There’s apparently one thing a lot of us do every time we have a shower that’s actually damaging out homes, within minutes…
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When you’ve finished your shower it might make sense to walk out and shut the door behind you but an expert has warned that could be causing big problems.
While closing the bathroom door stops steam from reaching other parts of the home, it’s actually doing more harm than good.
Peter Jones, director of ADI Leak Detection, has seen firsthand the problems caused by moisture in the bathroom and this habit in particular.
“People think they’re being considerate by keeping the steam in the bathroom, but they’re actually creating the perfect conditions for mould and structural damage,” he told The Express.
“Think of your bathroom as a terrarium after you close that door. All that water vapour gets trapped and starts looking for places to settle. That’s when the real damage begins.”
Lingering moisture can lead to mould growth, weaken wooden fixtures and cause the wood to rot. Paint and wallpaper can also be damaged by excessive moisture.
But by opening the bathroom door after a shower, the steam can disperse throughout the home where the air is drier.
Using your fan during and after the shower in combination with leaving the door open is the best way to ventilate the bathroom to prevent mould growth and structural damage, Jones says.
“Airflow is everything when it comes to moisture control. Your extractor fan can only do so much if you’re working against it by trapping all that humid air in one space. Think of it like trying to empty a bucket with a small hole while someone keeps pouring water in – you’re fighting a losing battle,” he explains.
While a little habit like opening the door after a shower might not seem like a big deal, it can make a huge difference to the amount of mould in the home.
“Most people don’t realise how much control they actually have over their home’s air quality just by changing one small habit.”
Speaking of small habits you can further reduce the moisture in your bathroom by using a squeegee to remove excess water from shower glass and tiles after you’ve finished showering.
If you’re really serious about preventing moisture buildup and mould then you can also squeegee the residual water from the floor of the shower into the drain.
Another small habit that can help reduce dampness in the bathroom is to open the window as much as possible, especially on a sunny day.
The same thing applies throughout the home including in bedrooms, living rooms and the kitchen.
If you want to do more to reduce dampness in the kitchen then making better use of your extractor fan is recommended. Instead of just running the fan for smoky or smelly cooking, use it while you’re boiling water and frying and run it for a short while after as well.
To further aid ventilation in the home you can also try a dehumidifier but if dampness, mould and structural damage are proving to be an ongoing issue it’s best to call in the professionals for advice.
This article was reproduced with permission from 9Honey. To read the original article, click here.
