Unsealed grout is quite porous, which means it can become moldy very easily. It’s not unusual to find mold growing in the grout in bathrooms. This area is prone to mold because it frequently gets wet and yet can take hours to dry. This gives mold time to grow.

Cleaning Mold From Grout

If you do discover mold growing in the grout in your bathroom, you can kill the mold and clean it off and may be able to remove the discoloration as well. However, the first thing you should do before purchasing or making a cleaner is to check what type of tile you have and which types of cleaner can be safely used on your tiles. For example, abrasive cleaners or bleach cannot be used on certain kinds of tiles because it could damage them.

Once you determine the cleaner you will be using; it is time to prepare. Be sure the room you will be working in is well-ventilated. Open any windows and doors and keep the fan in the room running. You may even need to add fans if the room has no windows. Always ensure plenty of ventilation, and if you are using a harsh cleaner, such as bleach, wear a ventilation mask as well. Also, never mix bleach and ammonia, as they will create toxic gases.

Cleaners You Can Make Yourself

There are a number of cleaners you can easily make yourself from substances you probably already have around the house, such as:

• White Vinegar: You don’t really need to make this. You can just spray this on the grout and let it sit for approximately a half-hour. Then, thoroughly scrub the area and spray it with white vinegar again. Let the vinegar sit for another half-hour and rinse. You can repeat the process if necessary.
• Baking Soda: Make a paste with baking soda and water that you can spread on the grout. Spread the cleaner on the grout and rub it in. After this, let the paste sit for an hour or two. Next, moisten the paste and scrub the grout to remove the mold. Repeat the process if needed.
• Bleach: Chlorine bleach can be used either at full strength or diluted to clean the grout. Do not mix the beach with other cleaners, as it could create toxic gases. Also, bleach is not a good choice if you have colored grout because it could cause discoloration.

Preventing Mold Growth

The best way to keep mold from forming on grout is to keep the area as dry and sanitary as possible. After showering, remove as much water from the bathroom floor as possible. Also, dry the shower walls, making sure the grout is dry, and then spray the shower with a daily shower cleaner or white vinegar. Make sure to leave the fan running in the bathroom for at least an hour after showering.

Final Thoughts

Mold is both unsightly and bad for you and your family’s health. But with a bit of work, you can remove the mold from the grout in your bathroom and make it less likely to reoccur.

Contact Us

If your home is suffering from a mold problem, contact Restore Pro. Our certified mold remediation experts have decades of experience restoring homes and businesses from the harmful effects of mold. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.