How to Remove Hard Water Stains and Mould From Your Bathroom

White crust around the taps, cloudy shower screens and black spots on the ceiling are common sights in Kenyan bathrooms. Borehole and stored water can leave mineral deposits, while small bathrooms with poor ventilation encourage mould. Both can be treated, and both can be prevented.

What causes hard water stains?

Hard water contains dissolved minerals. When droplets dry on a surface, the minerals stay behind. Over time, they build up into a chalky layer known as limescale.

Removing limescale

For mild scale on tiles, glass and chrome:

1. Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray on the area and leave for a few minutes.
3. Wipe with a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge.
4. Rinse well and dry.

For a shower head, soak it in a bag of diluted vinegar for an hour and rinse.

Take care: do not use vinegar or acid products on marble, natural stone or some metal finishes, and rinse thoroughly. Do not use them along with bleach.

Why mould grows

Mould needs moisture. Warm showers, poor ventilation and leaking pipes give it what it needs. It often appears on ceilings, grout and sealant.

Removing mould safely

• Open windows and turn on the fan
• Wear gloves and avoid breathing in spores
• Use a suitable mould cleaner, and follow the instructions on the label
• Scrub gently with a soft brush
• Rinse, and dry the area

If mould covers a large area, keeps returning or is linked to a leak, deal with the cause. You may need a plumber, or better ventilation.

Important safety warning

Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or toilet cleaner. These combinations can produce dangerous gases. Use one product at a time, and rinse well between products.

How to stop it coming back

• Run the fan or open a window during and after showers
• Keep the bathroom door open after use
• Squeegee or wipe screens and tiles
• Fix dripping taps and leaks
• Wash bath mats and curtains often
• Clean weekly instead of waiting for a build-up

A simple weekly bathroom routine

1. Remove bottles and clear surfaces.
2. Apply cleaner to the toilet, basin and shower.
3. Wipe mirrors and taps.
4. Scrub the toilet and basin.
5. Rinse the shower.
6. Mop the floor.

When to call the professionals

Thick scale, stained grout and persistent mould can take hours to clear by hand. A professional clean uses suitable products for each surface and can restore a bathroom much faster.

Cleaning different bathroom surfaces

Chrome taps

Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Abrasive pads leave scratches, and strong acids can damage the finish. Dry the taps after cleaning for a good shine.

Glass shower screens

Spray with a suitable cleaner, wipe with a soft sponge and dry with a squeegee. Daily wiping makes a big difference and prevents heavy build-up.

Toilets

Use a toilet cleaner under the rim, and leave it for the time shown on the label. Clean the seat, the base and the flush handle with a separate cloth.

Natural stone

Use a pH-neutral cleaner only. Vinegar, lemon and bathroom descalers can damage the surface.

Small bathrooms without windows

Many apartments have internal bathrooms, which rely on an extractor fan. Check that your fan works by holding a piece of tissue near it. Clean the cover regularly, because a blocked fan cannot remove moisture. Leave the door open after a shower. If the fan is not working, report it to your landlord or caretaker.

Dealing with drains

Slow drains and bad smells usually come from hair and soap. Remove hair from the trap regularly, and clean the waste cover. Pouring boiling water down plastic pipes is not always safe, so use hot tap water and a mild cleaner. If a drain stays blocked or smells bad, call a plumber.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if I have hard water?

Look for white scale around taps, cloudy glass and soap that does not lather easily.

Is black mould dangerous?

Mould can irritate some people, particularly those with asthma or allergies. Clean it safely, ventilate the room and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

How often should a bathroom be cleaned?

A basic clean each week is a good standard, with a quick daily wipe of taps and basins.

Macky Group's kitchen and bathroom cleaning and tile and grout cleaning services are available across Nairobi and Thika. Request a free quote, and send us a photo.