How to Remove Black Mold From Shower Tile Grout

Mold is a fungus that grows in moist environments. It's no wonder that a common place that black mold is found is on shower tile grout. Although mold is usually not harmful to people, those with asthma and allergies can experience unpleasant symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and eye irritation when exposed to mold. It is important to clean black mold from the shower tiles to keep the surface neat in appearance and to reduce any health risks to you and your family.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Chlorine or oxygen bleach
• Bucket
• Sponge
• Rags
• Stiff scrub brush
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup ammonia
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• Baking soda
• Toothbrush
• Cotton swabs
• 1 tablespoon tea tree or eucalyptus oil
• 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

1. Mix a solution of four parts warm water and one part chlorine bleach in a bucket. If the mold is growing on colored grout, use oxygen bleach rather than chlorine bleach. This is safe on colors and non-toxic.

2. Apply the bleach solution to the grout using a soaked sponge or rag. Allow it to sit on the grout for about 15 minutes.

3. Scrub the grout with a stiff brush then rinse with clean water. Allow the grout to air dry.

4. Combine ½ cup of white vinegar, ½ cup of ammonia and ¼ cup of washing soda into one gallon of warm water for an alternative method to clean the moldy grout. Wash the grout with the mixture using a scrub brush. Rinse the mixture off of the grout with clean water.

5. Make a paste of baking soda and bleach for more stubborn mold stains. Scrub the grout briskly with a toothbrush then rinse clean. You can also apply straight bleach to the molded areas using a cotton swab. Allow it to sit on the stain for a few minutes then rinse clean.

6. Mix one tablespoon of tea tree oil into a spray bottle with hot, soapy water for a more natural cleaning method. Spray the molded grout then use a scrub brush to remove the mold. There is no need to rinse the solution. Beware-tea tree oil has a very strong smell. You can substitute the tea tree oil for eucalyptus oil, which smells pleasant, if you would prefer

7. Combine ½ cup hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle with one cup of water for a final option to clean mold. Spray on the moldy grout and do not rinse.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the cleaning product of your choice on a small, inconspicuous area of the grout prior to cleaning the entire surface area. Some products may discolor the grout.

• Wear rubber gloves when working with cleaning products to avoid skin irritation.

• Never mix bleach and ammonia. This combination can produce toxic fumes that may be harmful to your health.

References

• Ask the Builder
• Green America
• The Frugal Life