Mould in your shower room can be a real problem. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can cause serious health problems if left unchecked.

Mould can appear because your bathroom is humid and not well ventilated, so try to air out the room by opening a window frequently. This will allow fresh air to circulate. If the problem persists, consider using a dehumidifier.

Mould frequently appears around showers, sinks, baths and toilets – in fact, anywhere where moisture accumulates. Make sure you have no leaking taps and that any shower pumps are functioning correctly. Keeping unnecessary moisture to a minimum by promptly mopping up any spills will also inhibit the growth of mould.

Regular cleaning will also inhibit the formation of mould. Give bathmats a regular wash and invest in a mould-proof shower curtain if you use one. Make sure any products are wiped down and stored after use so they don’t remain in your shower, creating conditions where mould can grow.

If mould has taken hold in your shower, there are several methods you can try to get rid of it, either using household products or off-the-shelf mould-cleaning solutions. Whatever you use, remember to always wear gloves to prevent any irritation, and always read the instructions carefully.

Brilliant Bicarb

Check in your baking supplies and you’re bound to have some bicarbonate of soda. Bicarb can be an effective mould cleaner – just mix one cup with one teaspoon of washing-up liquid and enough hot water to make a paste. Work the mixture into the mould – an old toothbrush can be very effective – and then rinse off.

Try Bleach

You can buy bleach sprays in the supermarket. Or you can make your own by mixing one part bleach with two parts of water in a spray bottle. Spray on to tiles and allow to dry.

Now spray again and scrub with a brush. Rinse with water and repeat until the mould has gone. You may need to regrout if you can’t get rid of all the mould, so use a product with a mould inhibitor.

An old toothbrush dipped in bleach can be an effective way of removing mould on grout lines and in hard-to-reach places.

Kill Mould with Hydrogen Peroxide

Yes, the stuff the hairdresser users for your highlights can make an effective household cleaner. Many people prefer it to bleach, as it’s environmentally friendly. You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide for cleaning away mould.

Use a dark spray bottle, because hydrogen peroxide becomes less effective when exposed to light, and add a little vinegar to boost your solution’s cleaning power.

Because of its effective bleaching properties, hydrogen peroxide is best for cleaning white tiles. Do a patch test on darker tiles to see whether it fades the colour.

Now spray all over the tiles and leave to work for up to two hours. Ventilate your bathroom, as the fumes, though non-toxic, can be very strong and unpleasant. Then simply wipe down.

Go Natural with Vinegar

Vinegar kills 82% of all household moulds, so spraying surfaces with vinegar once the mould is gone is a good preventative.

You don’t need to dilute it: simply fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and then spray on mouldy surfaces. Leave for an hour, airing out the bath. Now spray the tiles with hot water and dry thoroughly with a towel.

Vinegar is also extremely effective against limescale. Spray it neat on to any scale build-up, then leave overnight before rinsing.

Use Borax

Borax is a good natural cleaner and insecticide. It’s simple to use – just dilute one cup of borax in one gallon of water. Before you apply it, vacuum the tiles with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner to get rid of any loose spores.

Work the borax solution into the tiles with a scrubbing brush, being careful not to dislodge any stray spores as they will rapidly spread to a new location. Now clean off with a cloth and let the tiles dry. For extra security, spray the area with vinegar to inhibit regrowth.

Disinfect That Mouldy Shower Drain

Vinegar is excellent at getting rid of mould in the shower drain – simply pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain, followed by half a cup of bicarb. Leave to work overnight, then flush with hot water. Repeat a couple of times a month to keep the drain mould-free and sweet-smelling.