How to Get Rid of Mould in Shower – Complete Guide for a Healthier Bathroom

Mould in the shower is an annoying and unhealthy issue that tends to come back no matter how often you clean. It usually appears as black or dark green spots on grout, tiles, silicone, and even glass. The musty smell it leaves behind isn’t pleasant either. Even worse, mould spores can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. In this guide, we’ll explain why mould keeps reappearing, how to get rid of mould in shower using different methods, what safety precautions to take while cleaning, and how to stop it from returning. Without further ado, let’s start!

Why Does Mould Keep Coming Back in Showers?

Showers give mould everything it needs: moisture, warmth, and a steady food supply. Unless these conditions change, mould always returns.

• Constant Humidity: Steam clings to tiles and grout long after the water stops. That damp surface becomes a perfect place for spores to thrive.
• Poor Ventilation: Without an exhaust fan or open window, humidity has nowhere to escape. Trapped air keeps surfaces wet, and mould spreads quickly.
• Infrequent Cleaning: Missed corners and grout lines collect spores. Left alone, they multiply fast and reappear in the same spots again.
• Leaky Fixtures: Drips from taps, cracked grout, or loose tiles allow hidden water to collect underneath, fuelling mould you can’t easily see.
• Organic Residue: Soap film, skin flakes, and body oils build up on surfaces. For mould, this residue is an easy meal.

How to Get Rid of Mould in Shower?

There’s no single method that works for everyone, but these are the most effective ways to get rid of mould in shower. Choose the one that matches your comfort level and mould severity.

Method 1. White Vinegar (Natural, Everyday Method)

Vinegar is a safe and affordable first line of defense. Its acidity kills many mould species without introducing harsh chemicals into your home. It’s best for regular maintenance or smaller patches of mould.

Steps:

1. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle.
2. Spray generously over the mouldy surface.
3. Leave for at least one hour to let it penetrate.
4. Scrub with a stiff brush or an old toothbrush.
5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry.

Method 2. Baking Soda Paste (Gentle but Effective)

Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that loosens mould while also absorbing odors. It’s particularly helpful on grout lines, where mould tends to cling. Because it’s non-toxic, it’s a good choice for households with kids or pets.

Steps:

1. Mix ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste over the affected grout or tiles.
3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soften the mould.
4. Scrub gently with a brush.
5. Rinse away with warm water and dry the surface.

Method 3. Hydrogen Peroxide (For Deeper Cleaning)

Hydrogen peroxide works as both an antifungal and antibacterial agent. It penetrates porous grout better than vinegar and is useful when the mould is more established. Always handle carefully, as it can bleach certain materials.

Steps:

1. Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
2. Spray directly onto mould patches.
3. Leave for 10–30 minutes to fizz and break down the spores.
4. Scrub with a brush until the stain lifts.
5. Rinse thoroughly and allow the area to dry.

Method 4. Commercial Mould Removers (Targeted and Strong)

When natural options don’t cut it, a commercial cleaner designed for bathrooms may be necessary. Most contain bleach or fungicides that kill spores on contact and brighten stained grout. They’re effective, but repeated use can wear down silicone and grout, so keep them for tougher jobs rather than weekly cleaning.

Steps:

1. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
2. Apply the spray or gel to mouldy areas.
3. Ventilate the room and wear gloves throughout.
4. Some products require scrubbing, others don’t—check the label.
5. Rinse if required, then dry surfaces completely.

Method 5. Treating Mould on Silicone Seals

Silicone is especially prone to black mould because it traps moisture beneath the surface. How to get rid of mould in shower silicone? Regular scrubbing may not remove it completely, so more targeted steps are often needed.

Special Tip:

1. Soak cotton balls or strips of cotton wool in vinegar or diluted bleach.
2. Press them firmly along the mouldy silicone and leave overnight.
3. Remove the cotton in the morning and scrub with a toothbrush.
4. If dark stains remain or mould keeps coming back, cut out the old silicone.
5. Clean and dry the area thoroughly before applying a mould-resistant caulk.

