How to Get Rid of Mould in Your Bathroom

Reading time: 10 minutes

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. 

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. 

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) Warm water

e) Gloves

f) Protective eye gear

g) Cotton face mask

h) White vinegar

i) Towel

j) Vacuum cleaner

k) Utility knife

l) Paper towels

m) Cleaning rags

How to Get Rid of Mould in Bathroom Ceiling?

1. Step 1: Wash the Affected Area

   Prepare a cleaning solution using warm water and dishwashing liquid. Soak a soft sponge in the solution and wipe the affected area with it. Rinse with a damp cloth.  Let the wall dry.

2. Step 2: Treat the Ceiling with Bleach

   Mix 1 cup water with ¼ cup of bleach. Remember to test it on a small inconspicuous area first to check the compatibility. Apply this solution on the mould affected area of your bathroom ceiling. Wait for 20 minutes. Now, apply the bleach and water solution once again.

3. Step 3: Clean the Ceiling

   Now with a damp sponge, clean the entire surface. Ensure maximum air circulation and allow the area to dry completely.

How to Treat Mould on Bathroom Walls

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

How to Treat Mould on Stone and Marble Bathroom Flooring

1. Step 1: Clean with Damp Cloth

   Dampen the area by wiping it with a damp cloth. This will get the surface ready for further cleaning.

2. Step 2: Treat with Baking Soda

   Make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 cup of water, 1 cup of baking soda and 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid. Transfer it into a spray bottle and spray the solution all over the area. Remember to test it on a small inconspicuous area first to check the compatibility. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes.

3. Step 3: Scrub the Floor

   Now, scrub the floor with a nylon scrub pad. Nylon scrub pad is non-abrasive and helps avoid scratches. Allow the solution to stay for 20 minutes.

4. Step 4: Rinse the Floor

   Rinse the floor thoroughly with warm water. After rinsing, you can use a disinfectant for hygiene. You can clean and disinfect the floor using a suitable disinfectant floor cleaner, like a sodium-hypochlorite based product such as Domex Floor Cleaner which kills germs. Follow instructions on the pack for usage and compatible surfaces and always test on an inconspicuous area first.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Key Step 

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.