You’ve chosen the tiles, installed the vanity, and your new bathroom looks pristine. But a few months in, the ceiling’s starting to discolour. There’s a faint musty smell. And that little patch of mould near the window? It’s creeping back. If this sounds familiar, the problem might not be your renovation. It could be your ventilation.

Many homeowners put their time and money into beautiful surfaces, but forget what’s going on behind the scenes. Without the right airflow, even the most stylish bathroom can start to deteriorate. Steam from daily showers lingers in the air, settling on cold walls and ceilings. If it’s not removed properly, moisture seeps into paint, plaster and grout. That’s when mould takes hold.

The trouble is, having a fan isn’t always enough. If it’s too small, in the wrong place, or turned off too soon, it won’t do the job. Steam rises quickly and spreads through the room. If your extractor isn’t placed above or near the shower, it may not catch the bulk of the moisture. And even if it’s positioned well, it needs to keep running after your shower ends. Otherwise, that lingering damp air just stays trapped.

It’s also worth checking where your fan vents to. In some homes, the fan simply pushes air into the ceiling cavity. That just moves the problem from your bathroom into your roof, where mould can grow unseen. A properly installed system will duct moist air right outside the house, so it doesn’t hang around and cause damage elsewhere.

If you’re seeing mould after a full bathroom update, don’t assume the renovation failed. Check your ventilation. A few small changes could be all it takes to keep that fresh, clean look lasting longer.

If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, our Renovating Your Bathroom Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying put in your home, buying or selling, Join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.