How To Clean Black Mold On Shower Grout

How To Get Rid Of Mold In Shower Grout

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Stained shower grouts are a pure embarrassment if not hazardous. And you know the thing is, these grouts dont form overnight. They happen over time until the sight of your own bathroom irks you. They become so stained and dirty, that no matter how hard you clean, it seems impossible to get back to their original color.

If this is your bathroom we are talking about here. Dont panic, we have a couple of solutions for you in this article.

We will teach you how to get rid of mold in shower grout using items that you can easily and cheaply source for. Most of them are actually found in your pantry. We have also shared some tips with you to prevent these stubborn microorganisms from ever coming back.

So, stick around, and you might just find the perfect remedy for getting rid of mold in shower grout.

Page Contents

How Can I Get Rid Of Mould In My Bathroom

Depending on the scale and location of the mould, you may be able to remove it yourself. The NHS advises that you only remove mould if its caused by condensation and covers an area less than one metre squared.

If this is not the case, you will need to call a specialist, such as a mould remediation and removal company or damp repair company.

Before you look at removing any mould from your home, it is important to identify the source. Common areas where mould forms include the walls, ceiling, on bathroom tiles, grout, basins and bathtubs, drains and behind shower tiles – which can result in large repair costs if the damage is extensive.

How To Prevent Mold In Grout

The drier the tiles, the smaller the chance of mold developing in the grout lines.

As you certainly know, prevention is the best cure. And indeed, why spend so much time and effort cleaning mold from grout, when you can simply prevent it from appearing altogether? All you need to do in order to keep mold under control is to deprive it of the main prerequisite for its growth moisture. Just keep the tiles dry and youll never have to worry about the harmful microorganisms.

But how can you remove moisture from a room that is designed to be wet such as the bathroom, for example? It sounds absurd.

You cant, of course, but you can reduce the dampness there is a big difference between getting wet and staying permanently wet.

Here are some simple, yet highly efficient measures you can take to lower the humidity in your bathroom, kitchen, and other wet areas of your home and prevent mold growth:

1. Keep doors and windows open for as long as possible to ensure proper air flow within the home:

• Let the bathroom window stay open for at least 15 minutes after you turn the shower off, so that excess moisture can move out of the room rather than condense on the walls and tiles;
• Leave the shower door open when the shower is not in use;
• Keep the kitchen windows open while cooking to allow the steam to escape;
• Ventilate the laundry room, basement, and attic as often as possible.

8. Fix leaky faucets and showerheads to remove the source of excess moisture in your bathroom and kitchen;

Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Canvas Tarp

How To Remove Mold From Grout Naturally

Many sources advise using baking soda and vinegar as a natural agent to remove mold from the shower grout. I have decided to test this advice out, and the results were unexpected.

Optimum pH

The primary reason why baking soda and vinegar works well in combating mold lies in their pH. The mold usually grows in pH 3 7 . If you have black mold in shower grout, the chances are that you are dealing with the Stachybotrys Chartarum. Its optimal pH for growth is 5.6-6.0 . Because of that, to get rid of the mold and keep it away, it helps to use ingredients that change the pH of the infested area, creating a hostile environment for the mold.

I know that using baking soda and vinegar is a widely spread tip; however, I have seen various alternatives of how to use those ingredients, e.g.:

Baking Soda + Water Baking Soda + 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Baking Soda + White Vinegar Baking Soda + White Vinegar + 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Vinegar

But what is the best option? I have tested all the combinations mentioned above, leaving them to sit in the grout for about 20-30 minutes. First, I have started with 30 minutes, but then I have shortened it to 20 minutes, and the results seemed similar. The findings were quite surprising.

What is the best natural way to get rid of mold in shower grout

Vinegar

Also, vinegar shouldnt be used on, e.g., natural stone, so if you choose to use it, make sure that your tiles are suitable for acid cleaning agents.

If You Suspect Black Mold Consult A Professional

Most mold that grows in a bathroom is harmless. Black mold, however, is something that should only be handled by a professional mold removal team. If you suspect black mold, or you believe that the mold has become a more serious issue, consult a professional before you begin removal efforts. Especially if you live in a rental property, it is important to notify your property managers;of the potential black mold.;

Read Also: Who To Contact About Mold In Your Home

How To Remove Mould From Shower Grout

This is the first place you will find mould growing because it is porous and holds water for much longer. This method of mould removal uses bleach, so if you have coloured grout, it would be best to use one of the natural methods that we go through later on.

