According to the United Kingdom Housing Ministry, 962,000 to 6.5 million households reportedly have dampness and mould, which puts their health at risk. Most mould appears in very damp areas like the bathroom. Homeowners might notice mould on their bathroom ceiling, walls, or around their bathtub and sinks. This article will explain how to get rid of mould in bathrooms, prevent its occurrence, and useful tips for the long term.
What is Mould?
Mould is a fungus that grows in places with high humidity. It spreads through microscopic spores in our environment and settles in damp areas with poor ventilation. Mould has a fuzzy texture and can be black, white, or green, with a stale odour. It appears in moist areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Mould can be seen on ceilings, walls, showers, sinks, tiles, grout, and other organic materials like wood and fabric.
Another overlooked result of mould is mould mites. These tiny white insects feed on mould fungi. Although, they cannot transmit diseases to individuals, mould mites can cause allergies and health problems in sensitive people and contaminate food or other products in cabinets.

Mould Health Risks:
Mould in houses produces allergens and irritants that are harmful to health. The longer the mould is left untreated in a home the worse the health impact. Mould spores can travel through the air and inhaled by the human body, affecting the airways and lungs. As a result, Mould and mite infestation can aggravate asthma and respiratory issues. In extreme cases, it will endanger people with underlying health risks and weak immune systems, and can even cause death if left untreated. The physical symptoms of having mould in your home can be:
- Respiratory issues: severe coughs, shortness of breath, airway and nasal infections.
- Allergies: eye irritation, eczema, itchy skin, rashes, fungal infections.
- Mental issues: poor mental state due to poor living state, property damage, frustration with the mould/smell/repairs, and possible absence of social life (not wanting any visitors because of the mould situation)
If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, even if the mould is not visible (it may be hidden behind or under tiles), contact a healthcare provider urgently.

How to Get Rid of Mould:
Eco-friendly and Natural Mould Removal:
White Vinegar:
This is an efficient mould cleaner. First, pour white vinegar (no added water) into a spray bottle and spray the moulding area. Once you wait an hour, scrub away the mould with a scrub and warm water. Rinse with water and dry it with a cloth. This is a great tool for mould on walls, grout, tiles, and ceilings.
Hydrogen peroxide:
It can safely disinfect and clean surfaces and is eco-friendly. Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle, and spray on the moulding surfaces. Leave it for 10 minutes then wipe it away with a damp cloth. This method can work on grout, tiles, wood, fabric, and concrete.
Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal oil. It can remove mould and prevent it from reoccurring. Mix two teaspoons of the oil with two cups of water and spray the affected area. Wait for an hour then wipe away with a cloth or a used toothbrush. It can be used for bathroom ceilings, walls and showerheads.

Baking Soda:
Baking soda is a popular stain remover in homes. It basically neutralizes the pH in the area of moulding and prevents moisture. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, then place it on the mouldy areas and leave it on for half an hour. Scrub away with a small brush and u can spray a mixture of baking soda and water to prevent regrowth. This method is best in mouldy grout areas, sinks, bathtubs, and mouldy fabric.
Grapefruit Seed Extract:
The extract is a natural odourless fungicide as it contains citric acid. Mix one cup of water with 10 drops of grapefruit extract in a spray bottle. Then spray it on mouldy surfaces and leave it on. Use this method in places that usually get mouldy the most.
Other Eco-Friendly Tips on How to Get Rid of Mould:
Another way to kill mould in your bathroom can be a steam cleaner, as heat kills mould and you do not need extra chemicals. Reusable microfiber cloths and bamboo brushes can be used effectively to clean. Beware as some natural acidic products, like vinegar, can ruin some marble types, verify which method is best for you.
How to Get Rid of Mould: Store-Bought Options:
Bleach:
Before starting, ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated as chemicals can harm you. Firstly, wear goggles, a face mask, and gloves. Secondly, bring some kitchen towels and shape them to the desired area with mould (grout, around the sink or bathtub). Place them on the lines of mould and pour a generous amount of bleach on them until soaked. Place them neatly above the mould and do not leave any area uncovered. Leave them on for 24 hours and then take the tissues off. The mould should be all gone from the grout. Always test the bleach on a small area first as bleach can cause discolouration to some materials. You can spray on ceilings and walls and scrub away the mould. Do not use it on fabric that isn’t white, as it can discolour it.

