As the temperatures start to drop and the skies become grey, it's a sure sign that it won't be long until it's time to pop the heating on.

A warmer house may feel snug and toasty, but some parts of our homes can suffer from higher temperatures. Our bathrooms, for example, can become stuffy and sweaty without the occasional blast of fresh air.

Henry Maia, Vice President of Mineral Tiles, stresses the importance of setting the right temperature in bathrooms is a key factor in the fight against mould.

"Mould thrives in damp and humid environments,” he says. “By maintaining a consistent and appropriate temperature, homeowners can make life tough for mould spores, protecting both their health and the quality of their homes."

With this in mind, Maia suggests keeping your bathroom within a specific temperature range all year round to prevent the spread of potentially dangerous mould spores.

Maia says that the ideal temperature range for bathrooms is between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C), adding: "Keeping your bathroom within this temperature range can help reduce the chances of mould growth."

He explains: “By taking proactive steps to manage temperature and moisture, homeowners can maintain a clean and comfortable living environment throughout the winter months.

"A consistently ventilated bathroom will minimise moisture accumulation, too, and that’s essential in combating mould. So instead of opening the window wide for a short while, it’s better to ventilate more subtly with small air vents or a window left open a crack for several hours – perhaps during the day when the bathroom is used less."

The expert also shared some other top tips for warm and mould-free bathrooms:

Use a fan

Ensure that your bathroom is equipped with an effective extractor fan. This should be run during and after showers or baths to expel excess moisture in the air.

Seal cracks and gaps

Prevent unwanted drafts and wasted money from escaping the heat by keeping on top of bathroom maintenance. Repair any cracks or gaps to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Check humidity levels

A hygrometer can help monitor indoor humidity levels which should be kept below 50% to reduce the risk of mould. Other tell-tale signs that the humidity is too high in your bathroom could include condensation on windows, mirrors or tiles, damp patches and even peeling plaster or paint.

Warm you towels

Use a heated towel rail to keep towels dry and warm. Not only will this make them nice and toasty when you need them, but heated towels can also help to warm the room, which will dry out steam and moisture.

Open the door

After using the bathroom, leaving the door open allows warm air from other parts of the home to circulate.

This helps to maintain a comfortable temperature and lets excess steam escape naturally.