Black fungus/mildew in my bathroom

[Bob the slob]

In my ensuite bathroom there is a black fungus/mildew growing on the opposite wall to the shower. Its growing up near the ceiling. Its making the paint chip off the wall. I have constantly wiped off the mildew/fungus but why does it only happen at one wall? Is there anything I can do to rectify the situation?

 

[dj01]

Re: Black fungus/mildew in ym bathroom

It's most likely caused by a build up of moisture on the wall/ceiling which is caused by steam off the shower. We had this in our last house. There should be an extraction fan fitted above the shower to take away steam. If not, at least make sure their is some ventilation to the bathroom when using the shower e.g. open the window. But the ideal situation is having an overhead fan. You can get a solution in most harware shops to treat the fungus, and you will probably need to paint the area after using this

good luck

 

[Celtwytch]

Re: Black fungus/mildew in ym bathroom

you will probably need to paint the area after using this

But be sure to use an undercoat of anti-fungal paint first, and use paint that is specifically designed for use in bathrooms.

 

[Sue Ellen]

Re: Black fungus/mildew in ym bathroom

It's most likely caused by a build up of moisture on the wall/ceiling which is caused by steam off the shower. We had this in our last house. There should be an extraction fan fitted above the shower to take away steam. If not, at least make sure their is some ventilation to the bathroom when using the shower e.g. open the window. But the ideal situation is having an overhead fan. You can get a solution in most harware shops to treat the fungus, and you will probably need to paint the area after using this

good luck

There is a previous discussion here on the point of the fan above the shower. It needs to be vented out of the attic also.

I've tried a lot of the different solutions and find parazone bleach to give the longest stretch between cleanings. We have the fan but find leaving the window open is the best option if you can cater for the security risk involved.

 

[Smashbox]

I get this on my bathroom window. If you clean it down with an anti-bacterial wipe or spray, it staves it off a lot longer, as mould is a bacteria.

 

[Gemstone]

for mildew and fungal spores ..hydrogen peroxide is very effective ...B+q do an own brand mildew remover which contains it.

 

[theplumber]

Extract fans will not function properly unless feed air can enter bathroom cloak room or kitchen.
When I install I ensure there is a gap under the door for air to enter the space concerned
If a house is hermetically sealed. A tiny cheap extract may be trying to pull air down a chimney stack for it to function.

Ideally some fresh feed air should be able to enter the ground floor hallway where it is heated and naturally travels up the stairs goes under the bathroom door
to push its way up and out of extract or window.

Just leave a lower hallway fanlight open, the bathroom door ajar and see the vast improvment in extract performance. You will be delighted, that is unless a burglar enters via the open window while you'r in the shower.

 

[sparkeee]

mildew forms in still damp air,you need a flow of air to get rid of it,you need a good extraction fan.

 

[Bubbly Scot]

Also, if you're cleaning, be careful not to make large sweeps of the affected area. You could end up spreading the spores, increasing the affected area.

 

[Bob the slob]

cheers for all them folks

 

[Ducky]

I had an extractor fan fitted a few weeks back but its not directly above the shower. It is going to the outside of the house via the attic but is still creating mould. Its an ensuite with a window and no radiator. I changed the extractor fan after about two weeks and got a stronger one which is also not doing the trick. I have bleached the ceiling and also used that preventitive mould paint but in some parts, the mould is still growing back. I open the window every morning a little bit while we're having our showers but its still not completely gone. Would the fan not being directly over the shower be causing this? I'm also beginning to think not having a radiator in the ensuite is much of the problem.

 

[rmelly]

Extract fans will not function properly unless feed air can enter bathroom cloak room or kitchen.
When I install I ensure there is a gap under the door for air to enter the space concerned
If a house is hermetically sealed. A tiny cheap extract may be trying to pull air down a chimney stack for it to function.

Ideally some fresh feed air should be able to enter the ground floor hallway where it is heated and naturally travels up the stairs goes under the bathroom door
to push its way up and out of extract or window.

Just leave a lower hallway fanlight open, the bathroom door ajar and see the vast improvment in extract performance. You will be delighted, that is unless a burglar enters via the open window while you'r in the shower.

I live in an apartment, so no window, the extractor extracts to 'somewhere'. I've noticed a significant difference between leaving the bathroom door open versus closed after showering. After a quick shower the bathroom will be pretty much dry in 15 mins, full shower (~5 mins) however takes approx 30 mins though to be 80% dry - usually not dry at the top yet.

Is there anyway to speed this up? Current extractor fan is an Airmate Venty 4T, 11W. Can I get a more powerful one that fits the same space? I usually leave the door ajar all day, no signs of mould but I end up getting up earlier than I need to so the fan can run which I'd like to avoid.