Mould Sprays and Cleaners:
You can find specific mould cleaners in shops or online. Ranging from mould sprays to solution cleaners. Mould removers include bleach-based, ammonia-based, and natural options like hydrogen peroxide and borax-based cleaners. They are effective for different areas and materials in your bathroom and are easy to use.
How to Prevent Mould in Bathrooms:
Whether you have black mould, you started to notice excess moisture in your bathroom, or you got exhausted with the usual cleaning, here are ways to prevent mould from occurring in your bathroom:
Bathroom Ventilation:
Bathroom ventilation is the main solution on how to get rid of mould. I.e., it is important as humidity escapes the air and prevents moisture buildup. Depending on your budget and bathroom layout, here is how to improve your bathroom’s air quality:
Open Windows:
Opening windows after a shower removes steam and moisture, preventing condensation in your bathroom. Daily cross-air circulation is essential for your entire house but especially for your bathroom as opening various windows allows air to move out humidity. Plus, it is a perfect way to let your bathroom smell fresh daily.
Sweep Down the Water:
After a shower, sweep down or wipe the excess water on the shower walls, around the bathtub, or on the shower floor. Leave all the surfaces dry to prevent dampness and mould later. Verify and unclog the drains as they add to the dampness buildup.
Extractor Fans:
There are several options available, depending on your budget and what works best for your home. You can use extractor fans, trickle vents, and heat recovery ventilation. According to UK building regulations, any bathroom with no window has to have an extractor fan. If you desire to install one, call a professional renovator to see the proper option for your bathroom and budget.

Mould Dehumidification:
You can use chemical dehumidifiers and put them in your bathroom, or invest in an electric dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels. Do not forget to change the filters regularly.
Digital Humidity Sensors:
You can equip your bathroom with a digital humidity sensor that will alert you if the moisture levels are high. Although this does not solve the problem, it is a smart and modern way to manage humidity and see when your bathroom needs extra ventilation.
Storage Areas Mould Prevention:
Wood and PVC cabinets under the sink or around your bathroom can also have mould buildup. To prevent this, avoid overcrowding the cabinets and use moisture absorbents like silica gel packs or activated charcoal.
Professional Help:
To decrease mould growth, one can do regular maintenance and ventilation in their bathroom. But sometimes, the issue can be deeper than a visual shallow mould occurrence. Mould on walls and tiles can occur from the inside of the wall or a pipe leak. However in these situations, you can remove the grout and use an anti-mould silicone grout (see a guide on removing bathroom silicone in this blog), use an anti mould paint, or replace the infected tiles altogether (guide on how to replace tiles from walls without damage). But for this job, a better idea is to hire professional bathroom renovators to check the source of leaks or mould problems.
Our fitters at AV Modern Bathrooms can check for mould in walls, tiles, or ceilings and recommend the best options for your bathroom and budget. We can install new walls, use anti mould paint, modern tiles, or extractor fans. Our team provides full bathroom renovations allowing you to have a modern-looking bathroom on a budget, starting from £3600! get our free quote here and ensure a better and healthier lifestyle with professional renovation services.
FAQ:
How to remove mould from walls?
You can use one of the methods mentioned above. Whether you prefer an eco-friendly or a chemical mould spray, you can spray and scrub the area clean. If mould is causing the paint to bubble or peel, check for leaks and consider switching to anti-mould paint. If you have black mould on tiles, remove them to find the source, then reseal with anti-mould silicone grout.
How to get rid of mould on ceiling?
Use one of the methods above, follow safety precautions, and apply bleach or mould remover spray for severe infestations. Dry it with a cloth, and ventilate the bathroom well. If mould repeatedly returns on large ceiling areas, seek professional mould removal services.
How to remove black mould from silicone sealant?
To remove black mould from silicone sealant, you spray the sealant with an anti-mould spray or use a bleach-soaked tissue. If the grout is damaged you can replace it with an anti-mould sealant.
How to remove mould from walls without damaging paint?
To ensure not damaging your wall while cleaning it from mould, try using gentler cleaning methods. White vinegar or baking soda with gentle scrubbing will do the job. Use hydrogen peroxide with more stubborn mould stains. Verify that the area is completely dry after finishing and use mild detergent and warm water for daily cleaning instead of strong bleach solutions.
How do I get rid of mould mites?
Since mould mites feed on mould spores, ensure you clean the mould thoroughly using the methods outlined in this blog. Once done, vacuum the walls and all surfaces where mould was present to ensure no mould mites remain. Clean thoroughly and wash surfaces with soapy water. If you have any bathroom mats, shower curtains or towels, clean them with hot water to kill any remaining mites. in the case of cleaning regularly and still seeing mites in your bathroom, call a mould specialist service.
How to get rid of mould on wood?
If the wood is not sealed with paint, use a natural mould remover and follow the instructions above. Then Wash wood sealed with paint with warm soapy water and dry completely. You cannot use bleach on wood as it can discolour it and cannot reach deeper mould growth. You can use anti-mould wood sealants or furniture wax to prevent future occurrences.
How to clean mould off fabric?
First, Brush the excess mould elsewhere. Spray with a white vinegar or baking soda solution, leave for an hour, then wash clothes, curtains, or towels, in a washing machine. On the other hand, scrub and wipe upholstery and vacuum it until dry. To prevent this, put the fabric in direct sunlight to air and ensure they are always dry. Hence, try to not leave damp towels, mats, and curtains in your bathroom as they can easily get mouldy. Lastly, if the smell of mould persists even after washing and has blackened, throw the fabric away, as it can cause long-term health issues.