Typical home remedies for mould in the shower
Mould in the shower is a problem in many households. Black or greenish discolouration of the joints, walls or tiles indicate mould infestation.
Since mould can be a health risk, especially for people with weak immune systems, chronic pre-existing conditions or allergy sufferers, it should be removed quickly.
Read on if you want to declare war on mould and mould spores in your shower.
Here you can find out which home remedies are particularly good for getting mould in the bathroom back under control.
How does mould develop at all?
Mould is a fungus that spreads through spores in the air, hits a surface and grows there under optimal conditions. Mould infestation usually has nothing to do with poor hygiene, but is rather due to stagnant warm air and high humidity.
Rooms with high humidity, warm temperatures and porous surfaces, such as grout or tiles with lime, are more susceptible to mould growth. When showering, high humidity is quickly created by hot water, which, together with hair, dandruff, lime and soap, provide optimal conditions for mould to grow.
There are many different types of mould, most of which are not dangerous to human life. However, some types of mould can be a health hazard and should be removed with one of the well-known home remedies for mould in the shower or a universal mould remover.
Which home remedy is suitable for removing mould?
You have discovered mould in the shower or mould stains on the glass wall, but don't have any suitable articles for mould control at hand?
You will be surprised to learn that you do not necessarily need chemical articles and cleaners from the retailer to get rid of mould. Alcohol, baking soda, vinegar and yeast are also suitable for combating mould.
There are many tips and links on the internet for articles and cleaners - so the question is: What is best? Many housewives share tips and tricks on a site where you don't have to become a member to access the links and discover the best cleaner for you and your shower.
You can use the following home remedies to remove mould stains and get your shower and home mould-free again:
1. Vinegar or vinegar essence
Removing mould with vinegar - how does that work?
Vinegar or vinegar essence are typical household remedies and are probably available in every household. Vinegar can be used for various problems. Limescale deposits in the bathroom and shower can be easily removed, but the remedy can also be used against weeds in the garden.
In the bathroom, vinegar only helps against mould. The spores are spared. Thus, although it is a remedy that is quickly at hand, the cleaning of the black stains must be repeated. Vinegar and vinegar essence have no bleaching properties and are not harmful to health.
Tip: Use gloves and protective goggles when using vinegar essence, as the acid content is higher than with conventional vinegar and there is therefore a risk of irritating the skin and mucous membranes on contact.
2. Alcohol or spirit
Alcohol or spirit, just like vinegar, are two environmentally friendly home remedies against mould in the shower and bathroom. Unfortunately, this method also only works with limited effectiveness. To achieve a long-term solution, the cause of the mould growth should be tackled.
Alcohol does kill the mould, but it is not a long-term solution either. Here, too, the spores can multiply and the mould will return after some time.
70-percent alcohol is best for cleaning. This odourless household remedy does not harm the environment or human health and can be used on all surfaces. The panes of the shower cubicle or the shower tray can be cleaned well with alcohol.
Tip: Be careful not to smoke next to high-proof alcohol, as it is highly flammable.
3. Yeast
Yeast is one of the lesser known home remedies when it comes to removing mould in the bathroom and shower. Yet yeast is one of the cheapest home remedies against mould. To use yeast against mould in the shower, it is advisable to dissolve it in water and then rub it over a large area of the mould-infested areas in the bathroom. Use a cloth or a toothbrush for this purpose. After a short exposure time of about 10 minutes, the solution can be wiped off again.
The process must be repeated several times until you see an effect.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
The remedy is available in the pharmacy and is suitable for treating mould in the bathroom and mould spores. A three-percent solution is sufficient to remove mould spores on plaster, silicone joints and between tiles. This not only removes the mould stains and mould spores, but also prevents the mould from growing.
In addition to its disinfecting properties, hydrogen peroxide also has a bleaching effect. These properties are good for combating red or black mould and lightening the discoloured areas.
Tip: If stains are still visible after cleaning, a grout stick can help to make the grout shiny white again.
5. Nail polish remover
Nail polish remover is also suitable for combating mould. If you dab some of the liquid on a cotton swab or cloth and treat the tile grout with it, you will soon have a bathroom without mould.
6. Baking soda
Baking soda is also suitable for combating mould in the shower and in the grout. The remedy can usually be found in every household. Mix the baking soda with water in a 3:1 ratio and apply it to the affected areas. After treatment, the tiles and grout should be dried thoroughly.
