The secret to removing shower mould could be hiding in your fruit bowl
By Rachael Gavin|
T?o kill mould in the shower people tend to reach for one of two cleaners: bleach and vinegar.
But bleach just changes the colour of the mould instead of removing the spores and it can damage unsealed tile grout.
And though vinegar is effective at killing and cleaning mould, many people don't like the strong smell.
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However, it turns out there is something just as good at cleaning mould in the shower as vinegar but with a much more pleasant smell. It's also less damaging on grout and tiles than bleach.
That item is the humble lemon, which could already be in your fruit bowl or growing in your garden?. If not, they currently cost $1.91 each at Woolworths and $1.80 at Coles, which is just as cheap as a bottle of white vinegar and more affordable than most store bought mould cleaners.
According to bathroom expert Andy Ellis from Posh?.co.uk, all you need to do to use the lemon on your shower mould is wet a sponge or cloth with the juice and scrub the tiles and glass in a circular motion.
Lemons are likely to be effective on mould because they contain citric acid, which is a powerful cleaning agent known to tackle all sorts of problems including mould, bacteria, soap scum? and hard water stains.
Ellis said it's important to tackle shower mould quickly with a gentle cleaning product, such as lemons.
"A small amount of mould around the shower can easily spread if nothing is done to clean it. Soon your walls, shower drain and even your window ledge may start to harbour the stubborn black fungus," he told The Mirror.
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"It's important to be mindful about which products are going where to avoid damaging paintwork and tiles."
Ellis also shared ?his recommendations for removing mould in other areas of the home.
For the toilet, baking soda is the product of choice and just needs to be sprinkled in the bowl and then scrubbed.
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Drains can be tackled using washing up detergent with an abrasive sponge and hot water. If the mould is on and around the plug hole and in the drain, you might find it easier to scrub with a small bottle brush tool (like those used for cleaning straws).
As for mouldy ceilings and walls?, stay clear of bleach as it can damage the paint. Instead white vinegar and water is your best option to wash the surface with.