How to Remove Dark Stains From Bathroom Tiles

Regular bathroom cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good hygiene, but even a bathroom that is cleaned regularly may be afflicted with stains from mold and mildew. The moisture caused by water used in the shower, tub or sink makes bathrooms a breeding ground for black mold stains which can affect bathroom tile, especially the grout in between tiles. Removing black stains from tile can be difficult if they are set in deeply, but using powerful cleaning products and elbow grease can overcome most stains.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Sponge
• Paper towels
• Commercial tile cleaner
• Stiff bristled brush
• Bleach
• Spray bottle

1. Wash the stained tiles thoroughly with a sponge and water. This will get any superficial dirt or soap scum out of the way of cleaning the stain.

2. Dry the tile with a paper towel.

3. Apply a commercial tile cleaner to the stained area and use a stiff bristled brush to rub it into the tile. Popular tile cleaners include Soft Scrub and Arm and Hammer.

4. Allow the cleaner to sit on the tile for several minutes. Follow the directions on your particular cleaner as to how long to let it sit.

5. Scrub the tile again with your brush, then wash away the cleaner with water.

6. Dry the tile with paper towel, then spray the area with a spray bottle containing bleach diluted in water.

7. Allow the bleach to sit for 15 minutes, then wash it off with water and dry the tile once more with paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• Mold that hasn't been addressed for long periods of time and is set in very deeply may be difficult to remove, even with bleach and cleaners made to remove mold. Try cleaning multiple times to rid of problem stains. Airing out your bathroom after showers by opening the doors and windows can reduce moisture and mold growth; better yet, take faster showers with lukewarm water that doesn't create steam.
• When working with cleaners and bleach, be sure the area is well ventilated.

References

• Info on removing mold from tiles
• Bathroom cleaning tips