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The Focus Way · Cleaning guide

How to get rid of bathroom mould

By the Focus Cleaning team · Published

The short answer

Start with the cause: mould grows where moisture stays, so ventilation and drying matter more than any product. For small areas on hard surfaces, NSW Health suggests a mild detergent, or vinegar diluted with water, then drying the surface completely. Cleaning removes visible mould, but it will come back unless the moisture source is fixed. Large, recurring or leak-related mould needs a professional and a check for leaks.

Bright, mould-free bathroom with a window in the tiled shower, a leafy plant, folded towels and a timber vanity

Before you start

What you'll need

  • Mild detergent, or white vinegar diluted with water, in a spray bottle
  • Soft brush and a sponge
  • Clean microfibre cloths for wiping and drying
  • Rubber gloves, eye protection and a P2 mask
  • A stable step ladder for ceilings

Safety first

  • People with asthma, allergies, breathing conditions or a weakened immune system are more sensitive to mould. They, children and pregnant people are better off out of the room while it's cleaned.
  • Use either vinegar or bleach, never both. If you use a diluted bleach product for stubborn mould, follow the label, wear gloves and eye protection, and ventilate well.
  • Mould covering a large area (CHOICE suggests roughly a square metre or more), mould after a leak or flood, or mould that keeps coming back is a job for a professional.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
  • Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
  • Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
  • Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.

Check the surface

  • Hard, non-porous surfaces (glazed tiles, glass, enamel, acrylic) can usually be cleaned. Porous items such as towels, mats and carpet may not come fully clean.
  • Painted ceilings and walls: wipe gently so you don't lift the paint.
  • Natural stone: avoid vinegar and other acids, which can etch it. Use a mild detergent.
  • Mould inside silicone or grout often can't be reached by cleaning (see the FAQ).

Step by step

  1. 1

    Ventilate first

    Open the window and turn on the exhaust fan before you start.

  2. 2

    Put on protection

    Wear gloves, eye protection and a P2 mask.

  3. 3

    Dampen the area

    Lightly spray the mould with your solution before touching it. Dry brushing can release spores into the air.

  4. 4

    Wipe or scrub gently

    Wipe with a sponge, or use a soft brush on tile joints. On painted ceilings, wipe rather than scrub.

  5. 5

    Rinse the cloth often

    Rinse or swap cloths as you go so you aren't spreading mould to clean areas.

  6. 6

    Dry everything completely

    Dry the surfaces with a clean cloth and keep the fan running and window open until the room is dry.

  7. 7

    Wash the soft items

    Wash bath mats, towels and shower curtains and dry them fully. Throw out items that can't be cleaned and dried.

  8. 8

    Find the moisture source

    Check the exhaust fan actually pulls air, and look for leaks around the shower, bath, toilet and ceiling. Report leaks and ventilation problems to a plumber, or to your landlord or agent if you rent.

What the Focus team recommends

Run the exhaust fan during every shower and for a while after, and leave the door open so the room can dry. The bathrooms that stay clear longest are the ones that dry out quickly, not the ones scrubbed hardest.

Questions

What does NSW Health recommend for cleaning mould?

For routine clean-up, a mild detergent or vinegar diluted in water (NSW Health's fact sheet gives 4 parts vinegar to 1 part water), and diluted bleach only if mould won't shift and the item can't be thrown out. Whatever you use, dry the surface completely afterwards.

Will the mould come back?

It's likely to, unless the moisture problem is fixed. Ventilation, drying and repairing leaks are what stop it returning.

Should I replace the silicone?

Not always. Clean and dry it first. If dark marks remain inside the silicone after cleaning, the mould may have grown into it, and resealing by a tradesperson may be the lasting fix. It won't help, though, if there's an ongoing leak or ventilation problem.

I rent. What should I do about mould?

Ventilate and clean small areas, and if mould keeps growing, raise it with your landlord or agent. NSW Fair Trading can explain your rights and responsibilities.

Sources and further reading

Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.

Last reviewed:

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