Would you shower in a bathroom with mould in it?
I sure wouldn’t.
Other than how gross it looks, mould can cause many health concerns and possibly become sentient if not addressed immediately.
The main culprits for mould in showers include excess moisture and poor (or no) ventilation.
To get rid of mould in the shower, you can use the following, but not in combination:
- White vinegar or lemon juice – for porous surfaces like grout lines.
- Chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide – for non-porous surfaces like tiles and glass.
What is Mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments, like showers.
You may encounter black, pink or orange mould in showers.
Black mould is notorious for its health risks, while pink and orange moulds are more common and less harmful.
Black mould
Black mould typically appears in the shower as dark black or greenish-black patches with a slimy texture.
It thrives in continuously damp environments with a lot of organic matter.
It’s well-known for the health problems it can cause, such as causing allergic reactions and triggering asthma.
While you can DIY mould removal, it’s best to consult a health expert or cleaning professional for long-term solutions.
Pink mould
Pink mould is actually a bacterial growth and not a fungus.
It looks like a slimy or fuzzy patch in grout lines or damp corners of the shower walls and floor.
Pink mould is not as dangerous as black mould but can still cause infections.
Orange mould
Orange mould is often found in showers and is usually a type of mildew or yeast (not the one in bread!).
This mould has a vivid orange or red hue and is commonly found on shower curtains, grout lines and other very damp areas.
Why Does Mould Grow in the Shower?
Mould spores thrive in the shower because of moisture, warmth, and organic material.
While mould is natural, it is terrible for our health.
- Moisture: Showers are inherently moist environments. Frequent use and insufficient drying or poor ventilation create persistent dampness, which mould spores need for growth.
- Warmth: Bathrooms tend to be warm, especially when showers are in use. Mould spores favour warm temperatures for growth, making the shower an ideal breeding ground.
- Organic material: Mould feeds on organic materials such as soap scum, body oils, hair, and other residues commonly found in showers. These substances provide the nutrients mould needs to grow.
- Poor ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in a bathroom leads to trapped humid air. Moisture doesn’t evaporate efficiently without proper air circulation, promoting mould growth.
- Lack of regular cleaning: Without regular shower cleaning, mould spores, which are always present in the environment, can settle and multiply in the shower.
- Leaky plumbing: Leaks in plumbing fixtures can contribute to hidden moist areas, further encouraging mould growth.
Note: Addressing these factors – through proper ventilation, regular cleaning, fixing leaks, and ensuring the bathroom dries out well after each use – is key to preventing mould growth in the shower.
How to Remove Mould from the Shower Drain
Removing mould from the drain and walls requires a targeted approach. A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar can be very effective for the drain.
Pour this down the drain, wait for the fizzing action to subside, and then flush it with hot water.
How to Remove Mould from Shower Walls
When addressing mould on tiled shower walls, fill a spray bottle with a bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water).
Wear gloves and keep the doors and windows open when working with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Spray this solution on the mould and leave it for about 15 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the diluted bleach onto it. Then rinse with cold water.
If you have wet wall panels, you should use a gentler cleaning approach. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar and use a sponge to apply it to your shower walls.
Rinse the wall panels with cold water, then wipe dry with a soft towel.
How to Remove Mould from Shower Grout
If you want to clean shower grout mould, start by creating a paste from baking soda and white vinegar.
Apply this paste directly onto the grout and let it sit for around 10 minutes.
Then, using a grout brush, scrub the area before rinsing it off.
To clean orange mould or more stubborn types, you might need to resort to a commercial grout cleaner or a stronger bleach solution.
How to Remove Mould in a Shower Head
Mould in shower heads affects aesthetics and potentially impacts the water quality.
If possible, remove the shower head from the hose or fixture. Then, fill a bowl or plastic bag with white vinegar and soak the shower head in it for several hours or overnight.
After soaking, scrub the shower head thoroughly with an old toothbrush or any soft brush. Pay special attention to the nozzles or any joints where mould might hide.
Rinse and clean the shower head thoroughly with water. If it was detached, reattach it to the hose or fixture.
How to Get Rid of Mould in Shower Silicone
To tackle mould in shower silicone, such as in your shower screen or the sealant between your shower floor and walls, prepare a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Apply this solution generously to the affected areas and let it sit for about an hour.
This waiting period allows the solution to penetrate and loosen the mould.
Afterwards, gently scrub the area with a soft brush and rinse it off thoroughly.
A commercial mould remover designed for silicone may be necessary if you’re dealing with particularly stubborn mould stains.
How to Remove Mould from Shower Curtains and Liners
Shower curtains and liners can also fall victim to mould.
To clean them, remove and soak them in a baking soda and detergent solution. This pre-treatment helps loosen the mould.
Next, wash them in the washing machine using hot water, which helps kill the mould spores.
If possible, let them dry outside in sunlight, which is a natural mould deterrent.
How to Remove Mould Stains in the Shower
If you notice some leftover mould stains in your shower, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to take it out.
Keep in mind that you should wear gloves and keep the windows and doors open whenever you use hydrogen peroxide or bleach.
Apply the paste to the affected areas to remove mould stains. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes to break down the mould, then scrub and rinse it off.
For non-porous surfaces where it’s safe to do so, chlorine bleach can be a powerful ally against tough mould stains.
However, it’s important to use bleach sparingly because it can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system.
How to Prevent Mould in the Shower
Preventing mould in your shower revolves around minimising moisture and ensuring cleanliness.
Regularly ventilating your bathroom and wiping down the shower after use can significantly reduce moisture levels.
Routine cleaning with mould-preventing solutions is also crucial.
In persistently humid environments, a dehumidifier can be an effective tool in your mould prevention arsenal.
Alternatively, you can keep a peace lily there since they love humidity so much and can keep the air clean.
FAQs About Removing Mould from the Shower
Is chlorine bleach or white vinegar better for mould removal?
It depends on what type of mould you’re dealing with.
Our cleaning experts prefer white vinegar because it can penetrate and kill moulds at the root level. Bleach can only kill surface mould.
Are mould and mildew the same thing?
No, they are different types of fungi that thrive in warm, damp areas.
Mildew is usually powdery and easier to remove, while mould is often fuzzy or slimy and more stubborn.
What are mould stains?
Mould stains are discolourations or marks left on surfaces where mould growth has occurred.
These stains are often a byproduct of the metabolic processes of mould as it consumes and breaks down organic materials found in its growing environment, such as soap scum, body oils, and other residues in showers.
Mould Your Bathroom Into a Refreshing Space
Mould is not your shower pet. It’s a pest that needs to be dealt with.
By using these strategies, you can reclaim your bathroom and shower from unwelcome mould and keep a fresh home environment.
So, roll up your sleeves and say goodbye to shower mould for good.
