Turns out salt has more than one use apart from flavouring your meals.
This item, widely available and that can be found at 65p in Asda, can be used effectively to remove mould but best of all, also prevents it from returning.
While baking soda and white vinegar are great remedies for household cleaning, salt is found to be far more effective with mould and is easy to use, natural and affordable.
According to the bathroom and kitchen experts PlumbNation, using salt to remove mould in your home is an effective and natural solution when applied to your tiles.
And salt has also been found to be one of the best ingredients for fixing household problems like blocked drains.
A spokesperson from PlumbNation said: “Mould prevention doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Beyond using salt, which is a great natural method, it’s worth considering a regular cleaning routine that fits into your everyday habits.
“Cleaning your tiles weekly with a mix of salt and warm water can help tackle the early stages of mould before it gets out of hand, saving you both time and money on more extensive treatments later. Staying ahead of the problem makes a huge difference.”
PlumbNation further highlights the number of benefits of salt, finding it to be a “non-toxic, natural substance that’s safe for you, your family, and pets.”
It added: “It doesn’t emit harmful fumes or leave behind toxic residues, making it an eco-friendly choice for household cleaning.
“Using salt helps maintain a healthy environment without compromising indoor air quality.”
Salt is also an effective moisture absorber from the environment that “helps to kill mould that thrives in damp areas.”
PlumbNation added: “By reducing humidity on surfaces, salt creates conditions that are less favourable for mould growth. This moisture control helps prevent future mould infestations.”
It is also affordable and readily available allowing a person “to address mould issues promptly without incurring extra costs.”
According to PlumbNation, salt works by dehydrating mould and reducing spreading thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
“Salt can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, preventing mould from spreading. It disrupts the cellular processes of these microorganisms, making surfaces less hospitable to them.
“Using salt not only removes mould but also helps keep surfaces cleaner for longer periods.”
Items needed to effectively remove mould with salt include using either sea or table salt as well as warm water, lemon juice (optional), a soft brush or sponge and a clean cloth.
To start you will need to mix salt with a small amount of water in a bowl to create a thick paste.
Lemon juice can also be added to this paste as the citrus contains natural antibacterial properties, producing a fresh scent and enhancing the effectiveness of the mixture.
Next, the paste is applied generously over the mouldy areas on either tiles or grout which should be left to dry completely which helps with the absorption process.
Once fully dry, a soft brush or sponge can be used to gently scrub the dried paste and remove the mould.
PlumbNation then recommends rinsing the area thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue, which can then be wiped with a clean cloth to prevent new mould from growing in the future.
The plumbing supplies company offers added tips to help prevent mould from returning which include:
- Improve Ventilation
- Dry Surfaces After Use
- Fix Leaks Promptly
PlumbNation added: “A key tip is to pay attention to corners and less visible areas of your bathroom, where mould loves to hide.
“Check the seals around your bathtub and sink for any cracks where water might sneak in.
“Addressing these small maintenance issues quickly can stop moisture from becoming a bigger problem, keeping your bathroom mould-free without breaking the bank.”