With an ongoing financial squeeze affecting households, bathroom and kitchen experts from Drench have shared five tips costing as little as £1 to banish mould from the home. Nancy Emery, a cleaning expert, from Drench, said: “People may be starting to notice the presence of mould in their homes as we head into the colder and wetter months.
“There are several types of mould and recognising the way they present is essential to tackling the problem early. Black mould commonly grows in small, dot-like clusters and can have a slightly unpleasant smell that accompanies it.
“While this type of mould can appear anywhere in the home, it is most common in the bathroom (where there is less ventilation), behind furniture and in corners of bedrooms.
“Not only is black mould unsightly, but if left untreated, it can pose serious health problems from breathing in its spores. Like black mould, blue and green moulds usually grow in high-moisture areas. Although they do not pose the same health risks to most people.
“When it comes to tackling mould, there are a number of simple affordable products you can use that may already be in your cupboards!”
Baking soda
She added: “Silicone sealant can be a haven for mould due to its porosity and use in areas regularly exposed to water.
“Mould in silicone is not only an eyesore but it is also bad for your health. To remove it, rub together a paste of 250ml white vinegar and two to three teaspoons of baking soda into the affected areas.
“Ensure you’ve got a thick layer over the mould, leaving it to soak for around five minutes. Then, using a stiff-bristled brush scrub the black mould away from the sealant.
“It is important to scrub firmly, but don’t be too rough, as silicone sealant is delicate. Finish with a cold, wet sponge to rinse.”
Shoppers can pick up baking soda from most supermarkets for just £1 which is a great investment for banishing mould.
Distilled white vinegar
Emery said: “Distilled white vinegar is a staple cleaning item that is probably already in your kitchen cupboard. From descaling kettles to busting mould, the powerhouse product costs under a pound at many UK supermarkets.
“To create the mould-removing solution, dilute white vinegar in a spray bottle using the ratio of two parts to one part water.
“Next, spray the affected area and leave it to soak for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity, before wiping it away with a clean cloth.”
Bleach
“Bleach is another inexpensive mould blitzer already in most bathrooms, coming in at under a pound in many retailers.
The pro explained: “Start by popping on a pair of gloves, cleaning the base layer of the affected area with soapy water and a sponge, scrubbing in circular motions.
“Next, mix one part bleach with nine parts warm water and apply the solution to the mould patches with the same sponge. Let this sit for around five minutes, and then rinse away with clean, warm water. If there is still some mould residue left, repeat the process leaving the bleach to soak for five minutes longer at a time. You should see the mould disappear in an hour.
“Remember, by its nature, bleach is stripping, so this is only for use in tiles and white grout. Do not use a bleach solution on coloured grout or porous surfaces.”
Tea tree oil
Emery recommended: “Tea tree oil is a bathroom staple with many uses, from clearing up fungal infections on the skin to busting mould on walls in your home.
“Simply mix two teaspoons of tea tree oil with 250ml of water in a spray bottle. Then, spray directly onto the mould and leave to soak for around an hour. Finally, scrub and then wipe away with a clean cloth!”
Ventilate rooms
The expert said: “One of the best ways to stop mould growth is to thoroughly ventilate your home. Open your windows daily and use existing extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen.
“Mould thrives in warm, damp areas and has airborne spores, so increasing ventilation will limit the spread.
“When following the tips above, it is essential to open windows to stop you from breathing in any harmful spores.”