The bathroom is one of the busiest and most important parts of any modern home, but is also the most vulnerable to a number of potential problems. Given the amount of water and moisture that's present on a 24/7 basis, the threat of mould is a common concern.
This can occur due to excessive condensation along with various other issues, and has the potential to cause major harm for all the family. So, if you believe that your bathroom is plagued by damp, identification is the first step en route to recovery. Use the following checklist for guidance.
Visible Fungus
Bathroom fungus is most likely to appear in the corners and other humid areas. It can develop on walls, ceilings, and ledges while the most common forms are either green or black in colour. Given that they can cause serious health issues, removing it straight away with a mixture of water and bleach is advised.
Apply the cleaning material to the affected area and leave it to dry before repeating the process. It can then be scrubbed away while all sponges and equipment used should be disposed of right away. Poor ventilation is the main cause of fungus growth, and is something you need to address going forward.
Even before the visible fungus appears, a slimy texture on your tiles and grouting are a dead giveaway that there is a mould infestation building inside the bathroom. Thankfully, the good news is that dealing with it right now is quite easy, and starts with creating a vinegar-water spray to treat the tiles.
Significant volumes of slime, or pink slime, should be treated by a professional. The best way to fight back against this type of mould development is to opt for waterproof bathroom materials, particularly those that do not require grouting, as this will prevent moisture from sticking.
Wall Damage
Paint, tiles, and wallpaper can all start to lose a little bit of their aesthetic appeal over the years, which is nothing to worry about. However, discolouration that leads to a dirty appearance will often be caused by damp. Aside from ruining the aesthetic of the bathroom, untreated wall damage can lead to health concerns.
Installing waterproof flooring will help prevent future damp, but you may also require work to be completed on the external walls, particularly if they are cracked. The damp itself can be cleaned and wiped away. Once the situation is under control, they can be repainted or replaced with new tiles etc.
Potent Smells
While damp is most often identified through appearances, you should not overlook the importance of smell. A strong musty odour will usually confirm that mould and mildew are present. Even if the fungus isn’t visible yet, it is a lot certainly growing. Ventilating the room and cleaning with an air freshener should make an instant impact.
This is a good time to investigate hidden spots for potential sources of dampness that may have previously gone unnoticed. By attending to this damp and maintaining regular cleaning and ventilation, staying on top of the issue should become fairly straightforward.
What Next?
If you have spotted signs of damp in your bathroom, there are several options including the DIY and professional treatments mentioned above. The most important thing is to act fast. If you require some advice, feel free to give us a call today.