Aside from making your shower look unsanitary, mould is a major health hazard that can cause serious respiratory issues for asthmatics and sensitive individuals, including shortness of breath, wheezing, and even affect the natural immune system.
But what’s the best way to get rid of mould from your shower? And how do you prevent it from coming back?
Read on to find out.
Understanding the basics of mould
To understand how to get rid of shower mould for good, you first need to know the cause.
Mould thrives in excessively moist, damp, and poorly ventilated areas. They’re part of a common group of organisms called fungi along with mushrooms and yeast. When there’s little airflow in an indoor space, it encourages the production of tiny little particles called spores, which are carried in the air and transmitted to people via inhalation.
Due to the nature in which mould grows, wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas are most susceptible. However, leaking roofs and drainage systems can also encourage water to penetrate parts of a building where it shouldn’t go.
Where mould grows in the bathroom and shower
Technically, mould can grow virtually anywhere in your bathroom. But there are a few key areas where you’ll most likely find it.
Look for these key areas to pinpoint the presence of mould in your bathroom:
- Tile grout
- Sealant
- In and around drains
- Shower walls and floors
- Bathtubs
- Shower curtains
- Basins
How to get rid of mould for good
By far, the most effective treatment is combining a concentration of vinegar and water.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to use vinegar to remove mould in your shower:
- Combine 4 parts vinegar and 1 part water into three individual buckets
- Get a microfiber cloth, dip into the first bucket, and scrub the affected area rigorously to remove the mould.
- After the first application, dip the microfiber cloth into the second bucket. Doing this will prevent cross contamination.
- Then, scrub the affected area again with the cloth, and rinse out the cloth by dipping it into the third bucket.
- Once completed, discard the vinegar solutions and wash the cloth on a hot cycle in the washing machine, using vinegar as a solution.
Remember, while doing this task, be sure to wear protective clothing and a face mask while keeping the room well-ventilated, as this will help you avoid accidentally breathing in dangerous spores.
What about Mould found on Tile Grout and Sealant?
Unfortunately, once mould has penetrated tile grout and sealant, it’s virtually impossible to remove it.
Why? Because when mould penetrates these substances, it develops roots that grow into the grout or silicone. So, while you can destroy the surface mould, you won’t be able to destroy the root of the problem.
For this reason, you’ll need to entirely replace all mouldy tile grout and sealant in your bathroom. To save yourself time and hassle, and ensure the job is done properly, we recommend hiring a waterproof specialist who backs up their service with a workmanship guarantee.
How to prevent future Mould growth
Considering mould thrives in damp, humid, and poorly ventilated areas, it’s vital that you keep the air flowing in your bathroom to reduce condensation.
Here are some useful tips to help you achieve this:
- Install an exhaust fan above the shower – Then be sure to use it every time you have a shower. By doing so, the fan will suck up the steam produced by the hot water and expel the steam before it has a chance to condense the room.
- Keep the bathroom window open on a regular basis – To further encourage more airflow.
- Check all bathroom surfaces for any signs of damage – including cracked or loose tiles, damaged grout or sealant, or gaps around the bathtub. This kind of damage should be taken seriously, as it’ll allow water to penetrate the surface and cause major damage to the subfloor and support structures.
- Repaint the bathroom walls – Even after scrubbing, some mould can be so deeply ingrained in the paint it can’t be removed. In this case, you’ll need to repaint the wall. Use paint specially designed for bathrooms that contains anti-microbial additives, as they help prevent mould growth and are durable enough to be washed many times without deteriorating.
When to call the waterproofing specialists
Tried all of the above and still have a mould problem? You could have a water leak. This could be due to cracked tiles, a failed waterproofing system, or a leaky or damaged facility (i.e. faucet, showerhead).
When you contact a waterproofing specialist to assess your bathroom, they can identify the source of the water leakages and recommend a treatment plan comprised of the following options:
- Repair and replace broken, loose, or cracked tiles
- Remove old tile grout and replace with premium-grade grout
- Remove old sealant and replace with premium-grade sealant
- Replace leaky or broken facilities including faucets, showerheads, and more
- Install a new waterproofing system
- Refurbish the entire shower to improve its appearance, performance, water-efficiency, and waterproofing properties
Best of all? All of these services are backed by a workmanship guarantee of at least 10 years (at Shower Sealed we provide a 12 year satisfaction guarantee). This way, you will feel good knowing that your home has the best protection against water damage.
To request a FREE quote for waterproofing, contact Shower Sealed today. Simply call 1300 519 133 or fill out the online form.
