How Do I Get Black Mold Out Of Shower Grout?

Molds like to grow in warm, moist areas with poor air circulation. Bathrooms are a common place for mold because the humidity always high and there’s not much airflow going on. This means you’ll often see it growing on walls and ceilings, between tiles or even where caulking meets bathtubs!

Tile grout is a breeding ground for mold. This should come as no surprise, considering that tiles are often found in moist areas (like kitchen backsplashes and shower enclosures) where the porous material of tile can be easily contaminated by moisture-loving spores like mildew.

What Is Black Mold and Why Do I Need To Get It Out Of My Shower Grout ASAP?

The technical term for black mold is Stachybotrys chartarum and it often presents as a greenish / black color.

Mold is a type of fungus that can be found in damp areas with poor air circulation. It can grow anywhere with enough moisture, but black mold has a distinct appearance that you will not be able to miss. It may look fuzzy or feel like velvet when touched. If left untreated, black mold can cause health issues such as respiratory problems and infections for people who are sensitive to it. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to clean black mold from your shower grout!

The Best Way To Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom Tiles and Grouting

There are several methods that you can use to get rid of that black mold in your grout.

Using Diluted Bleach

1. You’ll need a spray bottle to use.

2. Fill the spray bottle with 4 parts water to 1 part bleach.

3. Spray the area with the mixture in the spray bottle and wait 30 – 40 minutes.

4. Scrub the area with a scrub brush or old toothbrush.

5. Rinse the area and repeat if necessary.

Using Bleach

1. If the diluted bleach did not work then you’ll want to use bleach on the area directly.

2. You can dip your brush into your bleach and then use it to scrub the affected spots.

3. Wait about 30 minutes and then rise the area.

4. Repeat if necessary.

WARNING: Bleach will discolor colored tiles so DO NOT USE the direct bleach method if you have these items.

Using Baking Soda

1. In a spray bottle, mix one gallon of water with 1/2 cup of baking soda.

2. Spray the affected area and wait 30 – 40 minutes.

3. Rinse the area with water.

4. Pour baking soda onto a plate, about 1/2 cup or so.

5. Dip your brush into the baking soda on the plate and scrub the grout.

6. Rinse the scrubbed area with water.

7. Create a paste of 1/2 cup of baking soda with some water (make it pasty, not liquidy) and then spread that paste onto the affected areas. Let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes and then scrub it away with your brush.

8. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.

Just an FYI – you can also use Borax instead of baking soda if you have that handy.

Using Salt (yes, regular table salt)

1. Make sure the affected areas are damp.

2. Sprinkle salt, a good amount of salt onto those areas and give it a good scrub.

3. Let it sit overnight, then rinse with water.

Using Vinegar

1. Fill a spray bottle with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water.

2. Spray the affected areas with this mixture.

3. Wait 30 – 40 minutes.

4. Scrub the area and then rinse with water.

5. Repeat if necessary.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Mix hydrogen peroxide with white flour to create a thick paste.

2. Apply this paste to the affected grout area and let it sit overnight.

3. In the morning, rinse the area with water.

4. If you have very stubborn mold you can make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area and just pour some hydrogen peroxide over that paste. Let it fizz for a while (this should loosen that mold) and then use your scrub brush or toothbrush on the area. Rinse it. Repeat if necessary.

Preventing Future Growth Of Black Mold On The Walls Or Floor Of Your Bathroom

There are certain things that you can do to help prevent mold from taking over your bathroom.

1. Use your bathroom fan when you are in the bathroom and especially when you are taking a shower or a bath.

2. Use your squeegee every time you finish taking a shower.

3. Keep to a regular cleaning schedule and use any of the methods we mentioned above to keep your shower grout and other areas of your bathroom clean.

4. Consider sealing grout lines. There are multiple products available for this purpose. Consult with the experts at your local hardware store.

Cleaning grout may seem like a small task, but it can be the difference between mold and freshness. Keep your shower clean by following our easy tips for cleaning your grout.

If you have any questions about getting rid of mold or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.