Showers and bathrooms can be a challenge to keep clean, often accumulating unsightly soap scum, hard water stains, and even mould if left unattended. Regular cleaning is key, but it doesn't always require a deep scrub. A cleaning expert known as Mama Mila on TikTok has shared a simple, homemade solution using just three common household ingredients that can cut through grime and help banish mould effectively.
The Three-Ingredient Solution
According to Chantel Mila, also known as Mama Mila, tackling tough soap scum and mould in the shower can be achieved with white vinegar, washing up liquid, and tea tree oil. These items are likely already in your home and can be combined to create a powerful yet natural cleaner.
How to Make and Use the Cleaner
In a spray bottle, mix white vinegar and washing up liquid. Add a generous number of drops of tea tree oil. Shake gently to combine. Spray the solution all over the shower's glass surfaces and tiles. Use a sponge to work the mixture into the glass and tiles, applying a bit of elbow grease if the scum is particularly stubborn. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Why This Mixture Works
White vinegar is a natural remedy for combating mould due to its high acidity, specifically acetic acid. This acid can stop fungi and other organic matter from growing, making vinegar an effective antifungal and antibacterial agent. Since mould is a fungal growth, vinegar can kill the bacteria and also deodorize and disinfect affected areas.
Washing up liquid acts as an emulsifier, helping to break down soap scum. It contains surfactants that attract water (hydrophilic) and repel water while binding to oil (hydrophobic). These surfactants attach to grease and oil stains, allowing them to mix with water and form an emulsion that can be rinsed away easily.
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that can kill mould spores. According to Mould in Homes, among natural mould-killing remedies, tea tree oil is the most effective. It works by breaking down the cell wall of mould spores, causing them to rupture and leak. This not only kills existing mould but also helps prevent future growth. Dr Jonathan Kirby, a mould expert at Dryzone, told Ideal Home: "In clinical studies, tea tree oil proved effective in stopping the growth of two common strains of mould – Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus fumigatus."
Additionally, tea tree oil gives the solution a pleasant smell, leaving behind a fresh scent rather than a clinical or chemical odour.
Safety Considerations
While tea tree oil is natural and environmentally friendly, it can be toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation on sensitive skin. Therefore, it is advisable to wear gloves when using this solution and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
