Black mould is an all too common sight in many bathrooms, as the damp environment creates the perfect conditions for it to thrive. It can grow on walls, ceilings, around shower seals and doors and even in your drain, and if left unchecked, it can be an expensive problem to fix.
If you notice your bathroom smells a bit musty, even after you’ve cleaned it, then the chances are that you already have a mould problem hiding inside your shower. According to bathroom experts at Plumbworld, that damp, earthy smell that arises after having a shower is often caused by a mixture of soap scum, shampoo residue and hidden mould growing where most people forget to clean: the drain, the sealant around your shower, and the showerhead itself.
But the experts say you can rid your shower of black mould – and that nasty, damp smell – in just 10 minutes using one cup of natural ingredients: baking soda and white vinegar.
Experts at Plumbworld said: “During showers, steam and droplets settle on walls, sealant and the drain area. Trapped moisture mixes with soap residue and body oils to form a thin biofilm that feeds mould spores, producing a musty odour even when surfaces look clean.
“The smell usually comes from three main places: the drain, the sealant around the shower, and the showerhead itself. In many homes, the drain trap can collect hair, dead skin cells, and shampoo residue. When these start to break down, they release gases that smell stale and unpleasant.
“Meanwhile, silicone seals around the edges of the shower often hide tiny patches of black mould that spread under the surface where a cloth or sponge can’t reach.”
To make the mould-busting solution, simply pour half a cup of baking soda into your shower drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar.
The two ingredients together create a chemical reaction that results in a fizzing and foaming action, helping to dislodge minor clogs and soap scum from your drain, and naturally neutralising any odours.
Allow the solution to sit in your drain for 10 minutes and then flush it with hot water to rinse away any residue. The same mixture can also be applied to silicone seals and your showerhead using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface.
This method is an eco-friendly cleaning option that means you don’t have to rely on harmful chemicals to get the job done, and both ingredients are pretty cheap too so it can help save you some pennies.
The experts explain: “All you need is baking soda and white vinegar, both of which you can find in most kitchen cupboards. First, pour half a cup of baking soda (around 50p worth) into the shower drain. Then, slowly pour in one cup of white vinegar.
“The fizzing reaction helps loosen grime, clear out trapped residue, and neutralise odours naturally. After ten minutes, flush the area with hot water to rinse away the loosened dirt.
“For silicone seals, use the same mixture on a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. This lifts hidden mould without damaging the material.”