How to Clean Mold from Tile Before Regrouting

It is important to have clean tiles before regrouting. You simply cannot regrout over mold like you might hope since the mold is still there; you could inadvertently cause further and more serious issues later. Before you regrout, remove any mold and take out any decaying grout to actually make improvements in your home rather than covering up problems.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mask Rubber gloves Old clothes Tile cleaner Rag Toothbrush or nylon scrub brush Bleach Bucket Sponge

1. Open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan. Wear a mask, rubber gloves and old clothes. When cleaning the mold, you should take breaks outside every 15 minutes.

2. Spray a mildew-removing tile cleaner over a section of tiles and grout. Wipe it with a rag and then use an old toothbrush or nylon scrub brush to scrub the grout. If the grout is decaying or cracking, remove it with a grout-removing tool. If mildew is still present after this process, you will need harsher chemicals.

3. Pour bleach into a bucket. Use a sponge and soak the tile with the bleach. Close off the room and shut the door. You can also use oxygen bleach, also known as color-safe bleach, if you are concerned about using pure bleach, but this does not work as well.

4. Check on the tiles in about two hours. Repeat soaking the tiles with bleach if necessary and let it sit overnight. Rinse the tiles when the mildew is gone. You are now ready to regrout.

References

• Removing Mildew from Grout