#1 Mix up another batch of the bleach solution and pour it into the spray bottle.

#2 Spray the mixture onto the affected grout all over the shower.;

#3 Using a brush, preferably nylon, scrub the grout and get the mould off.;

#4 Rinse the grout, and watch the mould and dirty water wash away, leaving everything looking clean and new.;

How To Prevent Mold In The Bathroom

The best way to combat mold in the bathroom is to prevent it from growing. Eliminate excess moisture by running an exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after a shower. Squeegee shower walls daily after use to reduce water in the bathroom. Keep the floor dry and remove damp towels. Disinfecting the bathroom once a week is also a great way to prevent mold from becoming an issue. Follow our bathroom cleaning checklist to learn how.

Recommended Reading: How To Remove Mold From Blankets

Cillit Bang Black Mould Remover

Probably the biggest cleaning name out there, we all know Cillit Bang, and this particular cleaner has been made to remove black mould.

The strong chemical formula is able to obliterate the mould in your bathroom, without leaving any stains behind, and it will even work to remove them from your shower room walls and surfaces.

The results are visible within a matter of seconds because the solution works incredibly quickly to break the mould down, and there is no need to scrub it in; you just rinse it off gently with a cloth.

It comes in a pack of three bottles, making this an incredible bargain you wont want to miss out on.;

Baking Soda Plus Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply a thick baking soda paste to the area affected by mold. Spray or carefully pour hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda paste so it begins to fizz, which will help loosen the mold further. Scrub the fizzing paste using a stiff bristle brush, then rinse the paste and mold away with water. Repeat as needed.

Tip: If there’s mold on the caulk that seals around your tub, faucet, sink or toilet, the safest thing to do is remove the caulking. Sterilize the area with bleach or distilled white vinegar and dry it thoroughly before replacing the caulk. Opt for a mildew-resistant caulk to inhibit the growth of future mold. Some mold problems can’t be tackled with home remedies or commercial cleaners found at your local store. If you’re facing stubborn grout mold or too much mold to handle alone, call the pros at ServiceMaster Clean for complete mold removal from any area.

Also Check: Can Black Mold Be Removed From Wood

How To Remove Mold With Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaning agents. Due to its acidic nature, it creates an environment that inhibits bacteria growth.

At the first signs of mold on the grout, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and generously spray the affected area. Wait for 30 minutes, then scrub the surfaces with a bristle brush and rinse with warm water. For best results, repeat the process several times.

You can use tree tea oil in roughly the same way use two teaspoons of the products to every cup of water you add in the spray bottle, spray the moldy surfaces, and wait for several hours before rinsing with clear water.

Make sure you keep the windows open to ensure good air circulation and counter the strong smell of the vinegar or the tea tree oil.

If the mold growth is extensive, however, these natural products wont be strong enough to remove it.

How Can I Get The Black Mold/spots Off My Sanded Grout In My Shower

I HAVE TRIED “EVERYTHING” FROM BLEACH TO SOFT SCRUB TO A TOOTH BRUSH WITH TILE CLEANER ETC. SEEMS I’VE TRIED EVERYTHING, BUT SOME OF THE “BLACK” WILL NOT COME OFF. WE PAID $20,000.00 FOR OUR NEW BATHROOM WITH A WALK-IN SHOWER, BEAUTIFUL CERAMIC TILE & THEY USED SANDED GROUT! I’M SO DISAPPOINTED. I CAN’T GET THE FLOOR CLEAN EITHER ~ I HAVE THE TINY HEXAGON TILES ON THE FLOOR, & THE SHEETS OF IT WERE PUT IN CROOKED. HELP, HELP, HELP WITH MY DIRTY GROUT!

Read Also: What To Do If You Have Been Exposed To Mold

How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Your Bathroom

Last Updated on April 5, 2021 by Diana Rodriguez-Zaba

Keeping every room clean is an important job, and you do it with pride. It helps make the house your home. You take care to keep everything fresh, so tackling an occasional mold outbreak in the bathroom is just another chore.

That ordinary routine sets off alarms when you encounter a dark, slimy growth that makes you wonder:

Are you looking at black mold growing in the bathroom?

Its not an ordinary fungus. It can quickly become a serious threat to your familys health and your homes infrastructure. We answer calls every day from homeowners in Chicago, IL and suburbs who need mold remediation services, so we understand how disturbing it is to find black mold in your bathroom.

