I’m a damp expert – a little-known towel mistake could have mould growing in 12 hours & you almost certainly do it
YOUR towels could be the reason your bathroom is covered in grim mould, experts have revealed.
With high levels of humidity and oftentimes poor ventilation, the bathroom is prone to mould, whether that’s on the walls, in-between the grout or by the shower.
But even if you open the windows for regular airflow or wipe down the shower, turns out, there’s a common mistake many are unaware of that could be causing for mould to grow – and in some cases, it can happen in as little as 12 hours.
According to experts from Advanced Damp, the culprit is… your towel.
Although most don’t really think much of hanging up our damp towel in the bathroom, this could, in fact, lead to a huge problem, the pros warned, The Mirror reported.
“One of the most common mistakes that lead to mould is how you handle wet towels.
”Hanging wet towels on a rail could start growing mould in just 12 hours.”
Instead, the gurus advised to hang your towels somewhere with plenty of airflow, so that they can dry as quickly as possible.
This simple move, the team added, will help keep mould away.
It’s also key to remember that towels can become susceptible to mould even after you’ve washed them – so it’s best to ensure they’re fully dry before storing them.
This also applies to chucking them inside the washing basket – to keep the mould at bay, Advanced Damp urged to make sure the towels are dry.
This is because otherwise, the damp and mould could potentially spread to other clothes and parts of your home, they warned.
Ventilation is key
For the best chances of combating mould, experts advised to ventilate your bathroom and home as often as you can.
For best results, the team also said you should try to have an extractor fan installed where possible – or at least open a window as soon as you’ve finished in the shower.
“Ensuring good ventilation may not help you reduce energy costs, but it keeps the indoor air quality healthy for everyone living there.”
More things to help prevent mould
Wash bathmats
According to Elaine Aguiar from Elaine Cleaning Services, one of the simplest ways to prevent mould spores is by washing mats and rugs on a regular basis.
If you’re worried about energy costs, try washing at 30C rather than 40C – this simple switch could slash around £12 off your bill, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
Replace your shower curtain
“If the finances allow, aim to do this every few months,” she said.
“Don’t spend a fortune when picking a new one, as you should ideally look to change it relatively frequently.”
Invest in a squeegee
“Make sure you also wipe down walls and the tub immediately after use,” Elaine advised.
“A squeegee is a good tool to invest in to help you quickly and effectively remove excessive moisture.”