Bathrooms are notorious problem areas in homes for mould. The warm, humid and sometimes poorly ventilation environment creates perfect conditions for spores to grow. Tackling this issue in a bathroom can seem like an impossible task, but you can get rid of mould on bathroom ceilings and walls if you tackle the causes as well as cleaning off visible growth.
This guide will take a look at the underlying causes of bathroom mould, and how to make sure it doesn’t return to haunt you in the shower within a few weeks!
Why Does Mould Grow on Bathroom Ceilings & Walls?
Mould loves damp and humidity, making bathrooms the ideal place in your home for this unwelcome visitor.
Steamy baths and showers cause moisture to cling to walls and ceilings. The ceiling area is a particular problem in bathrooms because the damp lingers in the area longest, giving mould spores a chance to grow.
The most common issues in bathrooms are:-
Condensation on Ceilings and Walls - every time the bath or shower is used, steam is released into the air. If the moisture can’t escape, it’ll condense on the coldest surfaces in the room. This is usually ceilings, tiled walls, painted plaster, mirrors and shower screens.
Poor Airflow - extractor fans, trickle vents, and ensuring windows are opened after using the bath or shower helps air circulate and remove moisture from the area. When a bathroom is dried out quickly, it reduces the chance of mould taking hold.
It’s time to take action if you notice black mould spots in nooks and crannies. Keep an eye on corners, particularly around the ceiling and on shower trays. Peeling paint and discolouration on plaster can also mean spores are taking hold.
How to Remove Mould from Bathroom Ceilings & Walls
Make sure you use the right products to remove mould from your bathroom. Some cleaning products are purely cosmetic, meaning they will remove the visible signs of mould whilst leaving spores intact to reinfest the space.
Here’s how to remove mould and prevent regrowth:-
Wear PPE - make sure you wear gloves and eye protection when using cleaning products. When you’re cleaning ceilings and the highest part of walls, your eyes are particularly vulnerable to irritation. Also make sure you ventilate the space to avoid respiratory irritation.
Choosing a Cleaner - Natural mould cleaners are best, both in terms of effectiveness and in terms of avoiding exposure to fumes in an enclosed space. We recommend Auro 412, our mould remover which targets spores safely. White vinegar can also be used for light mould patches, and hydrogen peroxide is also a bleach free option which will kill mould spores.
How to Apply Cleaner to Walls & Ceilings
Spray your chosen cleaner directly onto the mould infestation. Leave to work for at least an hour, before removing the residue with a soft brush or lightly damp cloth.
Painted Walls & Ceilings - Always do a patch test in an inconspicuous area first, and leave overnight to ensure it doesn’t damage paintwork. Apply gentle pressure when wiping down the walls & ceilings so you don’t damage the paint finish.
Tiles - Use a soft brush such as a toothbrush to clean grout and remove mould.
Wallpaper - Make sure you conduct a patch test before applying mould cleaner. Allowing mould cleaner to dry and using a soft brush to remove residue will help preserve the integrity of the paper. Afterwards, use a soft lightly damp cloth to remove the rest.
How to Prevent Mould Returning
We recommend an application of Auro 413 mould stop treatment. This makes surfaces less hospitable to spores, and helps prevent regrowth.
It’s also important to tackle the root causes of mould, and ensure you continue to do so long term.
How to Prevent Mould in the Bathroom Permanently
Prevention is better than cure, here’s how you can keep a step ahead of unsightly mould and keep your bathroom looking pristine and clean:-
Adequate Ventilation - make sure you open windows after baths or showers. If you don’t have an extractor fan, get one installed. You may also wish to make use of a dehumidifier if your bathroom does not have windows.
Daily Mantenance - Use a squeegee to remove moisture from shower screens after use, and wipe moisture from walls and mirrors. You should mop up any water on the floors. Regular cleaning of soap scum from baths and showers, and dusting of tiles and other surfaces will also remove sources of mould growth.
Redecorating After Mould
Once you’ve removed the mould and gotten any moisture issues under control, you might wish to redecorate. This is an ideal opportunity to build further anti mould measures into your bathroom.
Follow these steps to help make sure mould does not return:-
Surface Prep - Make sure all mould has been removed and that the area is completely dry. All flaking or loose paint should be removed. If there’s any loose plaster, dig it out and reseal it properly.
Choose the Right Finish - the best bathroom paint to stop mould will be able to hold up to humidity without trapping moisture. Using the wrong paint could undo all your hard work.
The Best Paint to Stop Bathroom Mould
When you decorate your bathroom, the choices you make will be vital for long term mould prevention. So what’s the best paint to stop bathroom mould?
Our Top Pick
Auro 303 Mould Resistant Silicate Paint - an ideal natural paint for interior walls prone to mould growth. Offers fungicidal and algicidal properties thanks to its alkalinity.
Why Natural, Breathable Paint is Best to Prevent Mould
Conventional paints can contain plastics that trap moisture beneath the surface. Our range of natural breathable paints creates a high PH environment that naturally resists mould growth and allows moisture to escape. In addition to strong anti mould and algicidal properties, our paints are low fume and low VOC.
FAQ: Your Bathroom Mould Questions Answered
Can I paint over mould?
Tempting as it is, painting over mould will simply trap the spores between two surfaces. It’ll be back with a vengeance and you might need to use a paint stripper to remove the mould if you’ve painted directly onto plaster. Make sure you’ve eradicated the mould before you paint.
Is it safe to use bleach or ammonia?
Bleach or ammonia can work for cosmetic purposes, but it would never be our primary recommendation. It will only be effective on non porous surfaces, doesn’t kill all spore types, and can release harsh fumes into your home. Natural alternatives like Auro 412, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide are more effective and safer.
How can I tell if mould is growing behind paint in my bathroom?
Telltale signs of mould include: bubbling, blistering, or flaking paint. Discoloration that keeps returning, or a musty smell that doesn’t go away.
Getting rid of mould in the bathroom isn’t just about cleaning. You must understand the causes and choose the best solutions to prevent its return. Using a 3 step approach of removing the causes, cleaning the spores, and redecorating with effective anti mould paints will ensure a healthy and mould free bathroom environment.
