Mould growth is common in damp areas of the home, such as the bathroom, when the room is poorly maintained. This phenomenon is generally caused by poor ventilation, as condensation leads to the proliferation of microscopic fungi. Likewise, certain materials such as cardboard, paper and wood can act as conductors due to humidity, leading to the proliferation of fungi.
To avoid mould, it’s highly recommended to ventilate washrooms and avoid storing these conductive materials in these areas. If, despite the precautions taken, mould has formed in the bathroom, you must take care to remove it, as it can keep on growing.
A closer look at how to get rid of mould in the bathroom.
Which products to use to remove mould from tiles?
Mould stains can be particularly stubborn, especially on materials such as tiles. These fungi have a tendency to infiltrate seals or putty edges and leave unsightly marks.To remove them effectively, we strongly recommend using a fungicidal product such as Impec bleach, which is specially formulated to kill the microorganisms causing mould. Simply dilute 25 ml of bleach in a liter of water, then spray this solution onto the contaminated surfaces. Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Stains may not disappear on the first try, in which case you should repeat the operation until they fade. Once the stains have disappeared, be sure to dry the surface thoroughly and then air the room to eliminate chlorine smells in the bathroom, as these fumes can be hazardous to your health.
Finally, for bathrooms with silicone seals, grapefruit seed extract is an effective mould remover. You can mix 10 drops of extract with 125 ml of water, then spray this preparation onto the mouldy surface and let it sit for several minutes to a few hours, depending on the extent of the infection. Scrub with a brush after this time, then rinse with clean water.
How to remove mould from ceilings?
Mould can also appear on bathroom ceilings, in which case you’ll need soda instead of bleach. Make up a solution of a liter of water and 6 to 10 grams of soda, and apply it to the infected surface with a cloth or sponge. Leave for several hours, then brush with a stiff brush and rinse until the stains disappear.
Caution! Plastic gloves must be worn when handling products such as bleach and soda, as they are corrosive.
Note also that mould on the ceiling is a sign of water infiltration in the roof. There’s no point in cleaning it up without tackling the problem at source, as it’s bound to reappear as soon as the next precipitation falls. It’s therefore important to call in a professional as soon as you notice the appearance of mould on your bathroom ceiling.
How to remove mould from bathroom textiles?
Just like other surfaces, textiles such as towels left hanging in the shower, curtains and carpets can also be invaded by mould. It’s a good idea to clean them thoroughly to stop the proliferation of these fungi in the bathroom. To do this, soak carpets, shower curtains and towels in a solution of water and black soap. Scrub with a brush, then rinse and dry in the sun before using again.
If your bathroom isn’t properly ventilated during the day, it’s best to let carpets and towels dry before reusing them in the bathroom to prevent fungus from developing.
And for that musty smell?
In addition to causing unsightly stains on tiles, walls and ceilings, mould can also leave behind unpleasant smells. Normally, fungicides and disinfectants are used to eliminate these, but if they persist, you can apply the following tip: mix equal parts water and vinegar, then add ten drops of tea tree and lavender essential oils which you can find in specialized homeopathic stores.
Tea tree essential oil is effective against fungi responsible for mildew, while lavender essential oil eliminates persistent unpleasant smell.