How to Naturally Clean Your Bathroom Ceiling and Extractor Fan without Bleach
Say Goodbye to Bathroom Mould and Grime!
Oh, the joys of winter! Cold mornings, cosy blankets, and… a bathroom ceiling that looks like it’s hosting a mould party. It’s not exactly the kind of gathering we want, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Cleaning your bathroom ceiling and extractor fan might not be the most glamorous job, but with a few simple steps and our favourite fuss-free, non-tox cleaners, you’ll have everything sparkling in no time.
When you have a bathroom ceiling that's looks dank and mouldy it is easy to reach for the bleach. But the best thing to do is use warm soapy water - not only will the soapy water physically remove the mould, it is non-tox for you. Chlorine bleach is very good at removing mould, but it comes at a big cost to your health. Studies show us that inhaling the fumes from Chlorine bleach damages our lungs permanently. You absolutely shouldn't trade your health for cleaning!
Ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle that mould and grime naturally? Let’s dive in!
Cleaning Your Bathroom Ceiling without harsh chemicals
Safety First!
Before you start, grab a sturdy stool or ladder to reach your ceiling, and make sure it’s positioned securely. If your ceiling has a lot of mould growth, please be mindful that you’re getting up close and personal with a living organism! Wear a mask, open the windows, close the bathroom door, and work in a top-down fashion. This way, you’ll capture any falling debris and spores as you go—nobody wants that stuff floating around!
Step 1: Mix Your Ceiling Cleaning Solution
Half-fill a bucket with warm to hot water and add 1-2 tablespoons of Figgy Home Cleaning Castile Soap. Choose an old cloth that’s colourfast (so you don’t accidentally paint your ceiling a new shade!) and also has a bit of grip—a cut up old towel or old flannel works wonders. Hot soapy water is your simple, no-fuss solution that’s tough on winter build up and mould but gentle on you and your home.
Step 2: Work methodically as you clean your ceiling
Work from one corner of the ceiling and move across methodically. This ensures you don’t miss a spot. Change your water if it gets dirty—you don’t want to be spreading more grime around. For stubborn mould marks, a little cleaning paste can help gently lift them off. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!
Step 3: Natural Bathroom Mould Prevention
Want to give it some extra oomph? Do a second wipe-down with a natural mould preventer. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of borax in half a bucket of warm water with 15-20 drops of tea tree oil or 1/2 cup of vinegar in half a bucket of warm water with the same amount of tea tree oil. You don't need to do both, of the two, borax is more effective. Stick with one to keep things simple and effective.
Step 4: Clean Up Any Fallen Debris
After you’ve finished the ceiling, you’ll need to wipe down other surfaces in the bathroom from high to low to remove any fallen debris and spores. All this can be done with hot soapy water, which effectively captures and washes away the mould. Just a little more effort, and your bathroom will be feeling fresh as a daisy!
How to Clean Your Bathroom Extractor Fan
A well-functioning extractor fan is your bathroom’s secret weapon against mould. Mould loves damp environments, but a fan that efficiently removes moisture? That’s like garlic to a vampire!
Step 1: Prepare Your Fan Cleaning Tools
Start with a bucket of warm soapy water (1-2 tablespoons of Figgy Home Cleaning Castile Soap in half a bucket) and an old cloth with a bit of grip—an old towel cut down to size works perfectly.
Step 2: Remove and Soak the Fan Cover
Most fan covers can be twisted off with a bit of upward pressure and a counter-clockwise turn. They’re usually held in place with a couple of lugs, so give it a gentle twist to release. Once off, soak the cover in your bucket of soapy water. This will help loosen up any grime and get it ready for a good scrub.
Step 3: Clean Inside the Fan Duct
Reach in as far as you can and gently wipe out any built-up dust and mould from the fan tubing. Be careful here—the tubing is often made from thin plastic that can be easily damaged. Most of the dust build-up will be right there, caught on the damp sides of the tubing.
Step 4: Scrub and Reassemble the Fan
Use your cloth or an old toothbrush to clean the fan cover, then rinse and dry it thoroughly. When you’re ready to put it back up, check underneath to see where the lugs line up—it’ll make reassembly a whole lot easier! You’ll have that fan back to working like a dream in no time.
6 Tips for Maintaining Your Bathroom Ceiling and Extractor Fan
Regular maintenance of your bathroom ceiling and extractor fan is crucial for keeping your bathroom fresh and healthy. Here’s why you should make it a habit:
- Prevent Mould and Mildew: Bathrooms are naturally damp environments, making them prime spots for mould and mildew to thrive. Regular cleaning of your ceiling and extractor fan helps keep mould spores at bay and reduces the chance of them spreading and taking root.
- Improve Air Quality: Your extractor fan removes moisture, odours, and airborne contaminants from your bathroom. If it's clogged with dust and grime, it can't do its job effectively, leading to stale air and potential health issues. Regularly cleaning your fan ensures it functions properly and maintains a healthy bathroom environment.
- Max Out the Suck: Your fan should be able to suck and hold a A4 piece of paper up to the fan cover. If you are replacing your bathroom fan, be sure to note the L/min of air that the fan can exchange. Always choose a fan that can do 10-15 air exchanges per hour for the size bathroom you have.
- Avoid Costly Repairs: Dust and debris build-up in your extractor fan can cause it to overheat or work inefficiently, which could lead to breakdowns or even a fire hazard in extreme cases. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of your fan and avoids these issues.
- Choose the Right Paint: The best paint to resist mould and to clean is a gloss or semi-gloss paint. If you are painting your bathroom be sure to make future clean easier by selecting the correct paint type for in a bathroom.
- Use cross ventilation: If you have a ventilation system in your home, use it to your advantage over winter by closing hall doors and keeping your bathroom door ajar with a window just open. The ventilated air will be funnelled into the bathroom, collecting damp air, before heading out the window.
How Often Should You Clean?
- Extractor Fans: If your bathroom is used frequently, clean the extractor fan every six months. For less-used bathrooms, an annual clean might suffice. This routine helps ensure the fan can effectively remove moisture and reduce the risk of mould.
- Bathroom Ceilings: If your bathroom ceiling is prone to mould or mildew, aim to clean it regularly—at least once every few months, especially in damp seasons like winter. This prevents mould from getting a foothold and keeps your ceiling looking good. Wiping over with borax and or tea tree oil in Autumn and again mid winter can be helpful to slow down the growth of mould.
- Prep for winter: If you have a bathroom that is always a winter battle with mould, get a head start by wiping it down with soapy water to remove dormant spores and then follow up with a mould preventing treatment. This would be a second wipe over with diluted vinegar or a borax solution with a tea tree added.
By keeping up with regular maintenance, you'll ensure your bathroom stays fresh, safe, and efficient. A little bit of effort goes a long way in preventing bigger problems down the line!
A non-tox cleaning guide for shower mould
If you’re also dealing with mould in your shower, don’t worry—we’ve got a guide for that too! Check out our blog on how to clean shower mould without harsh chemicals for more tips on keeping your bathroom sparkling clean and mould-free.
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