Mouldy bathroom ceiling – how to get rid and prevent it?

There’s nothing worse than lying back for a soak in the tub only to see creeping mould along your ceiling. So, how can you get rid of a mouldy bathroom ceiling? And how can you prevent it from returning?

How to get rid of a mouldy bathroom ceiling

The easiest way to get rid of a mouldy bathroom ceiling is to clean it with a commercial mould remover or a mixture of white vinegar and warm water.

1. Use a sponge to remove any visible mould from the ceiling (making sure to wear protective gear such as a face mask, gloves and safety glasses).
2. Spray the ceiling with your chosen cleaner.
3. Leave the cleaner for 30 minutes to an hour (always check the packaging if you are using a commercial mould remover).
4. Scrub the ceiling to get rid of any remaining mould (you can use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas).
5. Wipe the area clean with water.
6. Use a towel to dry the ceiling.

How to prevent a mouldy bathroom ceiling from returning

Mould will always keep returning if you don’t fix the underlying cause. For instance, if the source of the mould is a leak, you’ll need to fix the leak in order to prevent the mould from returning.

That said, there are a few key things you can do to discourage mould from taking route on your bathroom ceiling.

1. Anti-mould paint

Anti-mould paint is a special kind of paint that’s designed to prevent mould from building up. It works by repelling condensation.

Once you’ve cleaned any existing mould from your bathroom, applying anti-mould paint can help to prevent it from returning. It usually provides protection for around five to six years. Just bear in mind that it’s not waterproof, so you can still end up with water damage if your ceiling gets wet on a regular basis.

2. Vent your bathroom

It’s important to vent your bathroom as much as possible after any episode of high humidity.

You can do this by opening windows and doors. This will help warm, moist air to leave your bathroom as quickly as possible.

We’d also recommend getting an extractor fan if you don’t have one already. Which brings us onto…

3. Upgrade your extractor fan

Bathroom extractor fans can be very effective at removing warm, moist air from your bathroom. But it’s worth checking that yours is pulling its weight.

To start with, check that your extractor fan is big enough for your bathroom. If you still have the technical specifications, you can check your room’s measurements against them.

We’d also advise investing in an extractor fan with a delay. This will stay on for a while after you turn off your bathroom lights, which will give vapour the best chance of being extracted completely.

Finally, your extractor fan should be fitted as near as possible to the source of moisture in the air (normally your shower or bath) to maximise its potential. Just make sure that it has the right IP rating for where you’re planning on placing it as it is an electrical item.

An electrician will be able to help you make sure your extractor fan is as effective as it can be, and that it meets all the right recommendations and regulations.

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