Sorting out mouldy, flaky ceiling paint in bathroom.

[EarSlaps]

Due to a rubbish extractor fan we had a lot of problems with mildew and mould in our bathroom. In particular we got a lot of patches of mildew on the ceiling; where I have repeatedly wiped this down we now have bits of paint peeling off down to the bare plaster, which also now has mildew on it.

We've now had a swanky new powerful extractor fan (thanks PigletJohn for your help there) so we no longer have a steamy damp room and I can finally sort out the ceiling.

I was thinking the best course of action would be-
-peel off any bits of paint that come off easily and give the ceiling a bit of a sand down all over
-paint with a mould killer solution (any recommendations?)
-one coat with a stain stopper paint
-one-two coats with bathroom paint with anti mould additive

Is that enough or is it overkill? Should I try to strip off all the paint it I can? I'm not worried if it is a little patchy in that area- it will be miles better than it is now! Will a bathroom paint be ok for the ceiling? I want a matt finish but I do want it to resist further mould.

Thank you in advance.

[tipp2chicago]

Hi, I did my bathroom a few months ago and the mould hasn't come back, touch wood.

I sprayed the walls with mould & mildew remover first and scrubbed them with soapy water. Then I washed them again with sugar soap and left them about 24 hours to dry. I did two coats of some kind of anti-mould undercoat that I got at B&Q (walls & ceiling), then two coats of Kitchen & Bathroom paint on the walls. That was in February.

I do need to disconnect my extractor fan though and clean it out, it's about as effective as an asthmatic mouse.

[EarSlaps]

Thanks. It's going to take ages to do . I only get one day a week without the children around. But it will be worth it.

[PigletJohn]

if the ceiling gets condensation, then as well as improving the extractor, climb into the loft and see how well insulated it is. A cold surface will collect more condensation.

[EarSlaps]

Yes, the electrician mentioned that we needed more insulation up there as it had got moved for ceiling lights etc. no wonder it's always chilly in there! Plus he spotted some droppings in the loft so we have or have had some animals up there. I've never heard any scuttling around though.

The loft is the next job on the list- getting a proper loft ladder in there, clearing out the junk, redoing the insulation then boarding it with that loft zone stuff (sort of like stilts that go over the insulation). Then light storage all sealed in plastic boxes.

[lazysummer]

Sorry to hijack. What powerful extractor is best? I have treated mould, and don't want to go back to square one! (I used HD mould remover and Ronseal anti-mould paint.)

[PigletJohn]

if you have room above the ceiling, a ducted inline fan.

They are a bit big and unsightly, so usually put above the ceiling, but perhaps you could conceal one in the top of an airing cupboard or something.

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

Another hijack here (sorry OP.) We have similar issues and are considering getting those wetroom panels for the ceiling instead of painting the plaster as they're sold as a mould-free alternative. Anyone have experience (positive or negative) of these? I mean in addition to an extractor fan, ideally.

[EarSlaps]

We bought this beast. Clears the steam out really nicely.

I'd worry about those panels falling down or hiding mould that then spreads its spores around. Probably not a problem but I am a worrier. Plus would they look a bit industrial like ceiling tiles in a suspended ceiling?

[SwedishEdith]

I take it that can't be fitted on an external wall OP?

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

They look more like painted tongue and groove, Ear, but. I know what you mean about hiding the problem. I do quite like the idea of never having to paint the bathroom ceiling again though: it's too small a space to get a ladder up safely so it's a right pain.

[EarSlaps]

No Swedish, it goes up in the loft and then vents out of the roof (ducting from bathroom ceiling to fan, then from fan out of the loft).

Luckily our bathroom ceiling is so low I can do the lot from the DCs ikea step stool TheGirl .

Started reading about putting the loft insulation back over and seems I need to get caps over the down lighters before I can put insulation over them. Why didn't I realise this before I had the bloody things put in, should've just kept the old single ceiling light, would've been cheaper to light then too. I think the bathroom people just like down lights as it gives them more work so they can charge you more. Plus all that light means you notice all your lumps and bumps when you're showering.

Every single bit of expenditure in a house seems to lead on to more being needed!

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Ceiling cladding definitely. Not the ones with the wide grooves though.

[PigletJohn]

downlighters, grrrrrrr.

[EarSlaps]

If only I'd been on MN when I had the bathroom done .

I do like my LED down lighters in my new kitchen though .