How to Clean Mildew From Grout

Mildew on grout is a common problem in high-moisture rooms such as bathrooms. Grout stained with mildew is unsightly and in severe cases it is smelly. Hydrogen peroxide effectively removes mildew stains from grout and is nontoxic to the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency considers low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to be safe for the environment because it quickly breaks down into water and oxygen.

Things You'll Need

• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Grout brush
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Pour 3 percent hydrogen peroxide directly on the mildewed grout. Containers of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide are sold at drugstores as an antiseptic.

2. Scrub the hydrogen peroxide-soaked grout using a grout brush. A grout brush is a stiff-bristled brush that is shaped for cleaning grout. The brush is sold at hardware supply stores.

3. Rinse the hydrogen peroxide off the grout with clean water.

4. Make a grout scrub out of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to remove stubborn mildew stains. To make the scrub, add just enough hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the mildewed grout and scrub using a grout brush.

5. Rinse the hydrogen peroxide-baking soda paste off the grout with clean water.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent future mildew from forming by providing adequate ventilation in moist, humid rooms. Open a window or install an exhaust fan in bathrooms.

References

• EPA Hydrogen Peroxide Fact Sheet