Most people can identify the existence of mould either through sight or smell, but few understand the impact it can have on human health. Mould associated with damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions. People who are more susceptible to these symptoms usually have weakened immune systems, of suffer from allergies, severe asthma, or chronic obstructive or allergic lung disease.
Mould thrives in damp and poorly ventilated spaces, making bathrooms the ideal breeding ground. Moisture and humidity from bathing and damp towels are key contributors to mould growth.
Here are some natural ways to eliminate mould growth in your bathroom:
1. Increase ventilation and natural light
Ventilation is crucial to inhibiting mould growth and the simplest way to do this is to install a quality extraction fan, which works best with an open window or door. Keeping blinds open to promote exposure to natural light will also work to dry out the room.
2. Reduce humidity
Mould thrives in high levels of humidity, so try and reduce humidity in your bathroom to 60% or below. Some air conditioners allow you to set a humidity level, or you could try adding a dehumidifying plant. A list of dehumidifying plants can be found here.
3. Plumbing
Fixing leaks, keeping ventilation fans clean and looking out for any plumbing problems that could lead to a build-up of water in your bathroom will also help inhibit mould growth. If you suspect you have a leak in your bathroom, we can recommend a leak detection expert to help.
4. Removing condensation
After you shower, look for areas where condensation has built up, such as shower screens and windows, and dry those areas off to prevent moisture sitting on surfaces.
5. Remove the food source
Regular cleaning of your bathroom will remove any potential food sources for mould. This includes dusting surfaces and regularly washing towels and bathroom mats.