At this time of year, when we are keen to keep the warmth inside our houses, mould and mildew can start to grow at an alarming pace, especially in damp areas like the bathroom or kitchen. If you do find mildew settling in, then try to ventilate the room as much as you can and draw back blinds and curtains, allowing as much sunlight as possible to creep in.

For removing mould and mildew from non-porous surfaces, like ceramics and tiles, you will find it easier to use a bleach based cleaner. Many of these come as spray cleaners allowing you to easily direct the cleaning agent onto the affected area. For cleaning mildew on tile grout, scrub with an old toothbrush dipped in a bleach cleaning solution.

If you dislike using chemical cleaning products, then you can try using white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle. The vinegar smell will disappear after a while. Alternatively, try making a paste with one cup of baking soda, a teaspoon of washing up liquid and hot water and rub this on to the affected spots in your bathroom. Add a few drops of lavender or citrus oil to create a pleasant aroma.

Baking soda is ideal for cleaning mildew from shower curtains too. Wash the shower curtains in your washing machine along with a couple of towels. Put half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of your normal washing powder in the dispenser and you will soon have a spotless shower curtain again.