If only things were simple. We’d all love to enter our bathrooms, enjoy the right type of moisture, and not endure the unwanted kind. But when bathrooms accumulate condensation, exacerbated by humidity, problems can occur such as mould, damp and structural damage.
Let’s face it, the bathroom is the place most prone to these issues, largely because when water vapour from the shower comes into contact with colder surfaces like mirrors and windows, it forms droplets of condensation. And from there, issues arise.
Those 8 Simple Steps To Help Avoid Condensation In Your Bathroom
While it’s next to impossible to eliminate all condensation from bathrooms, there are things you can do to mitigate the build up. These are those; our 8 simple steps to help you avoid condensation in your bathroom.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Ensuring proper ventilation while showering is the single most important thing homeowners can do to prevent condensation buildup. If it’s warm out, just open the window. In cooler climates, or should you not have windows in your bathroom, it may well be worth installing an extractor fan.
Replace Leaky Fixtures
A leaky bathtub or shower enclosure can intensify existing moisture problems and create the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. It’s recommended that you prioritise replacing an ageing fixture as a matter of some urgency, as water damage can be insidious. Rectify issues before it’s too late.
Read: How to future-proof your bathroom
Wipe Down Wet Surfaces
Wiping down windows and mirrors after taking a shower might seem like a pain, but it can save homeowners struggling with excess condensation a headache in the long run. There’s no need to keep things bone-dry; just wipe down glass surfaces and solid countertops after each shower or bath if they look wet, and encourage the rest of the family to do the same. Eventually, it will become a habit and second nature post soak.
Use A Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are designed to pull moisture from the air and condense it back into water, which is then stored in the bottom of the machine to be disposed of when it’s convenient. As such, running one while taking (and in the minutes after) a shower can substantially reduce moisture problems.
They can be a bit pricey and tend to use up a considerable amount of electricity, though, so homeowners should still install extractor fans and determine whether there are other underlying problems that could be contributing to the excessive moisture before investing in one.
Warm Up The Walls
Cold surfaces attract more condensation, part of the reason why so many water droplets accumulate on bathroom windows during winter. What’s more, bathrooms with walled ceramic tiles can also develop droplets on the walls. Underfloor heating – which not only warms the floor but also the walls – can help to heat the bathroom and reduce problems with condensation on the walls and is less expensive than you might think.
Use Anti-Condensation Paint
Anti-condensation paint is designed to be used in places like bathrooms, where excess condensation can wind up causing water damage if left unchecked.
It’s a simple process; paint the ceiling of the bathroom first and if the walls get cold enough to cause problems with condensation, this special kind of paint can be applied to them, too. Homeowners can buy it in most hardware stores and apply it themselves if they want to save some money.
Buy A Demistable Mirror
Demistable mirrors feature heating pads that run along their backs to keep the mirrors above a temperature considered dew point. This prevents condensation from forming on their surfaces, which reduces the amount of moisture introduced to the bathroom during showers.
Demistable mirrors also make it easier for residents to see what they’re doing while getting ready following a long, hot morning shower. And we all want that, right?
Invest In A Quality Shower Enclosure
Last but certainly not least, consider the power of a well-designed shower enclosure. A top-notch shower enclosure does more than just define the aesthetics of your bathroom; it acts as a barrier, trapping moisture and steam within its confines. This means less water vapor escapes into the rest of the bathroom, significantly reducing the risk of condensation on other surfaces.
With a variety of modern designs available, you can choose an enclosure that complements your bathroom’s style while providing a practical solution to moisture control. It’s a smart investment that pays off by protecting your bathroom from the pervasive issues caused by excess humidity. So, upgrade your bathroom with a shower enclosure that promises to keep the moisture where it belongs—inside the shower.
The Bottom Line
Preventing condensation isn’t just about creating a more comfortable, beautiful bathroom space. Excess moisture can lead to mould growth, which can cause structural damage and pose a danger to residents’ health, too. It’s important, then, to take some simple steps to reduce this condensation where possible.
