How to Remove Mildew From Tile

Tile is often used in kitchens and bathrooms.

Mildew occurs in most homes at one time or another due to humidity, heat or dirt. Tile is found in many bathrooms, kitchen areas and shower walls, thus it is a perfect breeding ground for mildew. It is not difficult to remove mildew from these areas. Mildew causes a musty odor in your home and may appear as pink, white, gray or black splotches on the tile. It can permanently discolor and stain the tile if allowed to continue growing. Keeping your tiled areas clean and dry is one of the best ways to prevent further mildew growth.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid laundry detergent
• Liquid water softener
• Scrub brush, old toothbrush or fingernail brush
• Chlorine bleach
• Cotton swab
• White distilled vinegar
• Regular household ammonia
• Washing soda
• Sponge
• Liquid silicone or car wax (optional)

Instructions

Detergent Method

1. Mix equal parts liquid laundry detergent, liquid water softener (such as Calgon) and warm water.

2. Use a scrub brush to scrub away the mildew. A toothbrush or fingernail brush is useful on grout lines.

3. Rinse the tile with clean water.

4. Mix 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach into 1 gallon of water and rinse the area again.

5. Apply full strength chlorine bleach to dark corners of the tile with a cotton swab.

6. Allow the bleach to sit on the tile for about 30 minutes. Rinse the area well with clean water and dry it well.

Ammonia Method

1. Mix 1/2 cup each of white distilled vinegar and ammonia, 1/4 cup washing soda and 1 gallon of warm water.

2. Use a sponge to wash the tile with the solution. Use a scrub brush in areas that are dark or that have a lot of mildew.

3. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent mildew from returning to the tile surfaces by applying a layer of silicone or liquid car wax to the tile.

• Run your exhaust fans while showering, bathing or cooking in the kitchen. This helps remove the humidity that causes mildew from the air.

• Do not use the wax prevention technique on shower or bathroom floors. This makes the floor area slippery.

References

• North Carolina State University: Mildew Prevention in the Home
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Rid Your Home of Mildew