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Black mould, or Stachybotrys chartarum, can form on walls, tile grout, silicone sealant, and other surfaces. The fungus can cause people to sneeze, cough, and experience eye irritation.
By Millie Bull, Deputy Lifestyle Editor
12:05, Mon, Nov 4, 2024 | UPDATED: 12:07, Mon, Nov 4, 2024
Humidity, a lack of ventilation, condensation and water leaks can all cause black mould (Image: Getty)
Black mould is a common issue in UK homes and tends to appear in the cooler months when there is less ventilation and the weather is damper.
Bathrooms tend to be the most common room for mould to develop but can also often be found in showers or around baths, under sinks, around windows, on walls, behind furniture and under damp flooring.
Humidity, a lack of ventilation, condensation and water leaks can all cause black mould and mildew to appear.
If black mould is not treated for a long period, it can become dangerous to your health, especially for people with certain health conditions.
With this in mind, Mira Showers partnered with cleaning expert, Petya Holevich at Fantastic Services who has shared the best remedy for preventing and cleaning mould effectively.
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Petya said some of the most common solutions for tackling mould are "vinegar, soap, and bleach", however, there are other natural ways to eliminate mould.
One of the most surprising remedies people can use to banish mould is tea tree oil.
The cleaning expert said: "This essential oil is a natural fungicide. Mix one teaspoon with one cup of water in a spray bottle, apply to the mould, let it dry for an hour, and wipe clean. Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation."
Make sure to use a soft cloth rather than a scrubbing brush to avoid removing any paint from the surface.
Tea tree oil has a refreshing scent but also has antimicrobial properties which means it will not only banish the problem but get rid of the unpleasant musty smell that sometimes accompanies a mould problem.
Tea tree oil contains the compounds alpha terpineol and terpene-4-ol which kill mould spores by destroying the cell wall, according to environmental services company the Green Orchard Group.
Tea tree oil can be bought online or from health food stores for around £2.49.
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Alternatively, Petya suggested using baking soda or lemons to get rid of black mould.
The cleaning pro said baking soda is a "natural alternative to bleach" and "has a high pH that inhibits mould growth". Baking soda is also safe for families and pets.
Lemons can be found in most supermarkets and are highly acidic which means they can easily break down mould while disinfecting the surface.
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