Those black patches in the tile grout or in the shower sealant appear almost without warning, especially in summer, when heat and humidity come together. If you are wondering how to remove mould in the bathroom without resorting to harsh products, you are in the right place. In this guide you will learn how to remove mould in the bathroom with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, how to tackle the most stubborn areas and, most importantly, how to stop it coming back.
Why mould appears in the bathroom
Mould is a fungus that needs three things to grow: moisture, warmth and poor ventilation. The bathroom supplies all three almost daily. Every shower leaves steam in the air that condenses on walls, ceilings, grout and sealant. If that moisture does not evaporate, the typical dark patches show up within days. Understanding the cause is the first step to fixing the problem at the root instead of simply covering the stain.
How to remove mould in the bathroom with vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
The star duo of home cleaning works very well against mould, and it is cheap and gentle. Here is how to use it step by step:
- Ventilate the room first and put on gloves.
- Mix three parts bicarbonate of soda to one part water to make a paste.
- Spread the paste over the mould patch and leave it to work for about 15 minutes.
- Spray white vinegar over the top with a mister; you will see it fizz slightly.
- Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse with lukewarm water.
For large surfaces, a spray of neat vinegar left to work for an hour before scrubbing is usually enough. Vinegar penetrates the fungus and helps slow its return.
How to remove mould from bathroom grout
The grout between tiles and the shower sealant are porous, so mould takes a firm hold. To remove mould from bathroom grout you will need a little more patience:
- Apply the bicarbonate paste directly onto the grout line and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Use an old toothbrush or a narrow brush to reach the bottom of the line.
- If the stain persists, try hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy: soak the grout, wait ten minutes and scrub.
- Rinse well and dry with a cloth so no residual moisture is left behind.
When the sealant is so blackened that it will never recover its colour, the best option is to strip it out and reseal. A good cleaning kit and the right brushes make all the difference; our selection of household tools has practical options for keeping the bathroom in good shape.
Removing mould from the ceiling and walls
The bathroom ceiling is where steam condenses most, which is why it is usually the first to get stained. Protect the floor, put on goggles to avoid splashes and apply the vinegar mix with a sponge or a long-handled sprayer. Let it work, scrub gently so you do not damage the paint and dry thoroughly. If the paint is blistered or flaking, it is worth scraping back the affected area and repainting with an anti-damp paint made for bathrooms.
How to prevent mould in the bathroom
Knowing how to prevent mould in the bathroom will save you hours of cleaning. The key is cutting off the moisture before it builds up:
- Ventilate after every shower: open the window or leave the extractor fan running for 15-20 minutes.
- Run a rubber squeegee over the screen and tiles to clear the water.
- Hang towels outside the bathroom so they do not release moisture there.
- Put in a dehumidifier or containers of coarse salt if the bathroom has no window.
- Check there are no small leaks from taps or the cistern keeping areas damp.
A light clean once a week, going over the grout and sealant, stops mould getting established. Preventing is far easier than scrubbing at stains that have already set in.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Mixing bleach with other cleaning products can produce toxic gases, so never combine vinegar and bleach in the same application. Do not scrub the spores dry either, because they scatter into the air: always dampen the surface first. And do not forget to ventilate while you clean; a sealed bathroom full of chemicals is not a good idea.
With these simple tricks and a little consistency, keeping the bathroom mould-free stops being a battle. Start with the vinegar and bicarbonate clean, work on the grout and, above all, ventilate every day. If you want to stock up on brushes, organisers and practical everyday products, take a look at the Velia Select shop and give your home the care it deserves.