How to stop mould in the bathroom

Removing bathroom mould is a lot easier than you might expect. We've broken the process down into manageable steps to help you get your bathroom back to looking its best in no time.

What you’ll need

Before you start, you'll need the following materials:

• Your chosen cleaning solution
• Bicarbonate of soda
• White vinegar
• Bleach
• Mould removal spray
• Borax
• Washing-up liquid
• Sponge
• Empty spray bottle
• Old toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush
• Jug or cup
• Cleaning cloths
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask

Safety information

It's important to stay safe while removing bathroom mould. Using harsh chemicals can be harmful to your breathing and irritating to your skin, so always wear a face mask and rubber gloves to protect yourself. Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated throughout the cleaning process, either by opening a window or running your extractor fan.

How to get rid of mould on the bathroom ceiling

Mould on your bathroom ceiling develops because warm, moist air rises and condenses on the cooler ceiling surface, creating the ideal conditions for mould growth. It typically appears as dark spots or patches which start small and spread over time.

The good news is, the easiest solution is something you likely already have at home. White vinegar is excellent for removing mould because its high acidity kills the spores while also acting as a natural disinfectant. Diluting with a bit of water helps to neutralise the vinegar smell slightly while still being strong enough to remove most mould species.

Here's how to remove it:

1. Prepare your cleaning solution – For small patches of mould, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For more advanced growth, make a solution of one part bleach to one part water, or use a mould removal spray.
2. Protect yourself – Put on your face mask and rubber gloves before you start. This helps you avoid inhaling mould spores or getting a cleaning solution on your skin.
3. Apply your chosen solution – If using vinegar, spray the solution directly onto the mouldy area and leave it to sit for at least an hour. If using a bleach mixture or mould spray, apply it with a cloth to avoid drips caused by excessive spraying.
4. Scrub the area – After the solution has had time to work, use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub away the mould. You may need to apply a bit more pressure for stubborn patches.
5. Rinse and dry – Wipe the area clean with warm water and let it dry completely.
6. Repeat if necessary – For more developed mould patches, you may need to repeat the process once or twice to remove it completely.

"When you're dealing with ceiling mould, always work carefully and make sure you're wearing proper protection," Brian advises. "Those spores become airborne really easily when you start scrubbing, so a decent face mask is essential. And if you're using bleach, make sure the room is well-ventilated. The last thing you want is to be breathing in bleach fumes in a confined space."

How to remove mould from bathroom sealant

Mouldy sealant often looks like black or dark green streaks along the edges of your bath, sink, or shower. It grows here because silicone stays wet longer than other bathroom surfaces, creating the perfect environment for mould spores to take hold.

"Removing mould from your sealant is important because the mould actually breaks down the silicone over time," Brian explains. "It creates tiny gaps that ruin the waterproof seal, meaning water can start seeping through into the walls or floor underneath. If you spot any gaps or cracks once the mould's gone, it's worth resealing properly to avoid water damage down the line. Sometimes, after you've cleaned away the mould, you might find that the sealant's been too badly damaged and needs to be removed and fully replaced."

"To remove mould from sealant, the best method is combining white vinegar with bicarbonate of soda. The vinegar’s acidity kills off the existing mould spores, while the bicarb is an alkali – meaning it creates an environment that makes it harder for mould to grow back. As they react, the natural fizzing action (caused by carbon dioxide being released) also helps lift the mould, making it easier to scrub away.”

Here's how to clean it:

1. Make a cleaning paste – Mix white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda at roughly a 2:1 ratio, adding more bicarb as needed until you reach a thick, toothpaste-like consistency.
2. Apply the paste – Wearing rubber gloves, take a damp cloth and scoop some of the paste onto it. Then, rub the paste thoroughly onto the affected sealant until any visible mould is well covered.
3. Let it work – Leave the paste on the sealant for at least five minutes. This gives it time to soften the mould.
4. Scrub thoroughly – Using an old, soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the paste into the sealant to lift away the mould.
5. Rinse and dry – Use cool water to rinse away all the residue, then wipe the area dry with a clean cloth.

