Banish mold on silicone sealant with a supermarket product loved by Mrs Hinch fans
MOLD can grow almost anywhere in your home, but is most common in places like your bathroom, where it is often damp.
As a result, you may discover annoying mold around your windows or on joints and silicone sealant.
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One homeowner has this exact problem and couldn’t figure out how to get rid of it for good without spending a fortune.
She turned to the popular Facebook group Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips to ask for advice: ‘Do you have any tips on dealing with black mold on shower sealant?
“I’ve tried the usual Cillit bang, bleach and mold removal sprays. Nothing works, it’s a walk-in shower too,” she wrote.
Fortunately, the cleaning fans have the perfect solution to the mold problem, as many recommend HG Mold Remover for this job.
“I highly recommend HG Mold Remover, excellent stuff, spray on and leave for 10 minutes and the mold is gone. Couldn’t be better,” replied an enthusiastic cleaner.
A second agreed: “HG Mold Remover spray. Once you try that, you’ll recommend it to anyone who asks the same question.
“Believe me, you won’t regret it!”
And the smart cleaning product is a lot cheaper than realigning your bathroom or applying new sealant.
You can buy a bottle for just £6 from Tesco, £4.99 from Amazon or £5.75 from Ocado.
So, how does the smart spray work?
According to the product description, the spray “instantly destroys mold in damp places – indoors and outdoors.”
“The unique foam formula has a less pungent odor, is easier to target the mold and is less likely to splash.
“The foam formula stays in place longer, making it effective for longer.”
Impressively, the spray can be used virtually anywhere, including the bathroom, shower, toilet, kitchen, shed and even marble and other natural stones.
Other ways to tackle bathroom mold
Benefits include Nicholas Donnithorne, UK Technical Services Manager at damp proof company Peter Cox, Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch and Natalie Hitchins, editor of home products and services at Which?, previously shared some of their top tips for combating mold in the home.
Use household items
If it’s too late and any condensation has had a chance to bloom and turn into mold, you can end up removing it for nothing.
Natalie, from Which?, said: “A few drops of washing up liquid mixed with warm water can work on smaller areas of mold on hard surfaces such as walls or floors.
“Use a sponge, cloth or brush to work the soap solution over the mold in small circular motions.
“If you’re trying to remove particularly stubborn mold, try a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water and pour into a spray bottle to goal the affected area.”
If you have a little more budget, you can try purchasing mold or mildew remover from the nearest supermarket or retailer.
You can get it as cheap as £1.20 from B&M or £2.50 from Dunelm at the time of writing.
Call in the professionals
You can usually treat smaller mold spots yourself, but if the problem has gotten out of hand, you may need to call in someone.
Natalie said: “If you notice new mold growing rapidly in other parts of your home, or if the affected area becomes too large to treat, it may be time to seek professional help.”
Checkatrade says it costs £25-£35 per hour or £200-£400 per room to call someone for mold removal.
In the meantime, if you want a specialist to come and inspect for mold, it will cost you around $50 to $300.
How else can you tackle condensation and mold?
Ensuring that your home is insulated is an important step you can take in the fight against condensation and mold in your home.
You may also be able to get it for free through the Great British Insulation Scheme.
The scheme offers free or low-cost insulation, including cavity wall, loft and underfloor heating insulation, to households in specific council tax bands.
To qualify, you must live in a house between AD, if you live in England, and AE if you live in Scotland or Wales.
Your home must also have an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D or lower.
An EPC tells you how energy efficient a home is, with A being very efficient and G inefficient.
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Common bathroom habits that increase mold
Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, has shared the daily habits that increase the likelihood of mold growth in homes.
Leaving wet towels and bath mats on the floor
Wet towels and bath mats on the floor after a shower or bath can increase humidity, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold spores.
To prevent this, hang towels and bath mats where they can dry quickly and wash them regularly.
Do not turn on the fan
An exhaust fan is crucial for reducing moisture levels in the bathroom.
When you take a hot shower or bath, steam increases the humidity in the room, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow on walls, ceilings and other surfaces.
An exhaust fan helps by moving the moist air outside, significantly reducing the chance of mold growth.
Experts recommend running the fan while showering and for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to reduce humidity.
Ignore small leaks
Even small leaks from the sink, toilet or shower can contribute to increased moisture levels in a bathroom, creating an environment where mold can thrive.
Over time, these leaks can cause significant water damage, encouraging mold growth in less visible areas such as interior walls or under floors.
Repair leaks immediately to prevent mold and possible structural damage.
Keep shower curtains or doors closed
Keeping the shower area closed after use traps moisture inside, slowing the drying process and creating a moist environment that promotes mold growth.
Mold can easily develop on shower curtains, doors and in tile joints if they remain wet for too long.
To prevent this, leave the shower door or curtain open after use to improve air circulation and help the area dry more quickly.
Storing too many products
Shower holders and corners filled with bottles and accessories may seem harmless, but they can restrict airflow, trap moisture and create hidden, damp niches where mold can grow unnoticed.
Keep shampoo and shower gel bottles to a minimum and clean and dry the areas underneath them regularly to prevent mold growth.
