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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

What's the pinkish stuff on tile grout (shower) and how to get rid of it?

9 replies

naturelover · 08/02/2012 16:47

Is it mould? Mildew?
My cleaner wants to use bleach but I don't know if a) that would work and b) that would damage the tiles or shower tray.
The bathroom is only 6 months old, it's depressing how quickly it has started to look manky despite regular cleaning and good ventilation.
Thanks in advance for any tips.

OP posts:
Popbiscuit · 08/02/2012 16:48

It's pink mould, of course. Vim ( I think that's "Cif" in the UK?)

Bunbaker · 08/02/2012 16:52

It is soap scum. If I don't wash the shower tray out after a few uses I get a pinkish film. If it is on grout I would just scrub at it with an old toothbrush and it will come away. If it doesn't then buy some Dettox antinacterial mould and mildew remover and follow the instructions. The stuff really does work and it won't damage the tiles or grout.

BananaPie · 08/02/2012 19:24

I think it might be limescale. It seems to come off with limescale remover and scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

bonzo77 · 08/02/2012 19:26

Soap scum. Possibly some limescale involved too. Or in my case red hair dye. Disappears a treat with bleach, just spray on, no need to scrub.

alarkaspree · 08/02/2012 19:28

I'd say mildew and yes to bleach or bleach-containing cleaner. You shouldn't use bleach on a plastic shower tray but on grout and tile it's fine.

veryworried29 · 08/02/2012 19:35

It is pre-mould caused by soap/shampoo mixed with skin and hair particles splattering on the tiles (sorry Sad) but it is easily removed with normal bathroom cleaner and a green scrubby sponge, no need to risk bleach on it. Bleach is so foul and toxic and poisonous! I hate that people splash it around everywhere without a thought for the environment, and indeed the fumes inside the house. When I took on my cleaner I made it clear in the interview that I didn't allow bleach in the home, just so she knew where we stood.

Bunbaker · 08/02/2012 19:38

I agree to a certain extent about bleach. However, it does kill mould, and since mould sets of DD's asthma, I do use it where necessary - for example in the shower. What I usually do is scrub at the grouting with an old toothbrush and wash it off with water before it actually gets to the mould stage.

veryworried29 · 08/02/2012 19:43

Lakeland have a grout scrubbing brush. Its like a big toothbrush with very stiff bristles and gets the job done much quicker - gwan, treat yourself.

mirai · 09/02/2012 03:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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