How to effectively prevent mould and clean joint compounds in bathrooms: a practical guide

The joint compound, as we're discussing, fills the gap between tiles, enhancing adhesion while inhibiting the proliferation of fungi on the wall. Owing to a wide variety of colours, joint compounds also have an aesthetic function.

Mould in bathrooms often owes its existence to joint compound given its constant interaction with water, steam, and moisture, especially around showers, sinks, or bathtubs. To keep mould growth at bay, it's wise to devise a concoction that will refresh the joint compound to almost a new look in just a few minutes.

Ingredients for this paste include baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Mix 1 cup of baking soda with a tablespoon of dish soap (liquid soap is also suitable) and a 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Once all the ingredients are mixed, a thick paste is formed and must be applied to the joint compound.

Application is easiest with an old toothbrush. Thanks to its rich content of active ingredients, the paste is most effective in places that are in consistent contact with water. It will clean, bleach, and safeguard the joint compound from mould.

A paste composed of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is unfortunately not efficient for large areas of joint compound. It's a better idea to create a liquid that can be sprayed on the joint compound all over the bathroom. Like the paste, this liquid can be whipped up using products that most of us have at home.

To prepare the joint compound liquid, a spray bottle and precise quantities of specific ingredients are up next, namely: 1/3 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of water — preferably boiled. The liquid is ready for use immediately after preparation. Just spray it on the joint compound and leave for no longer than 10 minutes.

After this timeframe, the joint compound only needs to be scrubbed using a sponge or a brush for cleaning surfaces, ideally with hard bristles. The joint compound will appear as good as new. Such a cleansing treatment mandates thorough airing of the bathroom, because the combined scent of lemon juice and vinegar could be bothersome.