Bathroom mould spot where fungus grows in plain sight unbeknownst to you

It's a well-known fact that during the autumn and winter months, condensation is more likely to appear on your windows due to the contrast between the cold air outside and the warm air inside.

When the humid air hits the cool glass, tiny droplets of water are formed, which can result in excess damp over time - and eventually cause mould spores to form.

Not only is mould an eyesore on your walls or ceilings, but it can also pose severe health risks if it's not dealt with promptly. When mould is clearly visible in your home, tackling it is simple.

But mould can also be lurking in some pretty hard-to-reach areas that you may have never considered before, according to experts. Whilst there are many cleaning products and hacks for removing mould, the pros say that understanding what can cause its growth to begin with is key to preventing any long term interior damage as well as health issues.

Rikki Fothergill, bathroom design expert at online bathroom specialist Big Bathroom Shop, has revealed how some everyday items are shockingly linked to mould growth and advised on how to keep them clean. And one of these little-known places that might secretly be causing mould growth is your shampoo and conditioner bottles, usually found on the side of your bath or shower.

Bottles of shampoo, soap, or other toiletries can collect water at their base, especially if left on damp surfaces, leading to mould growth, reports the Express.

Rikki suggested: "Wipe down bottles after use, store them on shelves or racks with proper drainage, and avoid leaving them directly on wet surfaces like the bath edge or shower tray."

Another common cause of mould in our bathrooms is damp sponges or loofahs, which provide an ideal environment for mould due to their proclivity to stay wet. To combat this issue, Rikki advised ensuring loofahs are thoroughly rinsed and stored dry: “Consider replacing them every three to four weeks or switching to quick-drying alternatives like silicone scrubbers.

"Moreover, shower curtains are a further hotspot for moisture retention that encourages mould growth, but regularly cleaning them can stave off the unwelcome spores. Furthermore, Rikki pointed out: "A glass shower screen is much more hygienic if it's an option you can consider in your bathroom layout."

Bath mats, like shower curtains, also harbour moisture conducive to mould, especially those with rubber backing.

In preventing mould accumulation, Rikki recommended, "Wash bathroom rugs regularly in hot water and allow them to dry fully. Avoid placing them in direct contact with damp floors or use quick-dry mats made from materials like bamboo or microfiber."