IF your shower curtain is covered in grim mould, fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
There’s nothing more annoying than getting undressed for a shower, only to be faced with black mould all over the place.
If that’s something you know all too well, we’ve got just the trick for you.
And don’t worry, you won’t have to go out and break the bank on expensive cleaning products, as a 35p from Aldi will do just the trick.
Not only this, but you may have it in your kitchen cupboard already.
According to Matthew Harrison, a cleaning expert from PriceYourJob.co.uk, who has over two decades of experience, there’s a cheap and easy solution to getting rid of mould.
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He recognised that mould in bathrooms is commonplace, as it tends to thrive in damp and humid conditions.
But he claimed that mould should not be allowed to persistently grow anywhere, including on shower curtains.
The majority of mould that forms on shower curtains is mildew, but this fungus can emit toxic spores that can adversely affect health.
Not only this, but long-term exposure to these mould spores can result in symptoms like coughing, congestion, and headaches.
As a result, to minimise the chances of mould appearing on your shower curtain, Matthew suggested one very straightforward tip.
He said: “The plastic liner of your shower curtain should always be kept inside your bathtub, whilst the fabric (if your curtain has any) should be kept outside.
“This will prevent moisture from getting trapped between the two and also allow them to dry more quickly both being crucial factors for mould prevention.”
Get your shower curtain sparkling
Not only this, but he also revealed the 35p buy that you’ll need to nab to stop mould from growing – white vinegar.
What is mould and how to get rid of it?
Mould is more likely to grow during the winter months.
Olivia Young, Product Development Scientist at Astonish revealed exactly why this is.
“Unfortunately, mould is a common problem many people face during winter. It thrives in conditions that are warm and damp, so your bathrooms are likely to be the most affected place.
“That said, during the colder months most rooms in your home could be vulnerable to mould growing.
“This occurs primarily from condensation that builds up on your windows when you’ve got your radiators on.
“If you think about it, when windows and doors are closed, there’s not much chance for the air to circulate and the moisture to make a swift exit.
“This build up is what can cause dreaded mould to make an appearance, especially in bathrooms, as it creates that warm and wet environment that is a breeding ground for mould.
“If left untreated, not only is it unsightly but it can also pose a serious risk to your health, so it’s really important you treat it.
“The key to tackle mould is to act fast.
“Try to come into as little contact with it as you can. So, grab your gloves, tie up your hair and get to work to remove any signs of mould as soon as you notice them.
“To keep mould at bay, there are some simple solutions you can introduce throughout home.
“The first is keep it ventilated. Yes, even in the cold winter months try to leave your bathroom window open for at least 10/15 minutes post shower or bath. This will get rid of any excess moisture quickly preventing mould gathering.
“If you’re having a repeat problem with mould in one particular area, it might be because the humidity levels are too high. You can get a dehumidifier that will help keep the levels low and reduce the risk of mould returning.
“The golden rule to remember when dealing with mould is the quicker you can treat it, the better. If you leave it, it will only get worse so never ignore it!
“To successfully get rid of mould every time, I recommend opting for the UK’s No 1 Mould & Mildew Remover, that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
Whilst the type of shower curtain you own will determine how they should be cleaned, regular washing is essential to stop the nasty stuff from accumulating.
Fabric curtains can safely be machine washed, but they would benefit from being cleaned in the drum with “one cup of vinegar” – specifically white vinegar.
The plastic liner should ideally be washed separately with bath towels on a “delicate, cold-water cycle” using a “cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar” during the rinse cycle.
If you fancy giving this hack a try, you can nab Bramwells Distilled Vinegar from Aldi for just 35p a bottle.
Extractor fans and dehumidifiers are excellent appliances to consider purchasing to further combat this issue
Matthew Harrison
Additionally, the fabric curtain and plastic liner must be air-dried, whilst the rods and rings that hold the shower curtain in place should be cleaned using an all-purpose cleaner.
Matthew stressed the importance of “spraying down the plastic liner of your shower curtain weekly” to keep mildew at bay.
He advised: “Simply spray it with either a store-bought bathroom cleaner or a solution of equal parts warm water and distilled white vinegar.”
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
As well as this, Matthew also recognised that having proper ventilation in the bathroom is also crucial for managing humidity levels.
The cleaning guru continued: “Make sure that the area is well-ventilated by leaving the door open a crack and opening a window.
“Extractor fans and dehumidifiers are excellent appliances to consider purchasing to further combat this issue.”
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