If you’re switching your bathroom fan off as soon as your shower ends, it’s probably not doing much good. Steam doesn’t disappear the moment the water stops running. It hangs in the air, clings to mirrors and tiles, and slowly seeps into your walls and ceiling. That lingering moisture is what leads to mould, mildew, and musty smells. Even in bathrooms that look clean.

Extractor fans are designed to pull humid air out of the room and vent it outside. But they need time to do it properly. Most fans should run for at least 10 to 15 minutes after a shower. This gives the room a chance to fully dry out and stops condensation from settling. If you’re relying on memory or habit to keep your fan running, chances are it’s not staying on long enough.

That’s where timer switches come in. A simple timer lets you press one button and walk away, knowing the fan will keep going after you leave. You can set it to run for a few extra minutes or longer, depending on how much steam your household tends to create. In family bathrooms or shared homes, a timer can make a huge difference. Especially if people forget to switch the fan on in the first place.

Humidity sensors are another option. These detect when the air gets too damp and turn the fan on automatically. Once the moisture levels drop, the fan shuts off again. This keeps your bathroom dry without you having to think about it. It’s a small upgrade, but it goes a long way towards preventing mould and protecting your finishes.

A good fan only works if it’s used properly. And for most people, that means putting systems in place that don’t rely on memory. Set it, forget it, and let your fan actually do the job it was made for.

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