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Mould on bathroom ceiling

(36 Posts)
ParlorGames Thu 07-Sept-23 15:17:26

I cannot have an extractor fan fitted in the bathroom due to the position of a lintel above the window and adjacent walls each side. I get round the moisture problem with three dehumidifiers, an Aero 360 sits on the window ledge and there are two other refillable devices bought from Lakeland strategically placed on the bathroom floor. The window is opened slightly after taking a shower and there's no evidence of mould at all - being doing it this way for several years.

LauraNorderr Thu 07-Sept-23 15:10:06

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, a plant or two in the bathroom will help to absorb moisture and purify the air. Peace plants are ideal.

nanna8 Thu 07-Sept-23 14:47:36

I would use bleach, too,though someone , sometime told me that just masks it and the nasty spores are still there.

V3ra Thu 07-Sept-23 13:18:15

As well as opening all the upstairs windows for ventilation, have you thought of buying a dehumidifier?
We have one on the landing and it removes an amazing amount of water from the air in the bedrooms and the bathroom.
It's especially useful when the weather is damp outside or it's just too cold to leave the windows open for very long.

Squiffy Thu 07-Sept-23 12:30:42

Our bathroom window is open all day every day and the trickle vent is open 24 hours a day, but we still get small dots of mould on the ceiling. I put diluted bleach into a spray bottle and aim the spray at the ceiling.

It works well, but I would just mention that there’s obviously some drift, so, if you decide to try it, wear old clothes, a shower hat, glasses and a mask! ⛑ 👓 🥽

karmalady Thu 07-Sept-23 11:25:46

You need to fix the source and there could well be a leak above the ceiling, just a drip drip from an insufficient exhaust fan or a drip from the sewage ventilation pipe, not sewage but condensation along the inside of the vent, sewer gases are warm and hold moisture. Send someone up to have a look to rule those out first

If the insulation above is dry then the mould is likely to be surface mould from insufficient ventilation, which is easily fixed via a window or wall vent. Don`t use cover-up paint yet as this will only mask the problem and not get rid of the source

It is an easily fixable solution

VB000 Thu 07-Sept-23 11:23:24

Yes bleach will take it off - I used a mop!

Agree, Zinsser paints are great - had the same problem. Topcoat with a bathroom paint and that should keep it at bay.

In general, it's best to ventilate after use, either open a window or install an extractor fan.

Jaxjacky Thu 07-Sept-23 11:17:59

This paint maybe?
www.rawlinspaints.com/home/hygiene-coatings/mould-damp-proof-paints/510-zinsser-perma-white-interior.html#:~:text=Zinsser%20Perma%2DWhite%20paint%20is,changes%20and%20poor%20air%20circulation.

Grannynannywanny Thu 07-Sept-23 11:03:08

I had this problem last year on my bathroom ceiling due to a leaking roof. I removed it with a blob of thick bleach on a cloth. A friend recommended this method and to be honest I was a little sceptical. It removed it in seconds.

I left it a few days then applied a layer of damp proof paint I bought in B&Q. Then a coat of white emulsion over the entire ceiling. That was over a year ago and it remains fine. Sorry, I can’t remember the name of the paint but I’m sure a member of staff will advise you.

aggie Thu 07-Sept-23 10:55:25

You need a fan to expel the steam , mould is very bad for your health

ExDancer Thu 07-Sept-23 10:52:29

We've lived here for 60 years, it was newly built when we moved in, and have always struggled with mould on the bathroom ceiling. I partly blame my DH for not opening the window when he has a shower though I don't think its 100% his fault.
I have used various mould remover sprays like Flash and Mr Muscle etc, (I think I've tried them all over the years) but it returns.
Is there any paint that will reduce this problem? We are in our 80s now and too frail for all this reaching and scrubbing of ceilings.