A pocket-friendly cleaning brush from Søstrene Grene plus a drop of Fairy liquid made quick work of black mould in the grout
Dealing with black mould in shower grout is one of those chores most of us postpone. I found myself doing exactly that until a quick trip to Søstrene Grene led to an impulse buy: a slim, wooden-handled cleaning brush with stiff bristles that cost just £1.98.
Published 13:57, 20 Apr 2026, this experiment aimed to see whether a humble tool and routine detergent could beat the stubborn, unsightly fungus many bathrooms collect.
The shopping experience at Søstrene Grene is designed to tempt with affordable homewares, and this little brush looked like a practical bargain.
I had seen similar tools in online cleaning clips and compared the low-tech brush to more expensive gadgets like the SonicScrubber, an electric device often promoted on social media. Rather than relying on battery-powered heads, my plan was to test whether the combination of the brush and a common dish soap—specifically Fairy liquid—would lift the mould without strong chemicals or lengthy soaking.
Why this simple setup works
The approach depends on two straightforward elements: mechanical action and a mild surfactant. The firm bristles of the brush provide abrasion to dislodge spores and grime lodged in the grout, while the Fairy liquid acts as a grease-cutting detergent that helps break the bond between the mould and the tile surface. The concept is that physical scrubbing plus soap reduces the need for bleach or specialist fungicidal sprays in cases where mould is surface-level rather than deeply embedded.
Step-by-step: how I cleaned the grout
I started by wetting the area and applying a small amount of Fairy liquid directly onto the darkened grout lines. With the brush held at a slight angle, I made moderate, short strokes along each line and focused on corners and edges where mildew often gathers. Within a few passes, the discoloured patches began to lift, leaving paler, cleaner grout behind. No waiting for a product to work, no cloud of chemical fumes—just a few minutes of elbow work. For more severe outbreaks, stronger cleaners or repeated treatments may still be necessary, but for the level I had, this was enough.
Comparisons and alternatives
This method is a low-cost alternative to the trendier SonicScrubber or branded cleaning heads available online. You can buy multi-packs on platforms like Amazon—sometimes cheaper per unit—or opt for a branded version from companies such as OXO if you prefer ergonomics and warranty. For stubborn mould on sealant or deep staining, consider a purpose-made mould remover or professional advice, but as a first attempt the brush-and-soap combo is a sensible, safe starting point.
Practical tips for success
Work in small sections and keep the area ventilated to avoid breathing spores into the room. Use gloves if you have sensitive skin and test any cleaner on an inconspicuous tile patch first. If you want to reduce recurrence, dry the shower after use, improve airflow, and check seals for damage: moisture is the main driver of mould growth. For regular maintenance, a quick five-minute scrub once a week will prevent build-up and make deep cleans rarer.
Final thoughts and value judgment
This little experiment proved that an inexpensive brush from Søstrene Grene paired with a squirt of Fairy liquid can transform a grimy grout line without resorting to harsh chemicals or pricey gadgets. I might have saved money buying brushes in bulk online, and I appreciate the engineering of more expensive designs, but for an impulse purchase under £2 the result was impressive. Most importantly, it changed my attitude toward the chore: knowing a quick, effective option exists makes me less likely to put it off next time.
