How to Stop Condensation & Mould in Bathrooms – Expert Advice

A mouldy bathroom can be a nightmare to clean! But what can you do about it? As the most humid room in your house, your bathroom is bound to get some condensation. However, there’s a lot you can do to prevent it from developing into mould and affecting your health.

From cooler showers to installing an extractor fan, our damp experts explain how to stop bathroom condensation and mould.

Why do bathrooms get condensation?

“The bathroom can be one of the most troublesome rooms in the home. Typically, it’s the place where we use the most water and so create the most water vapour. Without proper management of that vapour, condensation is likely to form in the bathroom regularly and lead to more serious problems.” – an expert at Allerton Damp Proofing

• They’re humid – Showers and baths produce large amounts of steam, which turns to condensation on cool surfaces
• Poor ventilation – Inadequate ventilation makes it difficult for moisture to escape and fresh, dry air to circulate
• Lots of cool surfaces – When warm, moist air hits cool surfaces like mirrors, ceramics or tiles, it causes condensation
• Water usage – The constant use of water in a bathroom increases moisture in the air, making it more humid
• Inadequate heating –  If your bathroom is chilly or unheated, this can make surfaces cooler and more likely to attract condensation issues

How condensation forms

Condensation forms when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cooler surface, leading to water droplets that appear as though tiles or walls are ‘sweating’. Unless you stop using your bathroom as a bathroom, you’re going to have some humidity and moisture in the air!

But, condensation can be managed. As damp proofing specialists, here’s how to stop bathroom condensation from turning to mould.

Tips to prevent bathroom condensation

Install an extractor fan

A good quality extractor fan is a reliable way to reduce condensation in your bathroom, as it expels moist air outside before it can settle on surfaces. Choose a fan that’s the right size for your bathroom and keep it clean. Leave it running at least 15-20 minutes after you shower.

“The work was carried out with due care to my property and once again a friendly and considerate electrician fitted my new PIV unit giving clear instructions as to how it worked. I would not hesitate to recommend Allerton for providing a very professional service where customer satisfaction is clearly very important. Well done.” – Mary S, Leeds Trustpilot review

Have cooler or faster showers

Unfortunately, the longer and hotter you have your shower, the more steam builds up in your bathroom. If you can bear it, have a cooler shower. Alternatively, have a faster shower. You’ll save money on your heating or electric bills (depending on the type of shower) too.

Increase natural airflow

If your bathroom has a window, opening it during or after showering can help moist air to escape. This might not so helpful in winter – which is when installing an extractor fan can help – but even a few minutes open can help increase the flow of dry, fresh air in the room.

Keep your bathroom warm

Condensation happens when there’s a difference in temperature between air and surfaces. If you can keep your bathroom warm with a heater, towel rail, or underfloor heating, there’s less chance of condensation. Here’s how to heat your bathroom cost-effectively.

Squeegee surfaces dry

Keep a squeegee in your bathroom and use it to wipe any water build-up off surfaces after you shower, including your bathroom tiles, mirrors and glass panels. It takes time, but leaving condensation to sit on surfaces is the perfect environment for mould growth.

Clean your bathroom regularly

As well as wiping away excess water, regularly cleaning surfaces can help prevent mildew and mould growth in your bathroom. By removing mould spores and grime with mould-busting cleaning products, you can help keep your bathroom healthy and clean.

Use antibacterial paint or panels

Want to fight damp issues and mould growth before they start? Antibacterial paint creates a protective barrier on your walls and ceiling against excess moisture and mould. Installing antibacterial panels around your bath or shower can help stop bacteria from multiplying.

Insulate pipes and walls

Insulating your cool bathroom pipes and walls reduces the temperature difference when warm air hits them. Insulating your property can be cost-effective in the long run, as not only will it help prevent condensation, but it also stops warmth from escaping out of your home.

Bathroom mould and damp problems

Persistent condensation can lead to mould and damp problems, creating a moist environment where bacteria and spores can thrive. 

Mould can affect the walls, ceilings, and grout in your bathroom. Not only does mould growth look unsightly and damage your bathroom surfaces over time, but it negatively impacts your bathroom’s air quality. Here are some types of bathroom damp issues that can happen.

• Surface damp – visible damp patches or peeling wallpaper, when condensation collects on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Interstitial damp – when the moisture penetrates deeper into your walls, causing structural damage over time
• Rising damp – if your bathroom is on the ground floor, condensation may contribute to existing rising damp issues
• Black mould growth – prolonged condensation is an ideal environment for black mould, which can pose health risks
• Wood rot – if wet or dry rot has taken hold in your bathroom timber, persistent damp can contribute to these issues

Try to keep your bathroom clean, warm and dry as possible. If you spot signs of damp concerns, contact one of our experts at Allerton Damp Proofing and we will provide you with the best plan to eliminate mould and damp issues in your bathroom.

FAQs

What if my bathroom has no windows?

If your bathroom has no windows, install a suitable extractor fan and run it whenever your bathroom gets steamy. You could also run a bathroom-specific dehumidifier, wipe down surfaces regularly, use antibacterial paint or panels, and insulate your walls and pipes. A combination of these, alongside keeping your bathroom warm, should help keep your bathroom dry and avoid mould issues.

Can I use a dehumidifier in my bathroom?

You can use a dehumidifier in the bathroom, if it has been designed for bathroom use, but these are nowhere near as effective as an industry leading extractor fan. The model of dehumidifier should be capable of dealing with extra humid and steamy environments and has appropriate safety features to avoid electrical hazards, such as an automatic shut-off function. Keep the dehumidifier and its electrical cord away from splashes and direct water sources, and always abide by the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Is bathroom mould harmful to humans?

Yes, bathroom mould can be harmful to humans, and exposure to mould spores can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation and allergic reactions. Spores from mould can cause you to wheeze and cough, and can exacerbate asthma or existing allergies. A cold, damp, dirty bathroom can also be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria – increasing the risk of infections. Keep your bathroom healthy.