Summer Bathroom Care: Protecting Surfaces in the Hot Season

Bathroom care in summer is an important habit to keep up due to the increased temperature and humidity.

These conditions create the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, as well as increased moisture build-up, which is why proper ventilation and regular surface cleaning is vital to keeping your bathroom clean, cool, and dry.

Follow these summer bathroom care tips to protect your surfaces in the hot season.

Common Bathroom Issues in Melbourne’s Summer

Summer in Melbourne is known for its subtropical climate, with its consistently warm temperature – reaching an average max temperature of 26°C –, the occasional thunderstorm, and heatwaves. The relative humidity is also around 52 per cent during summer.

As a result of the high temperature and high humidity, bathrooms in the Melbourne summer are prone to:

  • Increased mould and mildew growth, triggering allergic reactions and respiratory problems
  • Increased moisture buildup due to high humidity (and the fact that we shower and bathe more often in summer)
  • Accelerated degradation of tile grout and sealant
  • Increased buildup of soap scum and limescale on shower glass cabins, mirrors, faucets, and fixtures

How to Protect Your Bathroom Against Heat and Humidity

Follow the below tips to protect your bathroom from heat and humidity, keeping it cool, clean, and dry throughout summer.

Promote Airflow and Ventilation

Proper airflow and ventilation is vital to preventing moisture buildup. While using your shower open the window so that steam can escape the room, and keep it open after showering for about 30 minutes or until the room is completely dry.

Alternatively use a ceiling exhaust fan both during and after showering for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Wipe Down Shower Glass Cabin

After you shower, the glass cabin is prone to leaving excess moisture on the walls and door. And, while this moisture does dissipate after a while, its presence does increase the risk of moisture and mould buildup.

One way to prevent moisture buildup in the shower cabin is to wipe down the walls and door with a squeegee. After showering, use the squeegee to wipe away excess moisture. By wiping downward, you push excess moisture onto the floor where it will eventually go down the drain.

Replace Wet Towels and Bathmats

After a few days, your wet towels and bathmats will contribute to excess moisture buildup in your bathroom. This also increases the risk of mould and mildew not just growing on the towels themselves but also the surrounding area.

For this reason, be sure to swap out your wet towels and bathmats for fresh ones every few days. Also, ensure you hang your towels on the towel rack (or towel hook) evenly, and hang your bathmat over the shower or bathtub, allowing them to dry faster.

Use a Dehumidifier

If you’re still having issues with excess moisture and humidity, consider using a dehumidifier to extract excess moisture from the air. This will help keep the air clean and fresh while preventing mould and mildew buildup.

Keep in mind that dehumidifiers are appliances that pose an electrical risk. So, consider placing them in the landing outside of your bathroom as opposed to directly in the wet room. Not all dehumidifiers are IP-rated, so do your research and follow the product’s safety instructions.

Use of a dehumidifier for the bathroom may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as poor ventilation or an unidentified leak. Book an appointment with a professional bathroom renovations and maintenance specialist like AAA Build for a free in-house consultation.

Cleaning Regimes for Tiles and Glass

In the damp, hot summer, surfaces like tiles and glass are prone to moisture buildup. This is especially problematic if you have a newly renovated luxury bathroom with natural stone tiles, as these tiles are more porous than engineered stone tiles.

Here is how to clean your bathroom tiles and glass in summer:

Cleaning Bathroom Tiles in Summer

Regular tile cleaning will help keep your tiles free of dirt, soap scum, and moisture. Wipe your bathroom tiles down at least once per week with a soft sponge dipped in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Ventilate the bathroom after cleaning by opening the window or running the exhaust ceiling fan until the tiled surface is dry.

To spot clean stubborn stains, combine equal parts water and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected surface and spray it with white vinegar to kickstart a chemical reaction. Let the solution sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub it gently with a soft brush and rinse it with water. Wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Bathroom Glass in Summer

Cleaning your bathroom glass in summer, including shower cabins and mirrors, will keep these surfaces clean and dry.

Use commercial glass cleaner and a sponge to wipe away dirt and soap scum on the shower cabin and mirror. Then wipe dry with a soft microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish. For stubborn glass stains use a magic eraser, which is made of non-abrasive melamine foam, on glass surfaces.

Caring for Timber Elements

Although timber is usually a no-go for wet zones like bathrooms, you can successfully integrate this material into your bathroom for a classic rustic finish.

The best timber materials for bathrooms naturally repel water and resist warping as well as mould and mildew. Teak, cedar, bamboo, and walnut and white oak are popular choices due to their water resilience and durability.

When installed by a professional bathroom renovation company like AAA Build, your bathroom timber will be properly sealed with penetrating oils and high-quality varnishes, protecting the timber against humidity and moisture.

Professional Seasonal Touch-Ups

Even when you commit to a year-round maintenance plan for your bathroom, there is only so much you can do on your own. Tasks like addressing outdated designs, broken tiles, and malfunctioning fixtures are best handled by a professional.

AAA Build is the name you can trust for seasonal bathroom touch-ups. Whether you wish to update an outdated design, address a major leakage, or improve your bathroom’s ventilation system, your professional bathroom touch-up will be delivered on time and within budget while meeting your vision.

Get in touch today to book your free in-house consultation.

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