How to Remove Mold/Mildew From Bathroom Grout

Mold and mildew in the bathroom create an unhealthy atmosphere.

Bathrooms boast an optimal place for mold and mildew to grow with the humidity from the shower along with the dirt and grime that you think gets washed away. Mold and mildew are fungal growths that travel by air as they make their way to an ideal spot. Grout is a common victim of these fungal inconveniences as they settle in and begin to spread. Since mold and mildew are neither pleasant to look at or sanitary, prompt action is a necessity.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-bristled brush or toothbrush
• Broom
• Paper towels
• Oxygen bleach
• Squeegee
• Towel

Instructions

Clean Floor Grout

1. Dampen the grout with water to keep the mold and mildew spores from becoming airborne as you clean.

2. Scrub away loose mold and mildew with a medium-bristled brush. An old toothbrush works well for cleaning grout.

3. Sweep up the mold or pick it up with paper towels and discard it in an outside trash can.

4. Mix warm water and oxygen bleach together. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to guide you for ratio.

5. Pour the solution onto the floor to fill the grout lines.

6. Allow the solution to sit for 15 to 20 minutes to work on the grout.

7. Pour fresh oxygen bleach solution over the grout and scrub away the remaining mildew and mold stains with the toothbrush.

8. Rinse the floor with clean water.

9. Squeegee the excess moisture to the edge of the room and wipe it up with towels.

Clean Shower and Wall Grout

1. Fill a spray bottle with water and saturate the mold and mildew.

2. Wipe or brush away loose mold and mildew spores with a medium-bristled brush or paper towel and discard it in a trash can outside.

3. Mix oxygen bleach and water in a spray bottle per the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Spray the solution onto the affected grout to saturate it.

5. Keep the area damp with the solution for 15 to 20 minutes by spraying it every few minutes as it begins to evaporate.

6. Spray the area again and scrub the grout with the toothbrush until it is clean and there are no stains remaining.

7. Rinse the area with clean water before drying the wall with an absorbent towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Always protect yourself when dealing with mold and mildew by wearing gloves, glasses and a mask.

References

• University of MIssouri Extension; How to Prevent and Remove Mildew — Home Methods; Wanda Eubank; April 1998
• St. Petersburg Times; Clean Tile Floors, Grout With Oxygen Bleach; Tim Carter; April 2009
• North Dakota State University; Remove Mold for a Healthy Home; Kenneth Hellevang; April 2009