How to Get Rid of Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew can be a big problem in bathrooms, it can ruin the overall look of your bathroom and also cause health problems for you and your family. Find out how to prevent growth and rid your bathroom of mould and mildew.

Tackling Mould and Mildew in the Bathroom

Mould and mildew are the bathroom’s version of monsters under the bed, except this monster is in plain view and if you’re not careful, all over the bathroom ceiling. It just so happens that the bathroom is their favourite breeding ground and is one of the most common places to find them.

Luckily, mould and mildew problems can easily be avoided by taking the right steps in prevention and if needed, the right action if a problem occurs. It is also important to understand that mould and mildew can cause health problems from anything as small as a cough to serious health issues such as lung infections. So, in this blog post we will tell you what it is, how it’s formed, how to stop it and most importantly, how to get rid of it.

What is Mould?

Mould is fuzzy in appearance and can come in a variety of colours such as brown, orange, green, purple or pink. Unlike mildew, mould can grow almost anywhere and it is not always visible. Mould can also cause some serious health problems if left untreated.

What is Mildew?

Mildew begins as yellow spots that become brighter at first and then end turning brown or black. Despite not being as dangerous as mould, mildew can cause damage to materials that become affected by it, so it is important to treat mildew before it has the chance to do any serious damage.

How Does Mould and Mildew Appear in the Bathroom?

Tiny particles of mould are always floating around your house (don’t worry, they’re far too small to cause any harm to your home or health) but when given the right conditions they can spread quickly and become a potential threat before you know it. Dark and damp conditions, such as those in the bathroom make it a hotspot for mould and mildew. The parts of the bathroom most likely to be affected are the grouting, shower curtain, bathtub and tile surfaces.

How to Prevent Mould and Mildew 

Making sure that your bathroom is well ventilated is one of the best ways to prevent mould and mildew, as this can prevent dampness in your bathroom, and we all know how much mould and mildew loves to thrive in damp spaces. If you think that the lack of ventilation in your bathroom is causing the growth of mould and mildew, have a read through our useful guide on How to Effectively Ventilate Your Bathroom.

Another great way to prevent mould and mildew in your bathroom is to allow plenty of sunlight in your bathroom. You can do this by keeping blinds open during the day or when your bathroom is not in use. UV light from the sun will make it really difficult for mould and mildew to grow in your bathroom as the UV rays will kill any mould particles.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a quick fix solution without circulating the air you can make sure that all surfaces and areas of the bathroom are clean and well maintained. You can also buy 'anti-mould' paint made especially for this problem. The paint’s tough finish contains safe chemicals that protects from mould and mildew growth.

How to Get Rid of Mould and Mildew

If mould and mildew is already developing in your bathroom do not worry, we’ve got you covered. By following the steps below you will be able to rid your bathroom of the mould and mildew eyesore.

White Vinegar Method

Removing mould and mildew is much easier than you think, and one of the most effective products is probably already in your kitchen cupboard! For this method, you do not need to dilute the white vinegar as you want to make the most of the full acidic strength of the white vinegar. 

The acidity in the white vinegar will break away any mould or mildew in your bathroom. When using white vinegar, make sure that you take care and avoid getting any spillages on your taps or fixtures as the strong acidity may damage the finish!

Baking Soda Method

Another great way to rid your bathroom of mould and mildew is to use baking soda. This is a great method as the baking soda will effectively eat away at any mould and mildew thought being too harsh on and causing damage to any surfaces

 For this method, we recommend that you make a mixture of hot water, liquid soap and baking soda. This will make a paste that can be applied directly onto any mould and mildew that has started to appear in your bathroom.

Mould and Mildew Products

Alternatively, you can purchase a mould and mildew remover from your local supermarket. These are usually inexpensive and can effectively remove any mould or mildew that is in your bathroom.

Not to mention that these specialist products will leave your bathroom smelling clean and fresh.