An annoying but extremely common household issue, moisture build up in bathrooms often inevitably leads to a build up of mould and grime, particularly in the hard to reach areas for cleaning. At the Panel Company, we recommend removing mold as soon as you notice it to avoid any long term damage. Not only can it be unattractive to household members and guests, but if left untreated, it can build up and multiply across your ceiling, having the potential to expand to walls and other areas, causing a possible risk to your health.
An area most likely to gather mould is your bathroom ceiling, which can be a common breeding ground for bacteria. However, giving your ceiling a fresh appearance by restoring it to its previous, mould-free state isn’t as difficult as you may think. Whether you have just noticed mould starting to grow, or have recently moved and noticed a much larger issue, our Panel Company guide will help you put your DIY skills to the test and have your bathroom clean in no time. Discussing what causes mould, as well as how to remove it and prevent it from returning, our step-by-step guide will help you combat this annoying household problem once and for all.
What causes mould on bathroom ceilings?
Likely to be the most damp and humid environment in the home, in most cases your bathroom is the most susceptible room to gathering mould. In particular the ceilings, as this is the first area that steam from a shower or hot bath comes into contact with. It's clear why mould growth on your bathroom ceiling is common in comparison to other areas of the bathroom, such as the sink, toilet and walls. However, fungus can still grow in these places, so it’s important to regularly check them for any traces.
Mould is more likely to grow and multiply in bathrooms that aren’t well ventilated, when you take a hot shower, or bath, the steam from this will rise, creating condensation once it reaches the cold ceiling. Eventually, the damp will sink deeper into the plaster, leading to mould growth. However, the sooner you tackle this, the less likely it is to multiply and cause potential health issues. Cleaning this is a relatively simple task, read our guide and find out how to get rid of mould on a bathroom ceiling.
How to get rid of mould on your bathroom ceiling
With the ability to grow at a rapid pace, it’s important to tackle mould soon after you see it. And, unfortunately, you can’t do anything about preventing the further growth of this unsightly fungus until you remove the mould that’s already visible.
Although straightforward to remove, when you’re getting rid of the mould, we advise taking precautions to make sure you don’t inhale any spores which could compromise your health. We’ll also provide a list of the necessary products needed to effectively remove all traces of mould from your bathroom ceiling.
Before cleaning:
- Before starting, ventilate your bathroom with as much fresh air as possible to prevent mould spores from spreading when you’re removing these.
- Once you’ve done this, make sure to wear the appropriate safety gear to ensure you don’t inhale the mould or get any on your skin, as this could potentially cause irritation. We advise you to wear safety goggles, gloves and a face mask. Before you start, ensure these are securely fitted on your hands and face, and won’t slip down or fall off while you’re removing the mould.
Steps to remove the mould:
- Start by spraying a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water or diluted bleach on the affected areas before using a sponge to wash this. Leave this to dry for a few minutes before you start the next step.
- Next, apply white vinegar to the area, this is the active ingredient that will kill the mould. Leave this for around an hour before washing it down with water to stop the smell of vinegar from lingering in the room.
- Keep your bathroom well ventilated until the area is fully dry. If you wish, you can use a hairdryer, which will help to speed up the drying process.
How do you keep mould from coming back?
Just because your bathroom ceiling now looks cleaner, this doesn't prevent mould from making an unwelcome return in the future. Below are a few steps you can take to help keep your bathroom ceiling clean and free from this nasty fungus.
- Keep your room well ventilated - the most common cause of mould build up is poor air circulation. To improve this, we advise installing a bathroom extractor fan and making sure this is switched on each time you go for a shower or bath. One of our Panel Company tips is to leave this fan until all visible moisture is removed from the room -but make sure you go back to turn it off later. If this is not possible however, it’s good practice to open your windows as an alternative. Taking either of these steps can help to minimise condensation on your ceiling and therefore reduce the growth of bacteria on your bathroom ceiling and keep mould away.
- Use a dehumidifier - Investing in a reliable dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture drastically, preventing damp from building up on your ceiling, walls, and other surfaces that are typically more susceptible to bacterial growth.
- Purchase PVC ceiling panels - Due to their practical waterproof material, unlike plaster or grout, PVC ceiling cladding doesn’t absorb damp from the condensation created by the steam from a hot shower or bath. For an extra layer of protection, PVC panels can be placed over anti-mould paint.
Reducing mould with PVC ceiling panels
If you’ve considered the ways to prevent mould from returning and have decided to take a look at some practical wall cladding, our affordable collection of PVC ceiling panels at the Panel Company features a variety of waterproof and stylish designs. Made with a convenient tongue and groove interlocking system, our ceiling cladding is easy to install. A practical alternative to plaster, it also requires minimal maintenance once fitted.
White Gloss PVC Ceiling Cladding
Perfect for rooms prone to gathering high amounts of moisture, our White Gloss PVC Ceiling Cladding is 100% waterproof, preventing water damage and any build up of damp that could result in unwanted mould growth. With a tongue and groove system that allows each ceiling board to seamlessly slot together in a quick and easy way, from the initial installation to the upkeep and maintenance of these sleek panels, everything is straightforward and efficient.
White Ash PVC Ceiling Cladding
Complete with a stylish oak finish, our White Ash PVC Ceiling Cladding is the perfect choice for style-conscious homeowners looking to create a more rustic-style interior. With waterproof properties, these stylish panels also lead the way in functionality, which makes them a great option for using in your bathroom or kitchen.
PVC ceiling panels at the Panel Company
Whether you’re looking for simple glossy styles or patterned ceiling cladding, we have everything you need to find the perfect panels to help you add a mould resistant layer to your bathroom ceiling. It might also be useful to take a look at our PVC panel installation guide, as well as our full list of wall cladding benefits. Featuring a range of stylish and practical options, discover our waterproof ceiling panels online.
