How do I get mould off the bathroom ceiling?

[BoaConstrictor]

We've lost the key to the bathroom window & the extractor fan is on its last legs so mould has built up on the bathroom ceiling. I've left it as it's the en suite so only I see it (DP uses the en suite too but was surprised when I pointed it out). I thought it would just wipe off but it isn't. I have tried squirting mould & mildew at it but that doesn't really work due to the angle. Any suggestions?
Also, why are there teeny little bugs running around on the ceiling? Brown and much smaller than an ant... about half the size.

[celeste83]

All i can suggest is standing on a chair and wiping it away with bleach. You'll need bleach to kill the mould and mildew. Best wear some trashy clothes you don't mind getting bleach stains on however as it'll probably be a messy job. The lil bugs are maybe feeding off the mould? Have they suddenly appeared? Long term you need a dehumidifier if you can't fix the vent or unlock the window.

[DurhamDurham]

We used bleach and an old toothbrush, worked a treat

[EssentialHummus]

This sounds sarky, it isn't - stand on a chair and spray the same Dettol Mould & Mildew at it.

[winewinewhine]

There is a website where you can get replacement window keys. If you take a photo of the handle they can sometimes tell you what type you need. I got them to tell me and ordered a key off amazon for half the price!

[FadedRed]

Get some kitchen roll and tear into strips, stand on a chair/step ladder and use the Mould and mildew spray to stick the kitchen roll onto the wall IYSWIM. Let it dry and when you remove ithe kitchen roll, the mound will be gone. Use marigolds/disposable gloves because the spray is very hard on your skin

[Pestilence13610]

Are they pharaoh ants? Catch one and google it. If so you will need special stuff maybe even professionals to get rid of them.
If the ceiling is at a really awkward angle make sure you wear some goggles as well as old clothes, mold and mildew stuff is great but really noxious. You might get left with some dark stains where the mold was.
I lived in some really rank places when I was a student.

[jobrum]

Stand on a chair but spray a cloth directly and wipe with that. Use a rough scratchy cloth.

[BoaConstrictor]

Thanks for all of the advice. My initial lack of progress (and hence plea for help) was partly me & partly products. The mould & mildew spray is blocked so drips rather than sprays & wasn't 't going onto the ceiling, I was using a soft, flimsy cloth & not enough elbow grease. New spray, different cloth , more grit from me & it looks much better. I've also left a message for the electrician about repairing/replacing the fan as, even if we find the key for the window, that won't be sufficient in winter.
The little creatures aren't pharaoh ants. They're not ant shaped at all. I just used ant as it was about the smallest size animal I can think of. The thought of something long off the mould certainly put some extra vim into my scrubbing this evening!

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

I'd think plaster beetles are most likely - they feed on mould in damp places. Luckily they seem to be fairly easy to get rid of.

http://www.pestnet.com/beetle/plaster-beetle/

[DarkDarkNight]

I know the problem with the dripping spray. At that angle you may have to put it onto a cloth and then apply to the ceiling. I have bought a set of cheap washing up brushes/nail brushes/toothbrushes to get into stubborn areas so that might be an idea if it isn't just wiping off.

I would recommend Cillit Bang Black Mould remover (in the Black bottle). It works wonders, but yes the bottle is drippy and it ends up all over me which puts me off using.

[user1474922142]

HG is the stuff you need, this will easily get rid of the mould off the ceiling.

[emsyj]

When we had our bathroom replaced last year, the fitter recommended a plastic ceiling which we agreed to (even though it is a bit ugly). No more mouldy plaster - it does work. Might be worth considering if this is a recurring problem.

Also it's easy to get replacement keys/locks for windows - we had to do that when we bought our house as lots of the locks were seized up with salt corrosion (we live right by the sea and the air is thick with salt!) It was quick and not expensive to have the locks replaced (UPVC double glazed window units).

[PinkSwimGoggles]

or get a new stronger extractor fan.
ideally on a timer sk it keeps running after you switched off the lights.