Lets get started.

Using Bleach To Remove Mold From Grout

For grout that is white beside white tiles, we suggest a recipe of bleach and water. You can effectively clean tile grout, kill the mold fast and clean up the shower at the same time with this most basic of household cleaning agents.

• An old toothbrush or scrub brush

This is a good basic recipe for making the most out of your grout cleaner needs. Mix the ingredients in a plastic bucket while wearing safety glasses. After you rub the paste on the mold, let the bleach sit for at least a half-hour to soak into mold spores and other dirt.

Find an old toothbrush. Soak it in the bucket of vinegar and water, and use your scrub brush on the mold. Let it sit for 30 minutes, and attack it again. The now-dead mold and soap scum should come off without a problem.

After this, you should feel safe showering once again. If you have more mold in the house, like in the laundry room, you need to know what gets rid of mold elsewhere in the house. These recipes prevent mold build up in the future, so we dont breathe in mold spores.

Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board

How To Prevent Black Mold In Your Bathroom

To keep the black mold away, you need to do the following:

• Let natural light into the bathroom. Natural light kills;mold and most types of harmful microorganisms.
• Ventilate the bathroom as much as possible. This may take the form of allowing in natural currents of air or creating some with a fan .
• Eliminate the dampness and keep your bathroom dry. As stated earlier on, damp conditions are a breeding ground for mold. Having a dry bathroom entails cleaning any remaining water after a shower, fixing leaking taps or pipes and wiping off water from the walls and floor.
• Spray the bathroom walls and floors with white vinegar. This kills the mold and any remaining spores.
• Frequently wash your shower curtains and liners. Also, it is better to go for curtains and liners that are resistant to mildew. The same goes for bathroom rags and any clothing materials including your towels.
• Avoid leaving bottles or other items in the bathroom. These provide crevices for mold to thrive.

With these tips, your bathroom will easily be free of mold and mildew. While cleaning is easy, prevention is far much easier and safer.

The Best Homemade Grout Cleaner For Mold

Its a fact that mold loves moist and humid environments with poor air circulation.

Think about it.

Where in your home gets hot, humid, and wet most of the day?

Thats right your bathroom shower.

Whenever you take a shower, the air becomes humid and filled with moisture.

This is the perfect condition for mold to grow if it can find a suitable food source.; The tile grout on the shower walls is most often where you will find mold growth.

You can prevent and get rid of mold in these areas by taking a few simple steps.

Most of the time preventing the mold growth is the best cure.; However, sometimes thats not always possible.

The best remedy for this problem is to deprive mold of what it needs to grow.

Moisture!

If you can keep the tiles dry after each shower, you can avoid the mold growth altogether.

All you have to do is wipe down the shower walls with a hand towel or absorbent cloth after each shower.

Doing this will help to make the grout get dry faster.

You can even use a use a squeegee.

No one method is better than the other.; The key is to remove the excess moisture from the tiles and the grout lines.

Also, you should run your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after you take a shower.; This will help to remove the damp, humid air and help to dry the tiles and the grout.

If you have mold growing on the grout, you can take some simple steps to fix this issue.

And safety glasses to avoid the peroxide from getting in your eyes.

The Best Anti Mold Tile Grout

Also Check: Can Black Mold Cause Irregular Heartbeat

How To Get Rid Of Mold On Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealant is a rubbery material often used in bathroom showers to prevent water from getting behind the walls and joints.

Frequently, these sealants can get moldy and look unsightly.

This usually happens because the surface of the sealant stays damp in your bathroom causing mold spores to settle and begin to germinate.

When this happens, you can either attempt to clean the mold growth or remove and replace the sealant.

It is possible to remove mold from silicone sealants at the first sight of mold growth.

Below are some items that can be effective in cleaning mold from silicone sealant.

• Mild detergent

I usually dont recommend using bleach.

But in this situation, ;it can be effective in removing and killing the surface growth.

Before you attempt to use bleach or any other chemicals, make sure you read the instructions and NEVER mix bleach with other chemicals when cleaning.

Another important thing is to use protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and long sleeve shirt one that you dont mind if it gets bleach stains.

Ventilation is also important, always open windows and use exhaust fans.

These steps below can be used to remove mold from silicone or caulking in your bathroom shower.

They can be found at any home improvement store.