From rainy mornings to chilly evenings, autumn brings cooler weather and cosier homes. But as we shut windows and turn up the heating, the extra moisture in the air creates an ideal environment for mould to develop – and some very unwelcome pests usually follow.
Mould mites are minuscule pests that feed on mould and favour warm, humid conditions. You may not notice an individual mite, but colonies can appear as a moving greyish or dusty film across surfaces. Spotting these pests is a sign that your bathroom may be damp, allowing mould to thrive.
‘If you spot mould mites, tackle the problem at its source to make sure you’re not accidentally creating a cosy microclimate where they can flourish,’ says Colm Lalor, bathroom expert at Nuie.
Keeping your bathroom mould-free doesn’t need to involve expensive products or complicated routines. Ahead, Colm shares his quick and easy tips for tackling mould mites as the weather turns.
1. Reach for bicarbonate of soda
Before spending money on specialist mould products or treatments, check your kitchen cupboards. Bicarbonate of soda can be bought for under £2 and is an inexpensive way to tackle small areas of surface mould around the bathroom.
Mix it with a little water to create a paste, then apply it directly to affected areas, especially around grout and sealant. Leave it for 15 minutes before gently scrubbing and wiping the area clean. Make sure the surface is thoroughly dried afterwards to help prevent the mould and mites from returning.
2. Let the extractor do its job
‘While it’s good to tackle the problem in isolation, it’s also important to consider how you’re drying your bathroom out to stop both mould and mites from coming back,’ explains Colm Lalor.
Your extractor fan can play an important role in removing moisture after a shower, so don’t switch it off as soon as you leave the bathroom. Leave it running for around 15 to 20 minutes afterwards to give it time to clear the humid air.
It’s also worth cleaning your extractor fan regularly. Dust and fluff can collect around the cover and restrict airflow, so use your hoover nozzle to remove any build-up and help it work effectively.
3. Check for hidden leaks
If mould keeps appearing in the same spot, don’t just keep treating the surface. Check around taps, pipes, shower fittings and sealant for signs of dripping water or areas that remain persistently damp.
Once you’ve found the source, get the leak repaired as soon as possible. If you rent your home, report it to your landlord or letting agent; homeowners may need to call a plumber or another qualified professional.
4. Keep steam contained
When you’re enjoying a hot shower, keep the bathroom door closed to stop steam escaping into cooler areas of your home. Once you’re finished, open the window if you have one and leave the extractor running to clear the remaining moisture.
5. Tidy up towels and bath mats
Damp towels and bath mats can add considerable moisture to an already humid bathroom when they’re left crumpled up after a shower. Hang up your wet towels straight away and spread bath mats out so they can dry properly.
If you have a heated towel rail, use it to help speed up the drying process. Keeping damp fabrics off the floor and allowing them to dry fully can help reduce the amount of moisture lingering in the room.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest
Stylish bathroom essentials
