Imagine this: You had just taken a hot shower and the mirror in your bathroom is all fogged up with steam.
The result of this is what we know as condensation – when moist air comes into contact with a colder surface – forming water droplets on surfaces such as mirrors and windows, which is a common sight in bathrooms. This is more noticeable after hot showers because when humid air gets warmer, the more water vapour it can hold and deposit as condensation.
It’s a normal occurrence, but we should not take condensation in bathrooms lightly.
Aside from having no clear mirror to use in the bathroom and possible damage to paint or woodwork, these damp conditions could encourage the growth of mould if left unchecked. Mould is not just pesky household nuisance that makes your bathroom feel and look unsanitary, but in fact, it could be dangerous as prolonged exposure to mould puts your health at risk, causing skin allergies and respiratory conditions to worsen.
How do you stop condensation in your bathroom?
Condensation can be a problem regardless of how new or old your property is. It’s difficult to completely eliminate condensation, especially in bathrooms. However, here are some useful ways to manage the issue of condensation effectively, and these seven simple tips don’t even cost you money:
Keep the windows open
Make sure you open up your bathroom’s window(s) during and after bathing or showering. This is one of the simplest ways to give the warm, damp air a means of escape to the outdoors. Less amount of water in the atmosphere, fewer chances of condensation.
Close the bathroom door when bathing/showering
As you keep your bathroom windows open, you should keep the bathroom door shut while the air is still humid. This is to lessen the probability of condensation from forming on other cold surfaces around the house, which could potentially lead to the growth of mould in those areas.
Read more: 18 modern bathroom ideas
Lower the water temperature
You can choose to adjust your shower routine and take a slightly cooler shower by lowering the temperature of the water. If you’re filing a bathtub, remember to run cold water first before turning on the hot water. By lowering the temperature of the water, your bathroom won’t get as hot and the air won’t hold as much moisture, thereby reducing condensation.
Read more: Shower vs bathtub: The big bathroom decision
Wipe wet surfaces dry
One of the most practical ways to deal with condensation and prevent the growth of mould is to wipe down the surfaces of your bathroom after you’ve had a shower or bath to remove any excess moisture. It might sound cumbersome, but it’s a much simpler task than having to face future hassles of dealing with moulds and other problems in the long run.
Read more: 5 tips to keep your bathroom sparkling clean all the time
Put damp items away
Try not to leave damp and wet things such as towels and clothing lying around in the bathroom as they can also contribute to condensation since they can lead to more moisture in the air as they dry out. Instead, take them to dry outside whenever possible.
Use an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier
Investing in an exhaust fan or dehumidifier is also not bad an idea to create better ventilation and to control the humidity of your bathroom. These items can be really useful as the first line of defence in keeping the bathroom air dry, especially if your bathroom doesn’t have any windows.
Use anti-condensation paint on bathroom walls and ceilings
If you’re looking to give your bathroom a makeover soon, you may also want to take the opportunity to treat your walls and ceilings with anti-condensation paint to reduce moisture buildup in your bathroom. Anti-condensation paints in the market usually contain thermal properties and insulating features to keep the surface of the treated wall or ceiling warm.
The bathroom can be the perfect breeding ground for moulds to grow and they thrive in such moist places. Take proactive steps now and deal with condensation in the most effective ways, right away. Don’t wait until it develops into other greater and longer-lasting problems!