'I'm an expert and this is the only way to remove mould from shower curtains'

It can be easy to panic when you first discover the distinctive black spores spreading across the base of your shower curtain, but there is a fool proof way to remove mould from silicone-based material. Although, it is important to act quickly.

According to government research, it’s estimated that over 900,000 homes in the UK are affected by mould, with the leading cause of the spread being due to condensation. With the cost of living crisis and soaring heating prices, the problem is expected to worsen. It's also incredibly dangerous. Living around black mould can lead to serious health issues, like airway infections, neurotoxicity and even life-threatening lung infections.

So, how do you prevent mould from spreading in your bathroom? Silicone is a commonly used material for items like shower curtains, as it is durable, water resistant and easy to clean – though this doesn’t make it invincible to the pernicious growth of fungi. A shower installation expert revealed on that the only way to permanently remove black mould is to uninstall the shower curtain, scrape all the old silicone off, before sterilizing it and reinstalling the curtain with a fresh silicone sealant. They specify using Dow Corning, which can be snagged online for £31.62.

In order to scrape off the old silicone, they recommended using the chemical hard stain remover, Bio Clean. “You can also use a loofah on the glass parts with the bioclean and it won’t scratch. Or ultrafine steel wool,” they added.

Of course, it’s always better to prevent a mould infestation than having to try and eradicate it at a later stage. Some of the best tips for keeping your bathroom mould-free is to clean regularly using anti-mould agents, wipe down surfaces, store bottles outside of the room, and to keep the space ventilated. If needed, installing a bathroom fan or dehumidifier can also be an effective way to dry out the air.

The type of shower curtain you buy can also have an impact on how easily it develops mould. Materials like vinyl and PEVA are typically good at preventing a damp build up. Equally, it’s also important to keep your shower curtain stretched out after a wash, as this allows the water to dry off quicker from the surface.

Aside from practical measures, are more unconventional ways to keep the infestation at bay, such as – which can act as both decoration and a safety measure for your home.