How to Clean Mildew on Ceramic Tile

Mildew on ceramic tile is a common household problem, especially in the bathroom. Because mildew is hazardous to your health, it really is something you should not ignore or avoid. Tackling mildew on your tile will take some time and some elbow grease, but it can be done, even the engrained mildew stains in your grout. Follow these steps to rid your ceramic tile from mildew for good.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Gloves
• Mask
• Tile cleaner
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Rag
• Bristle brush
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Take proper precautions. Make sure your room is well ventilated. If the room is windowless, use a fan and take many breaks outside. Turn on the exhaust fan. Wear rubber gloves, goggles, mask and disposable clothes.

2. Clean the ceramic tile. Purchase tile cleaner for mildew and spray. First wipe down with a rag and then use a scrub brush. Use a toothbrush for the grout. Take your time. You can also use one-part bleach and three-parts water instead. This step will clean most of your mildew, however, you may have mildew that will just not go away.

3. Get out the bleach. Pour some bleach in a bucket and dip a sponge in it. Soak your tile with the bleach. If you are concerned about or are allergic to chlorine bleach, use oxygen bleach (color-safe bleach) instead.

4. Close off the room and let the bleach sit. Your mildew may disappear in a few hours or it may take a couple of days. Rinse when the mildew is gone. Repeat if necessary.

5. Keep your tile clean. To prevent mildew from growing again, clean your shower every week with tile cleaner.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also try a grout cleaning tool in which you scrape the top layer of grout off to expose cleaner grout underneath.