that there is no water seeping into the walls from a faulty drainage system. Timely action can save you from a lot of trouble.Â
If you live in a humid place, invest in a dehumidifier. You can also consider investing in moisture traps to avoid the mess of having to deal with mould and mildew growth in your house.Â
Simply treating the mould without understanding the reason for it will not help in the long run. Mould cannot grow without moisture. So, try and understand the reason for this dampness in your home and fix it. Be it a leaky pipe or a damp towel that is left lying on
the bathroom floor.Â
Key StepÂ
Insulate your home during winters. The air is unable to hold moisture which leads to the moisture condensing on walls and other surfaces. Water trapped in your walls or floor leads to mould growth.   Â