HG Mould Spray emerged as the top performer in a comparative test of three popular bathroom mould removers, cleaning grout mould in just 30 minutes and leaving tiles noticeably brighter, according to a review by Millie Bull, Deputy Editor at Spare Time.
Test Setup
The test was conducted on tile grout in a bathroom that had developed black, brown, and yellow mould stains, with the worst areas near the shower. Each product was applied to a separate section of grout. Before application, surfaces were dried to avoid dilution, and rubber gloves were worn.
The three products tested were: Mould Magic (gel, £12.99 for two tubes from Must Have Ideas), HG Mould Spray (foam, £4.29 from Savers or £6.50 from B&Q), and Astonish Mould Blast Stain Remover (spray, £2 from Sainsbury's or The Range, or £2.99 from Lakeland).
Application and Performance
Mould Magic, a thick gel, was applied first. It spread easily and stayed in place without dripping, with minimal odour. However, it required two to three hours to work—significantly longer than the other products. After wiping, it removed all mould but left a gel residue that needed careful removal with a damp cloth.
HG Mould Spray was applied next. It produced a thick foam that adhered well to grout, though it began to drip after a few seconds. The spray had a strong bleach-like smell, requiring ventilation. After 30 minutes, the mould dissolved easily upon wiping, and the grout appeared bright white.
Astonish spray was the most watery formula and ran down tiles quickly after application. It was left for 10 minutes as per instructions for stubborn marks. Despite its low cost and thin consistency, it removed mould in one wipe, leaving grout clean but slightly less bright than HG.
Results and Verdict
All three products effectively removed grout mould, but HG Mould Spray was declared the winner. It worked in 30 minutes, produced the brightest results, and is widely available. Astonish offered excellent value at £2, ideal for quick fixes, though it did not whiten grout as effectively. Mould Magic remained the best choice for sealant mould, but its long wait time and gel residue made it less convenient for grout.
According to Bull, "HG Mould Spray only needed 30 minutes to work and left my grout looking bright white." She added that Astonish "didn't quite brighten the grout as much as HG" but is "excellent value."
