Black spotting on mirrors is also known as de silvering and usually occurs around the edges and gets progressively worse over time. Once it starts, there is nothing you can do to reverse the damage but there are preventative steps you can take.
Firstly, buy a mirror that is copper free and the old adage applies, you get what you pay for and a cheap price on a mirror is usually a reflection (no pun intended) on the quality of the product.
Secondly, moisture is the number one issue for bathrooms when it comes to mould and mirror black spotting is exactly the same. Ventilation, ventilation, ventilation is the solution.
Here are some tips from our friends at ADP.
Good ventilation will save you thousands of dollars and keep your family healthy – mould can be a huge problem in bathrooms if they’re not properly ventilated.
It’s crucial to have the best ventilation possible for your bathroom as moisture can be the root of all wet area products breaking down and failing, in particular your vanity and mirror. These products are usually water resistant, not waterproof, so it’s important moisture does not build up, which will mean your products will last longer, saving you money!
Good ventilation is also key to achieve lower humidity in the room which will minimise bacteria growth and prevent mould and mildew. You’ll have less mildew on your grout, walls and ceilings, and fewer mould spores to threaten your respiratory health.
Signs of Poor Ventilation
The earliest sign to look out for is black spotting on mirrors. When the steam or humidity rises to the top of the room and ventilation is not sufficient, the mirror (which is normally positioned high up in the room) is the first thing to steam up. Over time, this causes damage to the mirror that appears as black spots or corrosion which cannot be reversed.
Other signs might include paint starting to flake on the ceiling, bubbling of paint coatings on fixtures, and furniture swelling. Evidence of mould or mildew is also a good indicator that your ventilation is not adequate.
The best sign that your ventilation is sufficient is that the mirror doesn’t steam up and the tiled walls aren’t wet. The easiest way to achieve this is to have a good exhaust fan that is correctly sized for the space. The fan should be installed to exhaust air into a duct that directs the air outdoors, not into your walls. Using the wall joists to guide exhaust air can result in moisture and mould problems in the walls.
Follow these 3 tips to keep your bathroom dry:
- Run the fan every time warm water is being used in the bathroom.
- Leave the fan on for around 15 minutes after you shower or use hot water.
- If you have a bathroom window, opening that daily (even in the chilly winter months) in addition to using the exhaust fan will help to keep your bathroom fresh and mould-free.
We hope you enjoy your well ventilated, mould-free bathroom for many years to come!
