We all know that ventilation is important for any enclosed space, yet it is even more so with the wettest room in the house, namely the bathroom. A lot of steam is generated when using hot water and without adequate airflow, mould can set in and damage will occur as a result.
Here are some dos and don’ts associated with bathrooms regarding ventilation.
Do Choose A Suitable Extractor Fan
Every bathroom should have at least one extractor fan and you should make sure that the fan is, a) of adequate power (measured in cubic feet per minute) and b) is placed in the right location. It is typically best with two fans, one at either end of the room, with one set on extraction and the other pulling in air from the outside, thus creating a healthy airflow. For the best selection of fans, visit a local Windsor bathroom shop, for example, where the staff can help you to choose a suitable unit, or two.
Don’t Extract To Another Room
When you extract air from the bathroom, it should run to the exterior of the property, not to another room, which would relocate damp air to another room, where it can do damage. Channel some ducting through the exterior wall, and you won’t have issues in another upstairs room. One good idea is to actually fit the fan into the window glass, which makes the extraction a lot easier.
Do Deep Clean Regularly
Even with good ventilation, your bathroom should be regularly cleaned to remove any signs of dampness and mould, using a bathroom cleaning product. This is aside from a daily wipe down, which most people carry out as a matter of course. Every week is about the right frequency for a thorough clean that gets into all the nooks and crannys.
Don’t Leave Wet Clothing In The Bathroom
This might have been a good idea a century ago, when we didn’t have central heating, yet evidence suggests that leaving wet clothes in the bathroom; this includes wet towels that should be left outside to freshen if the weather is suitable. When planning a bathroom revamp, why not take advantage of the free design service at your local bathroom showroom?
Do Measure The Bathroom
Ideally, you should know the size of the bathroom when you go to buy extraction fans. If you are unsure, the store staff can help if they know the square footage of the room. Of course, the larger the room, the more power you need with extractor fans and you can easily calculate when you measure the room.
Don’t Overlook Moisture Control
Do this at your peril; steaming hot baths cause high moisture content and that needs to be dispersed. Leaving a window open might not be enough and if moisture remains, that can cause damage. Some bathrooms have extractor fans built into the window and these fans are reversible, allowing air to either be sucked out or drawn in.
Do Open The Windows
It is always a good idea to open the bathroom windows when the weather is good, as this exchanges the air within the room. You can also leave the door open to create strong airflow, if only for 5-10 minutes.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation in 2023, why not consult with the in-house designer at your local bathroom showroom? Ask about ventilation and the designer can help you factor in a couple of extractor fans that ensure good airflow, plus they have a wide range of baths, showers, vanities, ceramic tiles and many fixtures and fittings.