Shower mould can easily build up, particularly if the bathroom item is used more than once a day in a busy household.
However, if Brits are reaching for bleach to tackle the mould creeping across the shower, they may want to stop there.
One bathroom expert is urging people to ditch the bleach, claiming it’s not only ineffective but could make the problem worse.
Craig Phillips, a bathroom expert at 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.
Phillips said: “Bleach is only a temporary fix. It might seem like it’s gone, but it pushes the mould deeper into the material. Before long, it comes back even worse than before.”
He recommends swapping bleach for three percent hydrogen peroxide, which shoppers can pick up for less than £5 at most chemists or online.
Not only is it effective, but it’s also safer for the 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, the pro suggests keeping the area damp by re-spraying during the 10-minute process.
Alternatively, if homeowners want a deeper clean, soak some cotton balls in the solution and place them on the mouldy spots to ensure thorough saturation.
Nevertheless, Phillips warned if mould has taken hold in the shower’s caulking, there’s no cleaning solution that will completely remove it.
He added: “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 of moisture. His top tips for keeping the shower mould-free include:
- Use a squeegee after every shower to remove excess water from the walls.
- Dry the shower area with a towel to eliminate lingering moisture.
- Improve ventilation by running an extractor fan or keeping a window open while showering.
