How to Get Rid of Mould in the Bathroom

Mould needs moisture, and bathrooms produce lots of it. Every shower or bath releases steam that condenses on cold surfaces – windows, tiles, the ceiling and the outside walls. If that moisture doesn't escape, mould spores (which are always in the air) settle and grow.

In the UK's damp climate, with many older homes and windows kept closed in winter, condensation mould is very common. It's usually a ventilation problem as much as a cleaning one.

For small areas of surface mould, cleaning it yourself is usually fine, but take sensible precautions:

Wipe mould from hard surfaces with a cloth and a mould remover or warm water with washing-up liquid, following the product directions. Work gently and rinse the cloth often so you don't spread spores. Dry the area thoroughly afterwards.

For ceilings, a sponge mop makes the job easier and safer than balancing on the edge of the bath. Avoid soaking the surface.

Silicone sealant around baths and showers is where mould is most stubborn. Surface mould usually comes off with a mould spray and a soft brush, but once it has grown into the silicone, the black marks often can't be removed. At that point, cutting out and replacing the sealant is the real fix.

Grout is porous too. A soft brush and a suitable cleaner will lift surface staining – see our grout cleaning guide for more.

This is where the real difference is made:

Tenants are generally expected to ventilate the home and clean everyday surface mould. Landlords are responsible for repairs, including leaks, faulty extractor fans and structural damp. In England, social landlords must now investigate and fix damp and mould hazards within set timescales under Awaab's Law. If mould keeps returning despite good ventilation, report it in writing.

At the end of a tenancy, a mouldy bathroom is a common point of dispute. Our end of tenancy cleaning checklist covers what to check before you leave.

Not every dark mark is mould. Mould usually appears as clusters of black, grey or green spots, often in corners, along sealant, on grout and on the ceiling above the shower, and it tends to come back in the same places. It may have a musty smell.

Grime and soap scum are more even in colour and come off with ordinary cleaning. If a mark wipes away easily with soapy water and doesn't return, it probably wasn't mould.

Many people notice bathroom mould getting worse from October onwards. Windows stay shut, outside walls are colder, laundry dries indoors and there's less natural ventilation. Condensation forms on the coldest surfaces – often the outside wall and the ceiling – and mould follows.

Small changes help: keep the bathroom door closed while showering so steam doesn't spread through the home, run the extractor for longer than you think, open the window for ten minutes afterwards and wipe down the coldest surfaces. A cheap hygrometer can show how humid the room gets.

A deep clean usually includes treating surface mould on tiles, grout, sealant and window frames. Cleaners can't fix a ventilation problem or replace sealant as part of a clean, but they can bring the bathroom back to a fresh starting point – useful before a move, a sale or simply a fresh start.