Stachbotrys chartarum, the scientific name for black mould, is an ancient type of fungus that is likely to have existed for millions of years, far predating humanity. So, the fight against black mould, that familiar speckled stain around the edges of window frames and ceilings, is a long one indeed. And it’s one you can never win. Wherever there are conditions of high humidity or moisture, the presence of organic material (e.g. drywall, wallpaper, carpet insulation), poor ventilation and warm temperatures of 21° to 32°C, black mould can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours, and spread rapidly if not addressed. If this sounds like your bath or shower room, you’d be correct. The average British bathroom is the perfect environment for black mould and the dangers it presents.
Other Affected Areas
Black mould doesn’t restrict itself to the bathroom, of course. Once an infestation has taken root, bathroom mould can appear on a wide variety of surfaces outside of the bathroom, including tiles, windows, ceilings, walls, rugs, towels, shower curtains, and general bathroom items. The mould spores can be carried around the property and even to other places on clothes and shoes, where it can damage fixtures and structures and affect the health of other people, too.
The Best Way Of Removing Mould
Individually, mould organisms are not very hardy. If black mould in the bathroom or shower room is spotted early, it can be treated with bleach or mould spray. However, if the mould has reached the silicone seals or grouting between the tiles in the shower cubicle, you will normally need to remove the silicone and grout and replace it with new material. Even this won’t necessarily remove the problem, however, as mould spores are microscopic and can live behind tiles and in small crevices for months or even years at a time, awaiting the right conditions to bloom.
Can Black Mould Be Prevented?
Not completely, no, but mould infestations can be mitigated or prevented by removing the optimum growing conditions for the organism. For example, good bathroom ventilation or an extractor fan can help reduce humidity and temperature in the room, and wiping down wet surfaces and walls, removing clutter, and drying damp towels can help keep on top of mould growth before it escalates. Always make sure, also, to check hidden areas, because mould can easily take root behind furnishings or in cold spots of the room.
Mould Resistant Shower Pods
One of the best ways of controlling mould buildup in the shower room is to upgrade your shower from a conventional tile and tray cubicle to one of our modular shower pots. Our shower pods prevent mould from forming due to not needing tiles, grout, or sealant and the properties of GRP fibreglass. Combined with good cleaning and ventilation, our shower pods simply don’t allow the environment for mould to flourish.
Leakproof Shower Pods From Advanced Showers
To find out more about our self-contained shower pods and how they can help to prevent mould, please download a copy of our free Shower Pods Guide, or contact us to discuss your requirements.
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