What is mould? Mould is a type of fungus. It is an organism that grows from a spore (like a seed) into an expanding network of tiny filaments (hairlike threads), across a suitable surface.
Mould reproduces by releasing billions of microscopic spores into the air. These spores are widespread on earth, ready to germinate when the conditions are right, when there is dampness, warmth, low UV light, oxygen and organic matter for nutrition.
Mould and its spores can cause many health problems like allergic reactions, infections of the skin, sinuses, digestive tract and lungs. Mould is often highly toxic or even lethal if ingested.
Mould is also a cosmetic problem for households. It is unsightly and can stain surfaces if left too long. If left unchecked, mould will spread wherever it can and continue to cause problems of many kinds, so it is very important to immediately remove it wherever it appears.
Removing mould is easy, but preventing it is ideal.
The main cause of mould growth in the bathroom is a dampness. In a bathroom, high humidity levels from warm water, low ventilation and low sunlight give mould the conditions it needs to thrive.
Mould accumulates on porous surfaces, because they hold water and provide a rough surface texture ideal for mould to grow. In the bathroom, this is mostly the grout and in particular, damp shower grout.
In this section we take you through step-by-step on what you need and how to remove the mould in different areas of your bathroom such as the ceiling and the grout in your shower. We also touch on what to do if you don’t have a fan to help air the bathroom out to prevent mould growth.
Clean mould away using mild detergent or diluted vinegar (4:1 vinegar to water) and scrub it away. If the mould is resistant to this solution, use bleach (at 1:8 bleach to water). Remember to use appropriate protective equipment. This will work on surfaces to prevent mould on walls, tiles, grout, stone, ceiling or plaster.
Remember to look behind surfaces for mould as well. Sometimes you will find mould behind mirrors, shelves and other furniture or even behind silicone strips as pictured below.
Before applying new silicone, Shower Plug should be applied to the surface.
Mould will also grow beneath the shower base on the membrane or in the walls. This can be addressed without removing the tiles.
First step is to remove the mould as above. Then, a mould/mildew remover and preventer spray can be used roughly every three months to spray the surface with antifungal treatment.
Repainting these surfaces with a specialised mould-resistant paint is a more permanent option as well.
Enable as much fresh airflow into the room as possible, and if necessary, a dehumidifier or extractor fan can be installed into the room to reduce humidity.
Sealing the shower surface in this way will prevent water soaking into the tiles and grout which permanently prevents mould ever recurring in that surface. It will also prevent mould growing within the structure below. Mould can grow and spread from below the shower, through the membrane to other parts of the building like adjacent ceilings, walls and structural timber.
A major cause of mould in most households, is leaking showers. So treating the shower for any leaks is an important step in eliminating mould in the bathroom and elsewhere.
If the use of a fan to circulate fresh air or remove humidity is not an option, the recommended solution would be to:
Shower Plug is a total solution to preventing mould growth on tiles and grout. It is a penetrating Sealer and mould preventer. With a simple application, it creates an electro-chemical barrier that repels water. This means the surface will no longer absorb the water needed for mould to grow.
Shower Plug leaves the surface totally water repellent and will last 10 years. It makes the surface easier to clean and prevents water leaks through the surface.
Shower Plug can be purchased at any Bunnings Warehouse within Australia or via our online shop and shipped internationally.
