Get rid of mould in your bathroom for good with ‘natural fix’ 17p supermarket buy – it’s safe for kids and pets too
THE bathroom is often the most humid room in your home, which can lead to the build up of mould and mildew.
Mould not only looks awful, but it can be dangerous to your health if left untreated too.
Your bathroom can be the worst part of the house for mould[/caption] Lemons can help break down mould to wipe away easily[/caption]A lack of ventilation, leaks pipes and taps seeping into walls and floors and damp grout provide the ideal breeding ground for mould.
To help, professional cleaner Petya Holevich – from Fantastic Services – has revealed her top tips to remove and prevent mould in the bathroom.
Petya says you can take a few simple precautions to stop mould from appearing in the bathroom – including opening the window after a shower and wiping around the tiles.
She says: “Opening the window in your bathroom after you’ve had a shower will allow any excess moisture in the air to disperse naturally.
“Good ventilation can reduce the chance of condensation settling on the walls, ceiling, or around the windows, which can eventually cause mould.
“If you don’t have any windows in your bathroom, consider investing in a ventilator fan or dehumidifier. This will have a similar effect to an open window, getting rid of excess humidity in the air after your shower.
“And to help stop mould setting into your shower, wipe down the area, including shower trays and wall panels, to remove any excess condensation that could turn into mould.”
Indeed, a regular cleaning routine can help to prevent mould.
Without a consistent wipe down on your bathroom – including grout and hard-to-reach corners – bacteria, limescale and mould can become a real problem.
And there’s one overlooked part of your bathroom that you should never miss.
Petya revealed: “Mould most commonly grows in bathroom grout, but another often overlooked spot is the shower curtain.
“In fact, studies show that shower curtains can harbour more bacteria than any other bathroom surface, even more than the shower floor or toilet seat.
Partnering with Mira Showers, Petya says a 17p buy in Aldi is a brilliant “natural fix” to get rid of mould.
“The high acidity in lemons breaks down mould, making it easier to remove and leaving the surface disinfected”, she said.
But the citric fruit isn’t the oly natural remedy you can use.
Petya added: “Instead of immediately using commercial chemical cleaners, try white vinegar or a soap solution first, as these natural remedies can help prevent mould from returning.”
“In addition to vinegar, soap, and bleach, other natural remedies can help with minor mould issues:
“Baking soda has a high pH that inhibits mould growth. It’s mild, chemical-free, and safe for families and pets.
“And tea tree oil is a natural fungicide. Mix 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, apply to mould, let it dry for an hour, and wipe clean, but wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.”
There’s also a completely free tip that Petya says is an “effective strategy” to prevent mould growth.
She said: “For general prevention, ventilate your entire home for at least 30 minutes daily by opening windows and interior doors for cross ventilation.
“This helps moisture escape instead of settling on surfaces.
“However, ventilation alone may not be enough. To further prevent mould, consider investing in a dehumidifier and avoiding air-drying clothes indoors.”
Best bathroom plants to tackle mould
Some house plants can lower the humidity in the air, which can help break down existing mould and prevent more developing.
Petya recommends investing in one of the plants below to improve air quality and reduce humidity in your bathroom.
English Ivy
English Ivy is a great choice for smaller bathrooms, as it can remove airborne mould from humid spaces. Plant it in a hanging pot or place it on top of a cabinet if you’re short on space.
Peace Lily
These purifying plants need very little sunlight to survive, so they’re an excellent choice for bathrooms without windows. However, peace lilies can be toxic to animals if consumed, so keep them out of reach from pets.
Boston Fern
Another great choice for humid bathrooms, the Boston Fern is an attractive, evergreen plant that thrives in indirect sunlight and moist soil.
Reed Palms
Found in some of the most tropical regions on earth, palms can keep humidity at bay in your bathroom by absorbing moisture through their leaves. Unlike other palms, the Reed Palm can survive in low light, so it’s perfect for keeping inside the home.
Tillandsia
If your bathroom has a bright window, this is the damp-eating plant for you. Tillandsia plants thrive in filtered sunlight and absorb moisture through their leaves, so they’re great for combatting persistent humidity problems in the home.