How to Clean Mold in Shower Grout: Tips and Tricks

The shower area in a bathroom is a place that is continuously exposed to heat and moisture. This creates the perfect environment for the development of mold that loves moist and warm surfaces. While tiles are often unaffected, grout is porous, making it vulnerable and exposed to the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Grout can often turn into a breeding ground for mold colonies that can be harmful to our health. People are often faced with the problem of how to clean mold in shower grout, so read on to find the most efficient solutions.

Cleaning Mold From Shower Grout

Removing mold from grout is possible but will require some patience and elbow grease. Cleaning the visible patches is one thing, but your job is not done there. You also need to kill the spores and restore a healthy environment by disinfecting the area. Follow these few tips on how to proceed.

1. Protect Yourself – Before you start cleaning the bathroom, be sure to equip yourself with gloves and a mask. It may also be wise to use some protective glasses in case you accidentally spray cleaning solution in the direction of your eyes.
   Always keep the door and windows open to ensure airflow and ventilation in the bathroom while cleaning. This will help avoid inhaling any harmful fumes that may be emitted from the cleaners.
2. Use a Bleach Solution – Chlorine bleach is known to kill mold spores but also disinfect and remove soap residue buildup. Prepare a one-part bleach and four-part water solution in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the moldy grout and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Use a rigid toothbrush and do some vigorous scrubbing to make sure you have covered all the areas. Rinse the bleach solution thoroughly with warm water and repeat the process if you feel it’s necessary.
3. The Environmentally Friendly Baking Soda – Baking soda is a practical product used for cleaning the shower area that’s not toxic as many commercial cleaners. Simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda and one gallon of water and spray on the affected areas.

Another method is to make a paste using 1/2 cup baking soda and several teaspoons of water. Using a brush, rub the paste on the mold-affected grout areas and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse the baking soda thoroughly and repeat to make sure the area is clean and mold-free.

How to Clean White Shower Grout?

Depending on the color of your tiles, you will have white, black, or any other color of grout. Since white or light-colored tiles are often used in the bathroom, you may be faced with a dilemma of how to clean white grout in shower areas.

One way to clean and whiten the grout is by use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix the two ingredients to create a thick paste. Then, using a brush, spread the paste on the mold-affected grout and let it work for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub the grout with a firm bristle brush and repeat if there is still visible mold. Use a damp cloth to remove the remaining paste, and then rinse thoroughly. Finish by wiping the area with a dry cloth to get rid of any excess moisture.

How to Clean Black Shower Grout?

If you need to know how to clean black grout in shower spaces, we have the solution for that as well. As described above, you can use baking soda, which is a great way to remove harmful contaminants.

Another way to clean dark-colored grout is to use vinegar. This is a natural and effective cleaning agent which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar and generously spray on the areas affected by mold. Wait for about 30 minutes for the solution to begin working, and then scrub with a bristle brush. Finally, rinse with warm water and repeat if needed.

How to Keep Your Shower Grout Mold-Free?

After following the instructions above, you have completed the time-consuming task of removing mold from the shower grout. Now follows the difficult task of keeping the space mold-free and clean going forward. So, read the following tips to find out how to keep grout clean in shower areas.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are installed for a reason: to eliminate the humidity and moisture from your bathroom. Always have the fan on when you are showering and for some time after that to eliminate any possibilities of mold appearing.

Use of Squeegee or Hand Towel

Once you complete your bathing routine, use a squeegee or a hand towel to remove any excess water from the shower walls and floor. This will help the moisture remaining on the tiles and grout to evaporate quickly, eliminating mold-growth possibilities.

Dry Your Bathing Towels

Allow towels to dry completely after use. Wet towels contribute to the humidity in the bathroom and can encourage mold growth. To get your towels perfectly dry, hang them across a bar or a shower rod, making sure there are no folds that can retain moisture.

Make Good Use of Windows and Doors

Keep the bathroom window open after you shower to let the moisture exit the bathroom. It’s also wise to leave the shower door open when not in use. This will allow for good ventilation and prevent the appearance of mold.

Shower Curtains and Liners

Use easy-to-clean shower curtains and liners. After showering, shake any remaining water off the curtain and leave it drawn so that it dries faster but doesn’t prevent air circulation.

Apply Mold-Prohibiting Solutions

Spray caulking and tiles with a mold-prohibiting solution. Prepare a natural anti-mold solution of equal parts of water and white vinegar and apply it at least once a week to prevent fungi from growing in your bathroom.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the tiles is the best way to reduce the possibility of molds appearing and growing in the grout. Putting off cleaning will lead to tiles being covered with soap residue, thus creating porous deposits that lead to mold creation.

Fix Leaky Faucets

Broken and leaky faucets and shower heads are potential sources of excess moisture. Fix them as soon as possible to remove the possibility of creating a terrain for fungi growth.

Apply Grout Sealer

If your grout is dry, then the best thing to do is seal the grout with silicone-based grout sealer. This is a sound barrier that will slow down moisture penetration.

Carpet Advisors: Your Trusted Tile and Grout Cleaning Service

We use safe cleaning methods in both residential and commercial facilities, and you can trust us to keep your space perfectly sanitary and fresh. Are you noticing stains on your tiles or significant dirt on the grout? Contact us today, and let us take care of it for you. We guarantee the use of high-quality materials and an expertly completed job!

FAQ

Why is the grout in my shower turning black?

There are many reasons why the grout can turn black. One is dirt accumulation, and another is the formation of mold due to excessive humidity and moisture. Both conditions can be prevented with a good and thorough cleaning and scrubbing of the grout.

Is it normal to have black mold in the shower?

Having any kind of mold in your shower is not normal and is a result of excessive humidity and moisture in your shower. Exposure to black mold spores is harmful to health and needs to be addressed immediately. It may lead to the development of asthma or any other respiratory issues and conditions.

How do I get rid of deep mold in my shower?

If you are dealing with deep mold, then the best thing to do is use a 1 part bleach and 2 parts water solution combined in a bottle. Spray the mixture evenly on the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a brush to scrub everything clean and help the solution to remove mold from the grout. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and repeat the process if necessary.

How do you keep black mold from coming back in the shower?

Preventing any kind of mold from appearing in your shower requires regular cleaning. There are no 100% guarantees that mold will not occur, but you can certainly prevent it from getting out of control. Keep the shower area dry and humidity-free by using a squeegee and exhaust fans or leaving the window open for air to circulate.

Apply mold-prohibition solutions and dry bathing towels completely. Removing mold spores is a never-ending battle, but if you keep an eye out and take the necessary measures on time, you will deal with the problem faster.

How do professionals clean grout?

Professional companies use a selection of cleaners that have a precise pH balance that’s ideal for removing stains and disinfecting the area. These solutions can range from natural mixes to commercial chemical products, depending on the company in question.