Mould can only survive in a wet and warm environment which is why it is often found in showers, but it can be incredibly easy to get rid of if you use the right product. While bleach may seem like the obvious solution to kill mould,  Laura Trotta, a sustainability expert, has shared that it is ineffective on areas where mould commonly grows in the shower, like sealants or grout. 

Laura said: “If the mould is growing on porous surfaces such as plaster, grout or wood, chlorine bleach may kill what is on the surface, but the roots of the mould will remain very much alive.” Silicone sealant is the white waterproof material used around shower fixtures, and grout is the filler between tiles. Both are made of porous material, which can trap mould and require a cleaner to penetrate deeply to eliminate the spores. 

Instead, Laura recommends oil of cloves, which is a more natural alternative to bleach that does not have toxic fumes. 

Laura said: “Clove essential oil (also known as oil of cloves) effectively kills the mould spores and if used regularly will prevent mould from re-colonising.

“Good quality, pure essential clove oil is around $30 (£22.55) for a 15ml bottle. This may sound high compared to a container of bleach, however, because it has so many other uses in your home, particularly for deterring pests, it is well worth the investment.” 

Cloves contain eugenol, an antifungal ingredient which disrupts spores and helps make a protective barrier on a surface to prevent mould from being able to grow back. 

This is one of the easiest solutions to stop mould from spreading, and it can clean surfaces that are difficult to reach, like tiles or silicone sealant. 

How to use clove oil to remove mould in a shower

First, put on rubber gloves and eye protection, then make sure a window is open. Mould is a health hazard, so clean it only in a well-ventilated area.

Then all you need to do is mix one litre of water with a teaspoon of clove essential oil.

Place the clove-infused water in an empty spray bottle and then spray a generous amount on the mouldy area of the shower. 

Wait 20 minutes for the solution to break down the mould spores. You can wait longer or leave the solution overnight if you wish. 

Once the time is up, rinse the clove solution away with water and wipe the mouldy surface with a clean microfibre cloth. The mould should come away easily and be quick to remove.