Warning: Safety Reminder: Never combine bleach with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Mixing these chemicals produces toxic fumes that can be harmful.

Safety Measures You Should Take When Cleaning Mould

Cleaning mould, especially black mould, must be done carefully. Exposure to mould spores can trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory issues. Here are the precautions you should always take:

1. Wear Protective Gear: Use rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask (preferably N95).
2. Ventilate the Area: Open windows and run an exhaust fan while cleaning.
3. Use Non-Porous Tools: Avoid sponges that retain water and spores. Use disposable cloths or hard brushes.
4. Avoid Mixing Chemicals: Combining cleaning products like bleach and ammonia is extremely dangerous.
5. Dispose of Contaminated Materials: If using rags or cotton balls, throw them away immediately after use.
6. Keep Pets and Children Away: Ensure they don’t enter the bathroom during cleaning and for some time after.
7. Pro Tip: If you have a severe mould infestation or health sensitivities, consider hiring a professional cleaner.

How Can You Prevent Mould from Returning?

Getting rid of mould solves today’s problem, but it doesn’t guarantee tomorrow’s. The real key is prevention. Once you’ve cleaned your shower, following the preventive habits below can help keep mould from coming back.

• Improve ventilation. A good exhaust fan is one of the best investments you can make. Run it during your shower and keep it on for at least 20 minutes afterward. If you have a window, open it to let steam escape.
• Dry surfaces after use. Mould thrives on lingering water. A quick pass with a squeegee or microfiber cloth over tiles, glass, and seals helps the space dry out faster.
• Use anti-mould sprays. A light spray of vinegar or a commercial mould-preventer once or twice a week keeps spores from settling. In humid homes, more frequent use can help.
• Seal grout and tiles. Grout is porous and absorbs water easily. Resealing it once a year makes it more resistant to mould and staining.
• Fix leaks right away. Even a slow drip from a tap or showerhead can create a damp pocket where mould will flourish.
• Declutter the shower. Bottles and accessories trap moisture underneath them. Keeping only what you need in the shower leaves fewer dark, damp corners for mould to hide.
• Upgrade your curtain. If you use a shower curtain, choose a mildew-resistant one and wash it in hot water regularly.

Conclusion

Learning how to get rid of mould in shower means tackling it on two fronts: cleaning and prevention. Use vinegar, peroxide, or a commercial cleaner to clear the mould you see, and always protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. Once the job is done, keep the shower dry, seal grout, and repair leaks quickly. These habits stop mould from taking hold again and keep your bathroom fresh. For more practical tips and quality bathroom solutions, explore MyHomeware.

FAQs

How do I get rid of mold in my shower permanently?

To get rid of mould in your shower permanently, clean it thoroughly with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a mould remover, and replace any affected silicone. After that, focus on prevention: keep the shower well-ventilated, dry surfaces after use, seal grout regularly, and fix leaks quickly. These steps remove the mould and stop it from coming back.

How often should I spray my shower with anti-mould solutions?

Spray your shower once or twice a week with vinegar or a store-bought anti-mould spray. In more humid environments, you may want to spray lightly after every use to keep mould at bay.

How do you get black mold off shower silicone?

Black mould in shower is difficult because it seeps below the surface, not just on top. A practical way is to press vinegar- or bleach-soaked cotton along the seal and leave it overnight. Scrub it the next day with a toothbrush. If the stain remains or keeps returning, remove the silicone completely and reseal with a mould-resistant caulk.

Can alcohol kill mold?

Rubbing alcohol can kill mould on smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass or tile. It dries out the spores and prevents them from spreading further. On porous materials—grout, wood, or silicone—it’s less reliable, as the mould grows deeper than the alcohol can reach. In those cases, vinegar, peroxide, or sealant replacement will be more effective.