If you want to prevent bathroom mould, all it takes is five minutes a day to protect your home from those nasty black spots and musty smells. Mould is unsightly and can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and long-term damage to your walls and ceiling.
Bathrooms are especially vulnerable due to their humid, steamy conditions. That warm moisture lingering after a shower is the perfect breeding ground for mould. But the good news is that you can keep your bathroom fresh, dry, and mould-free with a few fast, consistent habits without scrubbing it from top to bottom every week. Let’s explore five simple solutions that take less than five minutes to implement.
1. Use the Exhaust Fan Every Time You Shower
Excess moisture is the number one cause of mould in bathrooms. Running your exhaust fan during and after every shower helps remove warm, damp air before it settles into grout lines, ceilings, and walls.
Make it a habit to:
- Turn on the fan before starting your shower
- Leave it running for at least 10 minutes afterwards
If your fan is weak or noisy, replace it with a more robust and energy-efficient model. A high-quality fan reduces the chance of mould and helps eliminate odours and condensation from mirrors.
If your current fan isn’t doing the job or is not connected correctly to external ventilation, a licensed plumber from Ezy-Plumb can assess and fix the issue quickly.
2. Wipe Down Wet Surfaces Immediately
One of the fastest ways to prevent bathroom mould is to stop water from sitting on surfaces. After a shower or bath, spend just a minute wiping down:
- Shower screens and tiles
- Bathroom mirrors
- Benchtops around the basin
- Any windows that have collected condensation
Use a microfibre cloth or a window squeegee to do the job efficiently. Even a quick wipe removes enough moisture to make a big difference. Wiping regularly stops water from seeping into porous surfaces, reducing the chances of mould forming.
3. Keep the Shower Curtain or Screen Open
Another easy trick is to keep your shower curtain pulled back or your glass screen door slightly open after bathing. This allows air to circulate inside the shower area and helps it dry out faster.
Closed-off spaces stay moist for much longer, which is what mould loves. By improving airflow, you’re making life harder for mould spores to settle and grow.
If you have a shower curtain, ensure it’s mould-resistant and wash it weekly. Shower screens, on the other hand, should be wiped down daily to remove soap scum and trapped moisture.
4. Check for Plumbing Leaks and Drips
Leaky taps, faulty toilet cisterns, or dripping showerheads can all create a damp environment that encourages mould growth. Often, leaks are hidden or go unnoticed for weeks—especially behind vanities or under the sink.
If you notice:
- Damp patches on bathroom walls
- Persistent puddles on the floor
- A musty smell even after cleaning
…it might be time to call in a professional. The mould caused by plumbing leaks won’t disappear until the source is fixed. Licensed Plumbers at Ezy-Plumb can quickly detect and repair hidden leaks, helping you protect your bathroom from long-term mould damage.
5. Spray with Vinegar or Anti-Mould Solution Weekly
This final tip takes under five minutes and creates a protective barrier against mould. Once a week, spray your bathroom’s high-risk areas with a natural white vinegar solution or a commercial anti-mould spray.
Focus on:
- Tile grout
- Window sills
- The ceiling near the shower
- Around the base of the toilet
Vinegar is a safe, cheap, and effective natural mould killer. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle and spritz problem areas. Let it sit and dry—no rinsing required. This stops spores from settling and helps maintain a clean, fresh-smelling bathroom.
Why Prevention Beats Removal
Cleaning mould is time-consuming and often frustrating, especially when it keeps returning. Prevention is faster, easier, and healthier. By spending just five minutes a day on these quick tasks, you’ll:
- Keep your bathroom looking fresh and clean
- Protect your health from airborne mould spores
- Avoid costly repairs from water damage or structural decay
Once mould gets into your walls or ceiling, professional removal may be your only option—and that’s a far more expensive and disruptive process.
FAQS About Preventing Bathroom Mould
How often should I clean my bathroom to keep mould away?
A light daily routine of wiping and ventilation can keep mould at bay. Deep cleaning once a fortnight is usually enough when prevention methods are in place.
Can I paint over bathroom mould?
Painting over the mould only temporarily covers it. The mould will return unless the surface is treated and the cause (like moisture or leaks) is fixed first.
What if the mould keeps coming back despite my efforts?
You may have a hidden leak, poor ventilation, or an underlying plumbing issue. In that case, it’s best to call us for a professional inspection and long-term fix.
Don’t Let Mould Take Over Your Bathroom
Mould doesn’t need much to thrive—just moisture, warmth, and poor airflow. But with a few daily habits and regular maintenance, you can prevent bathroom mould before it has a chance to take hold. Whether it’s running your fan, wiping down tiles, or checking for leaks, each step takes less than five minutes but goes a long way in keeping your bathroom clean, dry, and mould-free.
And if you’re facing ongoing mould problems or need help with plumbing repairs, contact the experts at Ezy-Plumb for fast, reliable service across Melbourne.
