Mould can be a common occurrence in homes, especially when it comes to the bathroom.
To clean it, many tend to reach for a cheap bottle of bleach and while it looks like it may have done a good job, it’s actually far from it.
Craig Phillips, from Bathroom Mountain, explained that while bleach can remove mould from non-porous surfaces, it’s ineffective on porous materials like grout and caulking, which are common in most showers.
He said: “Bleach is only a temporary fix. It might seem like it’s gone, but in reality, it just pushes the mould deeper into the material. Before long, it comes back even worse than before.”
So what should you use instead? Craig recommends swapping bleach for three percent hydrogen peroxide, which you can pick up for less than £5 at most chemists or online.
Not only is it effective, but it’s also safer for your bathroom and doesn’t involve harsh chemicals.
The expert explained: “To tackle mould effectively, fully saturate the area with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.”
For vertical surfaces, he suggests keeping the area damp by re-spraying during the 10-minute process.
Alternatively, if you want a deeper clean, soak some cotton balls in the solution and place them on the mouldy spots to ensure thorough saturation.
However, Craig warns that if mould has taken hold in your shower’s caulking, no cleaning solution will completely remove it.
He said: “Once mould has embedded itself into caulking, it’s impossible to make it disappear. The only option is to remove the old caulking and reapply new sealant.”
This makes preventing mould in these areas all the more important. To stop mould from returning, Craig emphasises the importance of addressing the root cause – moisture.
Craig has shared some of his top tips for keeping your shower mould-free. The first is to use a squeegee after every shower to remove excess water from the walls.
Make sure to dry the shower area with a towel to eliminate lingering moisture. Also, improve ventilation by running an extractor fan or keeping a window open while showering.
