Brits urged to ditch bleach and use three common kitchen items to clear mould

Anyone whose battled mould in their property knows exactly how stubborn it can be to eliminate. Mould adheres firmly to walls, ceilings and various surfaces, proving extremely challenging to shift. As a type of fungus, certain varieties like black mould pose genuine health risks. These fungi discharge spores and harmful toxins that can trigger skin irritation, allergic responses, respiratory difficulties and swelling.

Neglecting mould allows it to flourish and multiply throughout your property, putting you at risk of severe lung conditions and dermatological issues. With countless products and remedies available, determining what's effective versus what's useless becomes tricky.

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Cleaning specialist Matthew Harrison from PriceYourJob.co.uk reveals the most and least effective approaches for tackling mould. "While bleach isn't the very worst method for cleaning mould, there are better products you can use," he advises.

"It doesn't work well on porous surfaces and can discolour and damage some surfaces. It's also worth remembering that it's a harsh chemical, so you do need to wear cleaning gloves and keep rooms well-ventilated."

Several proven techniques exist for eliminating mould from household surfaces, though Matthew identifies these particular methods as the most reliable.

White vinegar

For those preferring eco-friendly alternatives whilst avoiding aggressive chemicals, white vinegar proves an excellent option. Its antifungal and antibacterial properties make it capable of eliminating mould, though it's believed to be only about 80 percent effective and may take longer to treat mould than store-bought products.

However, it's safer to use on fabrics than some off-the-shelf removers and doesn't require dilution, reports the Manchester Evening News

Lemon juice

If you're eager to use a natural mould remover but can't bear the strong smell of vinegar, lemon juice could be your go-to as it possesses the same mould-fighting attributes. It's best to use it undiluted and let it sit for a bit before wiping the mould away.

Baking soda

Mould thrives in slightly acidic conditions, so the alkaline pH of baking soda can be effective in getting rid of it. It also neutralises the musty odours that mould produces.

Baking soda can be used either as a paste for scrubbing mould off surfaces or as a spray. It's an environmentally friendly cleaner that's safe for most surfaces and poses no harm to pets and children.

However, baking soda isn't as potent as other natural solutions, meaning you might need to put in extra elbow grease. Hence, it's only suitable for addressing small patches of mould.

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