Have you noticed a nasty black discoloration around the grout in your shower? You might be dealing with mold. Not only is it unsightly, but if left unchecked, it can spread to other areas of your home and become a serious health hazard.
Mold is an unwanted fungus that grows when excess moisture accumulates in a damp environment. Unfortunately, bathrooms are prime breeding grounds for mold because warm showers release moisture-filled air particles that can linger in the area as long as proper ventilation isn’t provided. If not treated, this can lead to further damage, like wood rot and weakened support structures.
It’s important to take action immediately if you suspect that there is mold in your shower grout. Here’s an overview of what needs to be done to get rid of the mold and prevent it from coming back in the future.
Warm Water And A Scrub Brush
Warm water and a scrub brush are an effective way to remove mold from small areas. This method is especially useful for tile grout lines, where a stiff brush can fit in the crevices and help to physically remove the mold. It is important to note that even dead mold can cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is important to thoroughly scrub the area with warm water and a scrub brush.
Additionally, it is important to wash towels and bath mats frequently to prevent mold growth. Allow towels to dry completely between each use, and hang bathmats up when possible. Doing this will help keep your bathroom clean and free of mold.
In order to keep your bathroom free of mold, it is also important to take preventive measures such as keeping surfaces dry and ventilating the room properly. If you notice any signs of mold growth, act quickly by using warm water and a scrub brush to remove it before it spreads further.
Baking Soda Or Borax
Baking soda and borax are two common household items that can be used to kill mold and scrub it off. To use them, you can make a paste with water and apply it directly to the grout, or mix 1/2 cup of baking soda or borax with a gallon of water in a spray bottle. It is important to avoid scrubbing tiles directly with baking soda as it is abrasive; instead, use a thin brush or toothbrush.
After mixing baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the mold and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing it off. If the mold is growing behind bathroom tile, however, it is best to hire a professional to clean and repair the area.
Baking soda and borax are both effective at killing mold and removing it from surfaces. They are also relatively inexpensive solutions that most people have on hand already.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective and safe do-it-yourself mold removal solution. It can be used to create a paste, sprayed directly onto affected areas, or combined with baking soda for added effectiveness. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing and wiping down the tiles and grout. This will help to remove any visible mold growth as well as kill off any invisible spores that may still be present.
In addition to being a great mold remover, hydrogen peroxide is also a whitening and cleaning agent used in toothpaste and household cleaners. It can be used to clean grout, leaving it white and free of mold, as well as acting as a fungicide to remove invisible mold spores. To get the best results, make a paste by combining hydrogen peroxide with either flour or baking soda and apply it directly to the grout using a toothbrush.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile and natural cleaning agent that can be used to tackle a variety of household tasks. It has acidic properties that make it effective at preventing bacteria growth, and it can also be used to remove mild cases of black mold from grout in the bathroom. To do this, prepare a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area, let sit for half an hour, scrub with a bristle brush, then rinse off with warm water. You may need to repeat this process multiple times for best effect.
Vinegar can also be used to clean tiles. Create a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray onto affected areas of grout and tiles. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a bristle brush and rinsing off with warm water.Â
Bleach
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to eradicate mold. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using bleach as an effective way to remove mold from surfaces. To use, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water and apply the solution directly to the affected area. For grout, it is recommended to dilute the bleach with water in a 1:4 ratio before use. However, it is important to note that bleach should not be used on porous surfaces such as ceilings or walls. After using bleach to clean grout, rinse the area thoroughly with water to avoid skin or clothing damage.
Using bleach as a cleaning agent for mold can be an effective way to keep your home free of harmful spores and bacteria. It is important to remember that when using bleach, safety precautions must be taken such as wearing protective gloves and eyewear and avoiding contact with skin or clothing.
Table Salt
Table salt is a great natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove mold from grout in the bathroom. To use it, dampen a cloth and sprinkle salt onto it. Use the dampened cloth to scrub grout and tiles, then allow it to sit overnight before rinsing off with water the next morning. This method is an effective way to get rid of mold without using harsh chemicals.
Salt can also be used as a preventative measure against future mold growth. Sprinkle salt on areas where mold has been previously seen or where there is potential for mold growth. Scrub the salt into the grout with a brush and let it sit for up to 12 hours before rinsing off with water.
Steam
Steam is a powerful tool for cleaning and removing mold from surfaces. When heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, water vaporizes into steam, which can be used to kill mold spores and remove them from surfaces. To use steam safely, it is important to buy or rent a steam cleaner and follow the instructions carefully. Before steaming, it is important to wipe away as much of the mold as possible with a cloth or brush. Then, focus on joints and sealant when steaming the door. Afterward, dry off the door with a towel and apply a water-repellent solution for shine.
Using steam to clean mold is an effective way of removing it from surfaces without using harsh chemicals that may damage the surface or cause health problems. It is important to remember that temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit can be dangerous for even the hardiest temperature-resistant species, so caution should be taken when using steam cleaners.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a great way to combat mold. They have been demonstrated to be effective against mold and can be used in a variety of ways. To use essential oils, mix 25 drops of the oil with half a cup of isopropyl alcohol and plain water. This solution can then be sprayed directly onto the mold and saturated completely. Tea tree or citrus seed oil can also be mixed with water in a spray bottle for an effective cleaning solution. It is important to note that essential oils may be harmful to pets, so keep them away while cleaning.
After spraying the solution onto the mold, let it dry completely before wiping away any excess with a damp rag. If necessary, reapply the solution and let it dry again. With this method, you can easily get rid of any pesky mold without having to resort to harsh chemicals or expensive treatments.