How to Prevent Tile Mildew
Mildew thrives on tile as long as the fungus gets warmth, water and food. Mildew food sources include traces of oils and soaps. Most tiled areas, such as your bathroom or kitchen, provide an ideal home for mildew growth. This growth causes unpleasant-looking stains on tile and is sometimes easier to prevent than to remove. You can prevent tile mildew through regular maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Clean tiled areas frequently. On AsktheBuilder.com, nationally syndicated columnist Tim Carter recommends cleaning shower areas at least once every 2 weeks to prevent mildew. Use an anti-fungal tile cleaner--most bathroom tile cleaners contain bleach or other anti-fungal chemicals--and scrub the tile and grout well with a sponge and hot water.
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Seal the grout between your tiles. Unsealed grout is porous and provides a great place for mildew growth. Once mildew takes root in unsealed grout, it is much more difficult to remove. Contractors usually seal grout in the bathroom after installation; however, you may need to reseal grout every few years.
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Dry the tiled area each time it becomes moist. In the bathroom or kitchen, use a squeegee to remove soap scum and excess moisture and then dry the tiles with a soft towel. For bathroom tile, AsktheBuilder.com recommends rinsing tile with fresh water before using the squeegee.
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Ventilate tiled rooms. In dry climates, keeping a door or window open may be sufficient. In humid climates, or after you've steamed up the room with a shower, use a fan to dry out the air. The dryer you keep the room, the less likely mold or mildew will develop.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also use car wax to help keep wall tiles free of mildew and easier to clean. Just clean and dry the tiles thoroughly and buff on a thin layer of wax with a soft cloth.
