Mildew is a type of mould that thrive in damp, dark, isolated spaces. In overly humid bathrooms, it can become a common occurrence. The good news is mildew can be easily removed – read on for some tried and tested cleaning tips!
General Prevention
While it’s impossible to eliminate mildew and mould from bathrooms, you can minimise their growth by keeping your bathrooms as dry and ventilated as possible. This can be as simple as opening your bathroom’s doors and windows after use, and letting in natural light. Cleaning your bathroom regularly will also reduce the build-up of dirt and grime, in turn preventing mildew growth.
Cleaning Wall and Floor Tiles
Need to scrub mildew off your tiles? Start by making a cleaning solution of 3 parts water and 1 part bleach. For a natural alternative, replace bleach with white vinegar, or tea tree oil diluted with water.
Leave the solution on the affected areas for 15 to 30 minutes before wiping it off with a sponge, or a scrub brush for stubborn areas. Rinse with water after. Pro tip: Pour the solution into a spray bottle for more effective application and use a toothbrush to get into the corners!
Sink and Shower Sealants
Mildew can also grow from the sealants around sinks and showers. To remove it, sprinkle baking soda into a cup of white vinegar before using a damp rug to rub the paste on the sealant. Leave the paste on for 5 minutes, before scrubbing it off with a stiff-bristle brush and rinsing with hot water.
3. Shower Curtains
While shower curtains may be prone to mildew growth, you don’t have to throw yours away! Clean your shower curtains in the washing machine with two bath towels to prevent the plastic curtains from crinkling – just add half a cup of baking soda to your detergent during the wash cycle, and half a cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle. Finally, let your shower curtains drip dry before fixing them up again.
