Now that we’re heading into the colder months, mould can present a significant problem. Dark, damp environments paired with the chilly weather outside often means that you’re more likely to spot mould at this time of year, whether that’s in your shower, on tiles or on walls.
Not only is mould an eyesore, but it can also pose health risks if it’s not addressed. Severe mould problems should be dealt with by a professional, but if you’re faced with a small amount, there are steps you can take to get rid of it. And according to one viral TikTok, all you need is one natural item.
Self-proclaimed ‘hack guy’ Daddy Brown on TikTok shared a video last year detailing how to get rid of mould and stop it from coming back, which now has an impressive 1.4 million views.
He says there’s no need to resort to pricey chemical cleaners, since one thing is enough to do the trick — baking soda. Not only does this banish the appearance of mould, but he also claims it will get rid of the unpleasant smell too, and may also prevent it from coming back in the future.
According to the experts at Mould In Homes, baking soda is recommended for light mould infestations, as it’s not as potent as other methods. However, it’s also safer, especially if you have kids or pets to think about.
How to get rid of mould
Putting this hack to work couldn’t be any simpler. All you need to do it grab a small bowl or container and add some baking soda, then a ‘tiny’ bit of water. Mix it until it becomes a paste-like consistency, enough to cover the entire area of mould.
Then, put on a glove and rub the paste all over the mould, and let it sit for around 15-20 minutes.
The pro said: “The baking soda is going to absorb all of the moisture that is causing the mould in the first place. Also, mould needs acidic conditions to grow, and the pH of baking soda is high, making it basic, which is going to kill the mould.”
Then, after the time is up, wipe away the paste. To stop it from coming back in the future, you can carry out an extra step here, which involves baking soda yet again.
Fill a spray bottle up with water, then pour a little baking soda in there, shaking it up so that it dissolves. Spray it all over the area where the mould was, and it will leave a residue of baking soda behind.
They added: “This is what you want, because this is what’s going to stop mould from growing there in the future.”