Mould is a common bathroom problem in a large number of London properties. Not only is mold unsightly, and the musty smell off-putting, but long-term exposure can cause health problems. If you have green, red, or black mold 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 mold dangerous?
Long term exposure to mold has been linked to respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, but severe reactions are relatively rare. Nonetheless, it is unhealthy to have mold growing within a property and the issue should be addressed as soon as you spot it to prevent it spreading further.
Black mold is the most common type of mold to affect bathrooms around the UK, and causes the musty smell people associate with damp. Evidence suggests that black mold is no more dangerous than other types, but exposure cane cause some people to experience allergic reactions. Whatever type of mold you find in your home, it should be addressed as soon as possible.
Why does mold 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 mold 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 mold 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 mold in the bathroom?
Getting rid of mold 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 mold 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 mold that can be bought in most supermarkets that do a good job of removing the growth.
Whatever the mold 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 mold 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 mold growing in a bathroom?
The best way to stop mold 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.
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 mold 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 call Bits Bobs and Odd Jobs today to book a visit from a reliable London handyman.