The surprising bathroom blunder that's encouraging mould growth

In the long-running debate of hot versus cold showers, you'll often find hot – or at least lukewarm – wins out.

But if not accompanied by proper ventilation, this preference runs the risk of affecting yours, and your family's health.

Because as it turns out, there's one critical error we've been making with our bathroom extractor fans – and it's potentially encouraging mould growth in our homes.

If you have an extractor fan installed in your bathroom, the chances are you're already using it while showering. But while this is a good habit to be in, it's often not enough.

If you're still noticing stubborn moisture lingering in the area, there's a reason for that – and thankfully, a simple fix.

According to the experts at Plumbworld, a mistake most people make is flicking off the fan far too soon post-shower.

In the damper climates common throughout coastal Australia this summer season, (thank you, La Niña) walls and surfaces take longer to dry, resulting in an accumulation of moisture we often fail to ventilate correctly.

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For this reason, it's recommended you avoid turning off your extractor fan prematurely, and instead allow it run for about 10-20 minutes after finishing up in the bathroom.

Additionally, cleaning your extractor fan regularly is essential if you want to maintain its effectiveness.

Plumbworld went on to suggest a number of other helpful tips and tricks in the battle against pesky mould growth.

Maintaining a consistent temperature in your bathroom is key, reducing fluctuations that prove the ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

Clearing clutter from windowsills to enhance air circulation is another beneficial strategy to keep your bathroom drier this summer season.

And as a rule of thumb: if you spot peeling paint or damp patches within your home, it's a strong indication that mould has already begun to grow.

In severe cases, proper ventilation may not quite cut it; if it gets to this point, it may be necessary to shell out on specialised cleaning products – or else to call up a professional.

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