I spotted grim mould on my white walls… a 79p buy was ‘more effective’ than bleach to tackle it for good
The purse-friendly hack has also been approved by cleaning experts
MOULD is, sadly, a frequent guest in our homes during the colder months.
As reported by Homebrite, the problem is huge in the UK, where a staggering 58% of privately rented households are dealing with the fungus, as well as condensation and damp.
Not only can black spores make for an unsightly mess, mould can also have a negative impact on your health – which can, in rare cases, be fatal.
The NHS warned that those particularly vulnerable are people with respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma, as well as newborns, young children and the elderly.
Being exposed to and inhaling the mould spores can cause a range of issues, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rash.
In some cases mould can also cause asthma attacks.
The high street and supermarkets are full of what feels like hundreds of different chemical products to tackle the issue – but what if all you needed was already sitting in your kitchen?
The purse-friendly hack, which costs less than £1, was shared by thrifty Redditors after one person took to the forum to seek help.
The social media user shared their plight: ”I live in a rental house and have never had mould in the room. I try to keep clean and the room ventilated but it’s probably time to get a dehumidifier.
”A few months ago I got a new mattress and I found this spot of mould after flipping it. I do not know why this mould is growing and how to make it stop.
”I’m kind of worried it’s bad for my health but cannot really move from the house.
”Any tips on how to clean it and make it stay that way?”
Luckily for the user, many flooded to the comments to share their top remedies, and while numerous people suggested the good old bleach solution, others championed an alternative method – using white vinegar.
One savvy reader advised using the cupboard essential, claiming it’s ”supposed to be safer and more (depending on the surface) effective than bleach”.
Fellow cleaning fans then recommended applying the vinegar undiluted, warning to select one method since mixing bleach and vinegar is hazardous.
Household bleaches commonly contain sodium hypochlorite, which can react with vinegar’s acetic acid, forming a deadly chlorine gas.
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 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 , that effectively removes mould and mildew stains almost instantly, with no scrubbing necessary.”
It’s important to stick to either bleach or vinegar when cleaning, avoiding combining both at all costs.
Those looking to save some cash can pick up white vinegar from B&M for as little as 79p, and the purse-friendly hack was also recently approved by one expert from cleaning company Servpro.
“Unlike bleach, white vinegar can kill mould”, the whizz said via a video posted on TikTok.
“This is because if the acetic acid and the high PH levels in the vinegar that help to disrupt the PH levels and stop the mould from going.”
However, the expert added that you should always consult with a professional first when it comes to mould removal and testing.
Sharing how to use this method, experts from bathroom retailer Plumbworld added: “Vinegar is a great option for killing mould.
“It may smell unpleasant, but it won’t have the toxicity of bleach.
“Pour it straight onto the spores or use a spray bottle.
“Try mixing it with water with a ratio of 2:1, leave for 30 minutes before wiping.”