Mould can be a persistent and unsightly problem in our homes, particularly in damp areas like the bathroom. It's not just an eyesore; it can also cause health issues, particularly for those of us in the over-60s bracket who might be more susceptible to respiratory problems. So, it's crucial to tackle mould effectively, but how?

For years, many of us have reached for the bottle of bleach under the sink when we spot those telltale black spots creeping across our walls or ceilings. It's been the go-to solution for its seemingly powerful and immediate results. However, experts are now advising against this traditional method, suggesting that it may be doing more harm than good.

Mould may re-emerge when not cleaned properly. Image Credit: Pexels/Kaboompics.com

Craig Phillips, an expert from Bathroom Mountain, has shed light on a common misconception about bleach. While it may appear to remove mould from non-porous surfaces, it's not effective on porous materials like grout. 'Bleach is only a temporary fix. It might seem like it's gone, but in reality, it just pushes the mould deeper into the material. Before long, it comes back even worse than before,' Phillips explained.

So, what's the alternative? Surprisingly, the answer lies in a humble first-aid staple that you might already have in your medicine cabinet: hydrogen peroxide. Once popular as an antiseptic for cuts and scratches, hydrogen peroxide is an oxygen-based bleach, milder than chlorine bleach but extremely effective for cleaning tasks, especially in the laundry.

This affordable solution can be found in chemists and supermarkets, such as Coles, where a 200 ml bottle is currently priced around $4.30. To use hydrogen peroxide to remove mould, Phillips recommends saturating the affected area and leaving it for 10 minutes. For vertical areas where the liquid might slide off, he suggests spraying the hydrogen peroxide several times until the 10 minutes are up.

However, if mould has penetrated caulking, it's a different story. In such cases, the only solution is to remove and reapply the caulking, as cleaning won't suffice.

Prevention, as they say, is better than cure. The best way to prevent mould is to eliminate as much moisture as possible from the space. A popular hack is to use a squeegee to remove excess water from glass screens and tiles after a shower. You can also use a towel to dry damp surfaces, including shower walls and even shampoo bottles, as mould can grow there too.

Ventilation is key. Ensure the fan is on before you start your shower and leave it on for 30 minutes afterwards. If you don't have a fan, open a window while you shower and leave it open, along with the door, to help dry out the bathroom.

Towels can also be a breeding ground for mould. Drying them over the shower or on a rack outside the bathroom, and only bringing them back in once fully dry, can help reduce moisture and prevent mould growth.

But if you've been diligent with prevention and mould keeps returning, it's time to call in a professional. Persistent mould could be a sign of a structural issue, such as a leak inside the wall, which requires expert attention.

Key Takeaways

• Hydrogen peroxide is recommended by an expert over bleach for cleaning mould, particularly on porous surfaces where bleach is less effective.
• The product, a common first-aid item, can be used by saturating the affected area and leaving it for 10 minutes to remove mould.
• Preventative measures such as using a squeegee and drying damp surfaces with a towel after showering can help stop mould from forming.
• Persistent mould issues, despite regular cleaning and prevention efforts, may indicate underlying structural problems for which professional help should be sought.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy living environment. We encourage our members to share their own experiences and tips for mould prevention and removal. Have you tried using hydrogen peroxide to combat mould, or do you have other methods that work for you? Let us know in the comments below, and let's help each other keep our homes safe and clean.

 

[Nevertiki]

I find this very interesting. My ensuite shower is this week being professionally resealed because the grouting and sealant has crumbled in several places, allowing water to leak into the wall. I can't see any mould, but the threat of it growing behind and under the shower is sufficient to warrant four days of an unusable ensuite while it is regrouted.

I normally use bleach to clean the shower tiles. Will look at trying peroxide when my shower is rebuilt.

 

[Scaveola]

Oil of cloves also kills mould