How to Kill Mildew on Bathroom Tile
The smaller size of bathrooms, coupled with their consistent exposure to moisture creates a damp, humid environment hospitable to mildew growth. Mildew is fuzzy in texture and may be gray, green, black or rust colored. Mildew is a mold and should be considered an indicator of mold spores. Mold spores may trigger allergic reactions and cause discomfort or illness in those sensitive to allergens or with bronchial conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Bathroom cleaner
- Sponge
- Cloths
- Bucket
- Bleach or vinegar
- Paper towels
- Scrub brush
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a sponge or soft cloth to clean the tiled surface with either a mild off-the-shelf, all-purpose cleaner or a solution of dish soap and water. Dry with a clean cloth. Do not use any product or solution containing bleach or vinegar.
-
2
Open the bathroom window to ventilate the room. If the bathroom does not have a window, turn on the exhaust fan and open the windows in an adjacent room, or place a portable fan outside the bathroom door.
-
-
3
Pour approximately 2 to 3 cups of bleach into a small bucket. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and dip a paper towel into the bleach. Do not wring out the towel, but allow the excess bleach to drip back into the bucket.
-
4
Lay the paper towel flat onto the tiled floor. Continue dipping towels into the bleach and laying them onto the floor until the floor is covered. Allow the towels to sit for five minutes.
-
5
Put the rubber gloves back on and scoop up the towels and place them in a plastic trash bag. Rinse the floor with lukewarm water using a stiff-bristled scrub brush. Wipe the floor dry with a clean cloth.
-
6
Mix a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1/2 cup water in a small bucket. Put on rubber gloves and use the scrub brush to wash down the tiled shower walls. Use the bleach solution on glass shower doors as well.
-
7
Wipe down the walls and doors with a clean cloth to dry. Keep the windows open or the fans running for another 20 minutes to ensure the tiled surfaces are completely dry.
-
8
Inspect the tiles and grout closely for any evidence of remaining mildew. Apply bleach to the mildewed area as needed.
-
9
Use vinegar as an alternative to bleach if sensitivities prevent the use of bleach. The high acidity levels of both bleach and vinegar make them effective cleaners in killing mildew on tiles and grout, but never mix vinegar with bleach, as the result is a toxic gas.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Reduce the proliferation of mildew and mold spores with the use of the bathroom fan and room ventilation.
Wipe down walls and shower doors after showers or baths and clean tiled areas often with mild cleaners and scrub brushes to avoid mildew.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
