Autumn’s arrival brings crisp air and falling leaves, but for many homeowners, it also marks the return of a recurrent bathroom problem in many households: mould. As temperatures drop and indoor humidity rises, the bathroom becomes the ideal place for its growth. While most people rely on simple habits like opening windows to manage moisture, an expert pointed out a slightly more sophisticated solution to keep mould chances as low as possible.
Peter Jones, Director of ADI Leak Detection, a company specialising in water leak detection and property moisture issues, revealed that keeping your bathroom at the right temperature is far more effective than many realise. “The key to preventing autumn mould isn’t just opening windows or running extractor fans,” he explained.
“Temperature control is actually your first line of defence, and most people have no idea what temperature they should be aiming for.”
According to Peter, the “magic” temperature to keep your bathroom free from mould is 19C.
“19C might sound overly specific, but there’s solid reasoning behind it,” he said.
“At this temperature, your bathroom surfaces stay warm enough to prevent condensation from forming when you shower or bathe. Go much lower, and you’re asking for trouble.”
How to control your bathroom temperature to avoid mould growth
1. A bathroom radiator or heated towel rail can work wonders. These not only dry towels but also help keep the walls warm, reducing the risk of condensation forming on cold surfaces.
2. Smart heating scheduling can help set your heating to activate 30 minutes before your usual shower time, you pre-warm the room and surfaces, preventing a drastic temperature difference when hot water starts running.
3. For those willing to make a bigger investment, underfloor heating promotes an even and consistent heat distribution.
Peter noted that “it’s particularly effective because it heats from the ground up, warming all surfaces gradually.”
4. Improving insulation can help maintain the stable 19C environment without over-relying on heating.
Adding insulation to external walls or upgrading windows can significantly reduce heat loss, keeping your bathroom warm and dry throughout the autumn.