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Exact temperature your lavatory must be to forestall mould

As the leaves turn and autumn sets in, a bathroom guru has illuminated the tricks to prevent that pesky mould and dampness from taking over your loo including the golden temperature to keep it at.

With the mercury dropping, we’re all cranking up the heat to keep our homes snug, and the bathroom’s no exception, often getting extra toasty to make those morning showers bearable.

But even though we might crack open a window now and then, letting in a blast of chilly air, this can actually hike up the moisture causing mould to begin to set in.

Too much heat in the bog can be a bad thing, warns one pro, as it could mean you’re rolling out the red carpet for mould to move in, which isn’t just a nightmare to clean but a bit of a health hazard too.

Henry Maia, VP at Mineral Tiles and a whizz on home interiors, is banging the drum about keeping your bathroom at just the right temp to give mould the cold shoulder, reports the Express.

He’s dished out the advice: “Mould thrives in damp and humid environments. By maintaining a consistent and appropriate temperature, homeowners can make life tough for mould spores, protecting both their health, and the quality of their homes.”

Henry reckons the sweet spot for your bathroom thermostat is between 68F and 72F (20C to 22C).

He added: “Keeping your bathroom within this temperature range can help reduce the chances of mould growth. A consistently ventilated bathroom will minimise moisture accumulation, too, and that’s essential in combating mould.”



A bathroom with mould
Mould may begin to grow in your bathrrom as the temperature drops outside

“So instead of opening the window wide for a short while, it’s better to ventilate more subtly with small air vents or a window left open a crack for several hours perhaps during the day when the bathroom is used less.”

Henry Maia’s top tips for warm and mould-free bathrooms in winter:

  • Use exhaust fans during and after showers to reduce moisture
  • Seal cracks and gaps around bathtubs, sinks, and windows
  • Use space heaters wisely, making sure it’s placed away from water sources and has safety features turned on
  • Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels – aim to keep these below 50%
  • Use towel warmers
  • Keep the bathroom door open when it’s not in use as this will allow fresh air to circulate.

He added: “Protecting your home against mould is not just about aesthetics though that’s important; it’s about family health and safety.

“By taking proactive steps to manage temperature and moisture, homeowners can maintain a clean and comfortable living environment throughout the winter months.”