IF you’re on a mission to banish mould in your home, you’ll be thrilled to hear that you’ve come to the right place.
Mould in grout is very common, considering many people don’t clean their bathrooms often enough.
If you’re fed up of looking at ghastly mould in your bathroom, we’ve got just what you need[/caption]
According to this cleaning enthusiast, you’ll need to put down the bleach and try her three-ingredient hack to say goodbye to grout mould for good[/caption]
After just 20 minutes, Courtney’s grout was sparkling[/caption]
And washing-up liquid and baking soda, which you probably already have in your cupboard, are key[/caption]
Not only does mould on grout look terribly unsightly, but it can also be potentially harmful to your health too.
And while many may argue that mould can be removed entirely with bleach, one cleaning fan has come up with a much better solution – and it works in minutes.
Whilst bleach works to remove the colour of mould stains, giving the illusion of a mould-free bathroom, in fact, the nasty stuff is often still there, alive and growing.
But luckily for you, a cleaning whizz named Courtney has taken to social media to share the mould removal method she swears by – and you’ve probably already got the ingredients at home.
Taking to her Instagram page, Courtney urged households to ditch bleach when combating mould and instead, swore by her three-ingredient DIY non-toxic grout cleaner.
In the video, she said: “I wish more people knew about my three-ingredient non-toxic grout cleaner is more effective than bleach.”
In the caption, she added: “Not only is bleach toxic, but it only cleans the surface so mould and mildew will grow back and it can weaken grout over time.
“When bleach reacts with mould and mildew, it can produce hazardous compounds, like chloramines, which are toxic to breathe (on top of the already toxic bleach fumes).”
As a result, she advised: “So skip the bleach and make your own grout cleaner with three simple ingredients.”
For this cleaning trick, Courtney simply combined half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide and a teaspoon of washing-up liquid.
Once she had mixed the ingredients to form a paste, she applied it to the stained grout, gave it a good scrub and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Once the time was up, Courtney wiped away the paste to reveal whitened grout that was fully free from mould.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
Courtney’s super simple but incredibly effective trick has clearly left many open-mouthed, as her short clip has quickly racked up 542,000 views and over 4,000 likes.
And if you’re looking to give this trick a try but are faced with bare cupboards, you’ll be pleased to know that this method won’t need to break the bank.
Not only is bleach toxic, but it only cleans the surface so mould and mildew will grow back and it can weaken grout over time
Courtney
Whilst you’ll be able to nab washing-up liquid for as cheap as 69p from Sainsbury’s, you’ll also find baking soda there for just 50p.
Hydrogen peroxide is on the slightly more expensive side, but you can find it on Amazon for only £2.99 and in many pharmacies from £3.
Crucial steps to prevent mould growing
And once your grout is cleaned, it’s highly important that you follow some crucial steps to prevent mould from reappearing.
Firstly, you’ll need to ensure adequate ventilation within bathrooms, as this will help to expel excess moisture, which is a breeding ground for mould.
As well as this, for poorly ventilated bathrooms, installing a dehumidifier can help to maintain optimal humidity levels.
Dehumidifiers extract excess moisture from the air, preventing condensation and inhibiting mildew and mould growth, ensuring your grout stays sparkling without regular scrubbing sessions.
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Common Bathroom Habits That Increase Mould
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the chance of mould growing in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bathmats on floor
Wet towels and bathmats on the floors after a shower or bath can increase humidity levels which provides a perfect breeding ground for mould spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bathmats in an area where they can dry quickly and to wash them regularly.
Not turning on the fan
An exhaust fan is critical in reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When taking a hot shower or bath, steam increases the room’s humidity level, creating an ideal setting for mould to flourish on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the risk of mould growth.
Experts suggest running the fan during the shower and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to lower humidity levels.
Ignoring small leaks
Even minor leaks from the sink, toilet, or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, fostering an environment where mould can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, promoting mould growth in less visible areas such as inside walls or under flooring.
Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould and potential structural damage.
Keeping shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, delaying the drying process and creating a humid environment conducive to mould growth.
Mould can easily develop on shower curtains, doors, and in tile grout if they remain wet for too long.
To avoid this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and allow the area to dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower caddies and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can obstruct airflow and trap moisture and creates hidden, moist niches where mould can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum, and regularly clean and dry the areas underneath them to prevent mould growing.
