Preventing slime and staining in your kitchen and bathroom

Top tips to keep slime and stain-free

Slime (black jelly like substance), and staining (various colours from pink, red to black) are caused by organisms that breed in damp, warm environments in your home. These are generally conditions found in bathrooms and kitchens and their occurrence isn’t an indication of a problem with the water supply. It’s typically caused by the growth of common bacteria around the home which is worsened by poor ventilation.

You can see below some easy tips to help keep your bathroom and kitchen free of slime and staining.

Cleaning products don’t have to be expensive, an old toothbrush to scrub those stubborn stains, teamed with a washable microfibre absorbent cloth will quickly shift grime and do the job. For that extra shine, buff with a clean cloth to get those surfaces gleaming. 

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Look after your sink

Sinks need a lot of looking after as we use them all the time. Regularly wipe down in between uses, making sure that there’s no build-up of dirt and slime. Pay special attention to the tap spout and overflow hole at the back of the sink as this is where staining often occurs.

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Shower head

We don’t want to look up when we’re in the shower to see a dirty showerhead. Simply scrub with an old toothbrush dipped in water to remove any staining or grime, rinse and wipe with a clean cloth.

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Start at the top

Wet bathroom dust and a slimy build up will cling to surfaces. Use a mop to reach the top of your wall tiles to make the job much easier. Start at the top and work your way down.

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Look after your bathroom cleaning equipment

Not only do we need to clean the bathroom, but we also need to think what we are using to clean, such as cleaning cloths and toilet brushes! Use a separate cloth for the loo seat and pedestal, and keep your toilet brush germ free! Always use clean cloths and wash after using.  Make sure you’re not cleaning with dirty equipment or hanging them over your sink or taps.

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Keep it dry

Good ventilation really helps, turn on your extractor fan to get rid of any condensation, as bacteria loves damp places. Opening the window helps too, but not if it’s cold! Dry off areas with an adsorbent cloth instead.

One great piece of bathroom cleaning equipment (but not essential) is a window vac. This will help to remove condensation and water from shower screens, bathroom tiles and windows to reduce moisture and discourage a slimy build up.

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Tile grout

We often get pink and dark staining on grout and sealant that can be tricky to clean.  An old toothbrush with a mild bleach solution should do the trick, always remember to wear gloves and protect your clothes from bleach.

More about slime and staining

    • On the inside of cold water taps
    • Around the base of tap fittings
    • In shower heads and on shower curtains
    • On tiles in the bathroom/shower area
    • In and around drains and plugholes
    • In toilet cisterns and toilet bowls
    • In refrigerator drip trays
    • In dehumidifiers
    • In washing machines, particularly around the powder drawer and the rubber seals
    • Make sure affected areas are well ventilated.
    • Clean the inside of the tap or around the base of the tap with a small brush dipped in a mild solution of bleach.
    • After cleaning the tap, run the water for a few moments to remove any remaining disinfectant.
    • Use a squeegee to wipe water off walls and glass around your shower and bath to prevent mould or stain growth.
    • To keep your toilet in top condition – use bleach to get rid of any slime or mould in your loo, scrub with a toilet brush until sparkling.
    • Kitchen surfaces or bathroom fittings (tiles etc.) can be wiped with a household cleaner or mild bleach solution that will kill the bacteria or other microorganisms
    • Make sure you follow manufacturers cleaning instructions to ensure you don’t cause any damage.
    • To prevent possible contamination do not leave items such as flannels and dishcloths on the tap to dry and never allow food or animals to come into contact with taps.
    • Remove any residues left by cleaning products, soap, shampoo, hairspray or deodorants as they can provide a source of food which encourages growth of bacteria or other microorganisms.
    • Repair dripping taps to avoid staining on baths and basins.

Looking after the water in your kitchen

Looking after the water in your bathroom