Short answer: for soap scum, spray the screen and tiles with a mix of warm water, white vinegar and a little dishwashing liquid. Leave it for 10–15 minutes, scrub with a non-scratch pad and rinse. For surface mould on grout and silicone, use a mould-specific bathroom cleaner, leave it for the time on the label, scrub with a grout brush and rinse well. Ventilate the room and wear gloves.
Shower screens and grout are some of the most common items raised at end of lease inspections.
What you'll need
- White vinegar and dishwashing liquid
- A mould and mildew bathroom cleaner (check the label for your surfaces)
- A spray bottle
- A non-scratch scrubbing pad and a stiff grout brush (an old toothbrush works)
- A squeegee and microfibre cloths
- Rubber gloves; a mask if you're sensitive to fumes
Step 1: Ventilate
Open a window or door and turn on the exhaust fan. Keep it running the whole time you clean.
Step 2: Remove soap scum from screens and tiles
- 1Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, with a squirt of dishwashing liquid.
- 2Spray the glass and tiles generously.
- 3Leave it for 10–15 minutes to break down the film.
- 4Scrub with a non-scratch pad, working top to bottom.
- 5Rinse with warm water and squeegee the glass dry.
- 6Buff with a dry microfibre cloth for a streak-free finish.
Note: don't use vinegar on natural stone such as marble or travertine, because the acid can etch it. Use a cleaner made for stone instead.
Step 3: Treat mould on grout and silicone
- 1Spray a mould and mildew cleaner on the affected grout and silicone.
- 2Leave it for the time on the label.
- 3Scrub the grout lines with a stiff brush.
- 4Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Safety: never mix bleach-based cleaners with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners, because it can produce toxic gas. Rinse well between products.
Mould that has grown into silicone often leaves dark staining that won't scrub out. In that case the silicone usually needs to be replaced, which is a job for a handyman, not a cleaner.
Step 4: Clean the drain and fixtures
- Remove hair from the drain cover.
- Wipe the shower head, taps and rails with the vinegar spray and polish them dry.
How to stop mould coming back
- Run the exhaust fan during showers and for 15–20 minutes afterwards.
- Squeegee the screen and tiles after each shower. It takes 30 seconds and prevents most build-up.
- Leave the door or window open after showering when possible.
- Wash bath mats and towels regularly.
- Report leaks or a broken exhaust fan to your property manager. Ongoing mould caused by a building issue isn't your responsibility, but it's important to report it.
When to call a professional
- Heavy build-up across the whole shower
- Mould returning quickly after cleaning
- Before an end of lease inspection, when you want it done right first time
Fresh Plus offers shower mould treatment as an add-on ($35 per shower), and shower screens, tiles and mirrors are part of every end of lease clean.
Frequently asked questions
What removes hard water stains on shower glass? A vinegar and water spray left on for 10–15 minutes, then scrubbed with a non-scratch pad, removes most marks. Heavy mineral build-up may need a dedicated glass or limescale cleaner.
Is mould a renter's responsibility in Victoria? Mould caused by everyday use, such as not ventilating, is generally the renter's to clean. Mould caused by leaks, rising damp or a faulty exhaust fan is a repair issue for the rental provider. Report these promptly. General information only.
How often should I clean the shower? A quick squeegee daily and a proper clean weekly keeps soap scum and mould under control.
