My Bathroom Ceiling Has Black Mould Growing on It – What Should I Do?

Image of mould on bathroom ceiling and how to safely remove mould at home

Finding mould on the bathroom ceiling is an issue many of us come across, especially during colder months or in homes with poor ventilation. It tends to start as a few small black spots and can quickly spread across the surface, becoming a bigger concern the longer it’s left untreated.

In our experience, black mould on the bathroom ceiling is usually caused by excess moisture and poor air circulation. Steam from daily showers, combined with inadequate extraction, creates the perfect environment for mould spores to grow. And while it can look unsightly, it also presents potential health concerns, particularly for those with asthma or respiratory conditions.

It’s worth knowing that prevention is just as important as treatment. Our customers often ask how to both clean mould effectively and stop it coming back, which is where waterproof ceiling panels come into their own. They’re simple to install, easy to clean and don’t absorb moisture like paint or plaster might.

Window-mould-bathroom

What causes mould on bathroom ceilings?

Bathrooms generate a lot of humidity. Without good ventilation, this moisture has nowhere to escape, so it clings to surfaces and provides the perfect breeding ground for mould. Older ceiling materials, like plasterboard, can be especially prone to this problem if they’ve been previously damaged by leaks or condensation.

Is black mould on a bathroom ceiling dangerous?

Prolonged exposure to black mould isn’t ideal. According to the NHS, it can cause respiratory irritation and worsen existing conditions like asthma. This makes it important to address the problem promptly and choose ceiling materials that help prevent future outbreaks.

 

open window black mould in the bathroom

The best way to remove mould from your bathroom ceiling

We always recommend wearing gloves and a mask when dealing with mould. Use a diluted bleach solution or a dedicated mould remover, then scrub the area thoroughly. Once dry, consider repainting with anti-mould paint or, better yet, installing PVC ceiling panels that won’t absorb moisture.

protective mask

Preventing damp on your bathroom ceiling in future

To stop the mould from returning, improve airflow with a good extractor fan and avoid drying clothes in your bathroom. Replacing paint or plaster with waterproof panels can help long term. Many of our customers have switched to PVC ceiling panels for exactly this reason, and the difference in upkeep has been noticeable.

 

 

Black Mould FAQ's

The safest way to remove black mould is to wear protective gloves and a mask, then clean the affected area with a diluted bleach solution or a dedicated mould remover. Scrub thoroughly to remove all traces, and let the surface dry completely. For long-term results, many people repaint with anti-mould paint or opt for installing waterproof ceiling panels, which are less likely to absorb moisture and promote mould growth.

Mould often returns due to continued high humidity and poor ventilation. Bathrooms generate a lot of moisture from showers and baths, and without proper airflow or an effective extractor fan, this damp air lingers. Surfaces like paint and plaster can absorb this moisture, encouraging mould to grow again. Switching to moisture-resistant materials like PVC ceiling panels can significantly reduce recurrence.

Yes, prolonged exposure to black mould can be harmful, especially for people with asthma or respiratory conditions. The NHS advises that mould spores can cause throat irritation, coughing, and other health issues. That’s why it’s important to treat mould promptly and make changes to your bathroom to stop it from reappearing.

Painting over mould without treating it first won’t solve the problem. The mould will likely grow back through the new paint. Before painting, the affected area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried. For better long-term protection, anti-mould paint is a good option, but many of our customers prefer PVC ceiling panels as a permanent, waterproof alternative.

PVC ceiling panels are waterproof, non-porous, and incredibly easy to clean. Unlike plaster or painted ceilings, they don’t absorb steam or humidity, which means mould has nowhere to take hold. They’re a smart solution for keeping bathrooms mould-free and reducing the need for constant cleaning or repainting.