7. Chemical detergents
Chemical cleaning agents are products that are specially manufactured for the removal of mould, limescale & co. They are usually aggressive agents that contain chlorine and can have an irritating effect on skin and mucous membranes. Especially in closed rooms without windows, chlorine cleaners should be used with special precautions. These agents are also a burden on the environment - the use of home remedies should therefore be preferred.
Chemical cleaners are particularly effective against mould in the bathroom. They not only help to kill the mould, but also destroy the spores and have bleaching properties at the same time. Unsightly stains on silicone, in the shower tray or shower cubicle can thus be removed.
Tip: Make sure to wear protective gloves and a respiratory mask when using products containing chlorine and air the room well afterwards.
Mould in silicone joints - what to do?
Mould usually spreads in the shower in the silicone joints. This is due to the consistency of the silicone. The mould can adhere well and grows through the silicone joints. This means that the joints have to be completely renewed and the old silicone should be completely removed. If new silicone is sprayed on the old, mould-infested material, the mould will quickly return. The joints should be washed with high-proof alcohol at the end to kill any remaining mould.
If the grout needs to be renewed, there won't be much left of the shower. You can take the opportunity to renew your shower.
Here you will find instructions on how to renew the shower very easily in just a few steps »
How can you prevent mould in the bathroom and the formation of mould spores?
If you don't want to be annoyed by mould in the bathroom, you should take appropriate preventive measures and ensure that mould cannot spread in the first place.
Regular ventilation reduces the humidity in the bathroom and improves the climate in the room. Standing water should also be avoided.
The moisture created by showering settles on the walls and promotes the formation of mould on joints, silicone grout, ceiling, shower walls and shower curtains.
If you do not have a window in the bathroom, you should ventilate into the rest of the living space and leave the bathroom door open if possible so that the moisture can escape.
To prevent the moisture from simply spreading to the rest of the living space and increasing the risk of mould growth there, it is important that the other rooms are also ventilated regularly.
Shower cubicles and bathtubs should be thoroughly wiped dry after use to avoid standing water. Hair, dandruff and soap residues should also be removed. Those who have a shower curtain should make sure that it is spread out to dry after showering. Water often collects in the folds of the fabric and promotes the development of mould.
It is advisable to keep the bathroom as dust-free as possible to remove limescale. This way, the mould spores have less adhesion and cannot grow as well.
If all home remedies against mould in the shower do not help and the mould cannot be removed even with chemical cleaners, a specialist company should be consulted. The same applies if the mould in the bathroom gives off a strong odour, continues to spread or changes colour. In such a case, removal by a specialist is usually the only solution. Otherwise, health problems such as allergies, headaches or respiratory problems can be the result.
How can I protect my health?
When using chemical cleaners and some home remedies, you should protect your skin and mucous membranes. The aggressive cleaning agents can give off vapours that can irritate your skin and mucous membranes and cause breathing problems.
Use the following tips to protect yourself when fighting mould:
- Wear a respirator to avoid breathing in the chemicals or mould spores
- Use rubber gloves
- Use protective goggles
- Wear protective clothing over your clothes
- Dispose of used brushes and rags after use
FAQ
Why does mould develop in the shower?
Showering or bathing creates high humidity and heat, which accumulates in the bathroom and promotes the development of mould. The mould spreads in the air via spores and attaches itself to surfaces such as grout or shower curtains. Hair, dandruff and soap residues are always present in the bathroom and provide ideal growth conditions for mould.
This is how you can lower the humidity in the bathroom »
How can you prevent mould?
Regular ventilation can prevent the formation of mould. The warm air can escape and dry wet spots. It is advisable to avoid standing water. Dry wet fittings or tiles with a cloth after showering or pull off the shower walls.
Regular preventive work against mould can be quite a nuisance. That's why we've created the perfect solution against mould in the bathroom - with the help of our bathroom dehumidifier, you'll never have mould problems again!
With this guide you can prevent mould efficiently »
Is mould dangerous for people?
There are many different types of mould, most of which are harmless to humans. However, allergy sufferers, chronically ill people or people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to illnesses caused by mould. For example, mould that is not removed can cause headaches, allergies and respiratory problems.
How can I remove mould in the shower?
Use existing household remedies such as alcohol, soda or vinegar to remove mould stains. Hydrogen peroxide, for example, is suitable for killing spores. If mould removal remains unsuccessful, you can resort to chemical cleaners. However, these often contain chlorine, which can also cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. Safe protective equipment is therefore important when working with chlorine-containing agents.