A cleaning expert swears by this DIY four-ingredient paste to tackle grout mould, scum stains and help keep shower tiles sparkling clean06:38, 06 Jun 2026Bathrooms can become a breeding ground for unwanted and unsightly bacteria, turning your once-spotless bathroom unsightly. Thanks to the damp and steamy conditions, bacteria can ultimately develop into mould, particularly in spots like grout between tiles and shower corners.‌Recently, cleaning expert and TikTok creator Chantel Mila, better known as Mama Mila, revealed her favourite mould-busting solution. She combines four everyday household cleaning products to create a powerful paste that will eliminate shower scum stains, mould and keep mould-producing bacteria under control.‌In a bowl, combine one cup of baking soda, half a cup of hydrogen peroxide, one tablespoon of washing up liquid and a few drops of tea tree oil. The tea tree oil is optional in Chantel's formula, but it contains crucial antifungal properties that will help prevent mould spores from forming.‌Mix the paste thoroughly before transferring it into a squeezy bottle with a narrow nozzle. Use the nozzle to apply the paste straight onto the grout between the bathroom tiles.Leave the paste to sit, then scrub it in using a sponge. Finish by rinsing thoroughly with water, reports the Express. Chantel said in the video: "This powerful mix can be used on grout, tiles and shower screens to leave them shining."‌Baking soda can assist in killing mould by changing its pH level, generating an alkaline environment where mould cannot flourish. Bicarbonate of soda is an excellent ingredient for removing grease thanks to its alkaline properties.This works to neutralise the acid present in grease, making it easier to lift away when cleaning. As baking soda is a gentle abrasive, it also helps remove any stubborn marks without harming the grout's surface.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Combining it with washing up liquid makes the cleaning job much simpler. Since washing up liquid functions as an emulsifier, it binds with greasy and oily stains, enabling them to be washed away with water.As for hydrogen peroxide, it operates as an oxidising agent, releasing oxygen that destroys mould's cells. It also serves as a bleaching agent, helping to restore white grout to its original condition.The inclusion of tea tree oil can further combat mould, as the oil is a natural fungicide that can eliminate mould spores. Mould in Homes observed that among all natural mould-killing solutions, tea tree oil proves the most effective.Article continues belowThe experts also pointed out that while tea tree oil is natural and eco-friendly, it can be toxic if swallowed and may irritate sensitive skin. Ideal Home explained that tea tree oil destroys mould by breaking down the cell wall of the mould spores, causing them to rupture and leak.This will also help stop future mould growth as the mould spores won't develop or spread. Dr Jonathan Kirby, Mould Expert at Dryzone, told Ideal Home : "In clinical studies, tea tree oil proved effective in stopping the growth of two common strains of mould - Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus fumigatus."Tea tree oil can also help give the mixture a pleasing fragrance, rather than leaving behind a harsh, chemical smell once you've finished cleaning.