How To Remove Mould From A Shower

If the conditions are just right, mould will grow anywhere and everywhere. Mould loves warm, dark and moist conditions, making a shower the perfect breeding ground for the dreaded green and black spots we often see on shower screens and in between tiles. This article breaks down how to remove mould from a shower in the shortest period of time.

Background

Mould can begin forming in as little as 24-48 hours so keeping your shower consistently clean is key to keeping mould at bay. Being one of the most frequented areas in the home, a shower requires specific cleaning equipment, tools and routines. Mould is not only unsightly, but it can cause foul smells and many health issues if it’s not treated.

The good news is, with the use of some specialised products, easy to implement everyday habits and some consistency, you can keep your shower free of mould so your family can enjoy showering in a spotlessly clean environment.

In order the determine the best way to manage the mould in your shower, it is important to consider the following:

  • How much mould is present, if any? Are you attempting to remove mould that is already present or are you trying to avoid any new mould from forming?
  • When was the last time my shower was thoroughly cleaned? This will help determine how deeply you need to clean and impact the best type of product to use.
  • What is the purpose of the clean? Is it a regular, weekly clean or is it a larger, end of lease clean for example?

Is A Quick Clean Enough?

If your shower is relatively clean with little to no signs of mould build-up then a quick clean would be perfect for you. This can easily be added to your weekly bathroom clean to help keep mould out of sight. There are two key benefits to maintaining a consistent shower cleaning routine and they are:

  1. Your shower cleaning routine will be significantly quicker, as the required cleaning products are easier to apply.
  2. You will keep mould at bay and discourage it from even breeding in the first place.

The ideal product for this scenario is solvent based cleaning spray such as the JAMAC Multi Purpose Cleaner, due to its ease of use. Firstly, remove anything from your showers such as soaps, shampoo bottles or razors so you are working with a clean slate. If you have a shower curtain, be sure this is out of the way (this is a great time to wash this also). Simply spray the product on the walls, tiles, shower head and glass, and wipe off as you go along.

If you can do this consistently, you can be sure that you’re shower will always look clean and will remain mould free.

What If A Deeper Clean Is Needed?

Perhaps you are starting to see the early signs of mould developing or perhaps it’s been a few weeks since you have cleaned your shower. This routine is a great option if you have guests coming to stay or when you just need a deeper clean. This routine could be done every three months, in addition to the regular weekly routine.

The first step is to clear out your shower and ensure there is nothing in there that could get in the way, such as shampoo or soap bottles. In this scenario, you will want to use a slightly stronger product which contains a disinfectant, such as the JAMAC Bathroom Maintainer. This acid-based solution is also a hospital-grade disinfectant, making it very strong and effective in combating mould and its growth. Whilst this product contains no bleach, it is highly effective, reliable and easy to use.

All that you will need to do is simply apply the product and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure it is activated. Gently scrub the effected areas, with a focus on tile grout which is where mould most commonly populates. Once you have scrubbed, you can simply rinse off the product with water and use a Squeegee to ensure there are no leftover water spots.

As a reminder, it is always a good idea to patch test any product you use to ensure you do not damage the materials in your shower and to best protect them. Bathroom Maintainer is not recommended for use on marble surfaces.

Best Way To Clean Significant Mould Deposits

In the situation that you have a shower with a lot of mould in it, it is time for a deep and extreme clean! This type of clean would be perfect as an end of lease clean or if you have neglected your shower for a few months and can clearly see some mould building up. The best products for this scenario would be bleach based, such as the JAMAC Extreme Cleaner, which is specifically formulated to target stubborn stains and moulds.

These products have more aggressive cleaning properties, so should be handled with a little more care and can damage fabric, so be sure to keep bath mats and towels away from it during the cleaning process. Once again, you want to start with a clear surface so ensure that all soap bottles, shampoo and loofahs are out of the way.

Apply the product (with gloves on) to your floor, tiles and glass. Leave it on for around 5 minutes and begin to gently start scrubbing with a soft sponge or old toothbrush in small, circular motions. An old toothbrush is a perfect tool for this as it can allow you to get in between tiles and around the showerhead. Once completed, rinse off with water and squeegee dry! It is as simple as that!

In Summary…

Overall, the more frequently you can clean your shower, the easier the job will be and the less mould you will need to deal with. If you neglect to be consistent in your cleaning routine, it is not the end of the world. With the power of some reliable cleaning products, you can get your shower looking clean and free of mould and smelling great once again!

 If you would like more advice on the best way to tackle your particular cleaning related problems, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (02) 9838 1220