How to remove mould from bathroom tile grout

Mouldy grout usually shows up as dark lines, spots, or patches between your tiles, particularly in humid areas, like shower enclosures or around your bathtub and sink. Tile grout is porous, which makes it an ideal surface for mould spores to settle and grow, especially if your bathroom holds onto moisture due to a lack of ventilation.

"You need to be somewhat careful with the cleaning method you choose for grout," Brian warns. "Some of the really harsh mould removal sprays can damage the grout itself, which might cause your tiles to become loose or develop gaps where water can get in.”

“If you're dealing with stubborn mould, start with gentler options like vinegar or baking soda before resorting to stronger chemicals. When using chemicals, always test in an inconspicuous spot first, especially if you've got coloured grout that might fade."

Here's how to tackle it:

1. Choose your cleaning agent – White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, chlorine bleach, or hydrogen peroxide all work well on grout mould. However, bear in mind that bleach products can also fade coloured grout, so it's best to test in a hidden area first.
2. Prepare yourself and the area – Put on rubber gloves, a face mask, and safety glasses if you're using bleach or hydrogen peroxide and ensure the bathroom's well-ventilated.
3. Work in small sections – Rather than trying to clean all your grout at once, work on one small area at a time. This stops your cleaning solution from drying out before you can scrub it away properly.
4. Apply and scrub – Apply your chosen cleaning agent to the grout and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to really work it into the surface. This helps you reach mould deep in the grout lines.
5. Let it sit – Leave the cleaning agent to work for at least 30 minutes. This gives it time to break down the mould properly.
6. Rinse, repeat, and dry – Rinse the area thoroughly with water. If any mould is left behind, repeat the process. Once you're happy that the grout's clean, leave it to dry fully.

How to get mould out of shower curtains

Shower curtains are prone to growing mould because they stay damp for long periods of time and usually don't get the chance to dry out completely between uses. You'll often notice dark spots or patches along the bottom edge of the curtain or deep in the folds.

Here are two effective methods for removing mould from shower curtains:

Method 1: Vinegar soak

This method uses products you likely already have at home. Here's how to use vinegar to remove shower curtain mould:

1. Fill a sink or plastic bin – Add your shower curtain to a tub and pour in enough undiluted white vinegar to fully submerge it.
2. Soak – Leave the curtain to soak for at least one hour. This lets the vinegar break down the mould.
3. Wash – Remove the curtain from the vinegar and wash it using your washing machine on a gentle cycle or by hand using cold water and regular laundry detergent. If you're machine washing your curtains, add some similar-coloured towels to balance the load and reduce wrinkles.
4. Air-dry – Hang the curtain to dry naturally. Never put a vinyl shower curtain in a tumble dryer, as the heat can melt it and pose a fire hazard.
5. Treat stubborn stains – If stains remain, create a solution with cool water and a stain removal powder. Submerge the curtain and leave it to soak for at least four hours. Then, rinse thoroughly with clean water and hang it to dry.

Method 2: Borax treatment

Borax is a natural mineral that kills mould spores without needing any harsh chemicals. Here's how to use it to remove mould from your shower curtain:

1. Create your solution – Mix one cup of Borax per gallon (around 4.5 litres) of cool water. Make enough solution to fully submerge the shower curtain. Ensure you're wearing rubber gloves while handling the shower curtain, as Borax can be toxic.
2. Soak – Allow the curtain to soak for at least one hour.
3. Wash as usual – Remove the curtain from the solution and wash it with your regular detergent using your machine or by hand.
4. Air-dry – Hang to dry completely.
5. Remove any remaining stains – If needed, treat with cool water and stain remover, rinse well, and hang to dry.

"Shower curtains are real magnets for mould, especially in bathrooms without windows where the air circulation isn't great," says Brian. "If you find yourself constantly cleaning or even throwing away shower curtains because of mould growth, it might be worth considering an upgrade. If you've got a shower enclosure , look at fitting a glass panel instead. Or, if you have a bath-shower combination, a shower screen could be a better long-term solution. They're much easier to keep clean than fabric curtains."