Having mold in your shower grout is not only unattractive but also hazardous to one’s health. Mold consists of fungi that are capable of creating an unpleasant odor and causing respiratory problems. Fortunately, there are many natural and simple solutions for banishing mold from shower grout. Most of these solutions require only a few basic ingredients that can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store. Read on to learn about these simple solutions and how they can help.
The Importance of Mold Removal
Mold grows in warm and wet environments, making the shower one of its favorite places in the house. The health hazards of mold can range from a mild allergic reaction to a more severe one that causes coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. If left untreated, mold can also begin to break down the grout, which will weaken the structure of the tiles and cause them to become loose. Ignoring mold in the shower can be disastrous and can lead to expensive repairs, so it’s important to take care of it as soon as it appears.
Cleaning Shower Grout with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
One of the most effective and affordable methods of cleaning mold from shower grout is by using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This combination creates a fizzing reaction that helps to break down and remove the mold. The following are steps to take when using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean the grout:
Step One: Mixing the Solution
Mix half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Mix well to form a paste.
Step Two: Applying the Solution
Using a brush with stiff bristles, apply the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution to the moldy grout. Use the brush to scrub the paste into the grout, focusing on the areas heavily affected by mold. Leave the paste to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step Three: Rinsing the Grout
Once the mixture has sat, rinse the grout with warm water to remove the paste. Repeat the entire process until you have removed as much mold as possible.
Cleaning Shower Grout with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Using baking soda and vinegar together can be an effective way to remove mold from the shower grout. Vinegar is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold and bacteria, while baking soda can help to remove stains and unpleasant odors. Here are the steps to take:
Step One: Mixing the Solution
Combine half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of white vinegar in a small bowl. The mixture will begin to fizz, so stir it for a few seconds to combine the ingredients until a thick paste forms.
Step Two: Applying the Solution
Using a brush with stiff bristles, apply the mixture to the moldy grout. Use the brush to scrub the paste into the grout, focusing on the areas heavily affected by mold. Allow the paste to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step Three: Rinsing the Grout
Rinse the grout with warm water to remove the paste. Repeat the process until all traces of mold are gone.
Cleaning Shower Grout with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it a useful tool against molds on the shower grout. The following are steps to take when using tea tree oil to clean the grout:
Step One: Mix the Solution
In a spray bottle, mix ½ teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water.
Step Two: Spraying the Solution
Spray the solution onto the moldy areas of the shower grout. Avoid using too much of the mixture as it will make the area wet.
Step Three: Waiting for the Solution to Work
Leave the solution to work for thirty minutes then wipe the area with a clean cloth.
Cleaning Shower Grout with Bleach
Bleach is a powerful cleaner that is often used to kill mold spores. When used properly, bleach can effectively clean grout in the shower, but be careful not to use too much bleach as it can be hard on the skin and eyes. The following are steps to take when using bleach to clean the grout:
Step One: Preparing the Solution
Mix one part of bleach with nine parts of water in a small bowl.
Step Two: Applying the Solution on the Grout
Using a brush with stiff bristles, apply the bleach solution to the moldy grout. Use the brush to scrub the solution into the grout, focusing on the areas heavily affected by mold. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes.
Step Three: Rinsing the Grout
Once the mixture has sat, rinse the grout with warm water to remove the bleach solution.
Natural Ways to Prevent Mold from Growing on Shower Grout
There are natural methods to prevent mold from growing on shower grout that don’t involve using harsh chemicals every time you take a shower. By making small changes to your shower routine and keeping the shower clean and dry, you can prevent mold from growing on the shower grout. The following are some tips to help prevent mold growth:
Tip One: Squeegee the Shower After Every Use
After every shower, use a squeegee to remove the excess water from the shower walls and floor. This will reduce the amount of moisture that is left on the shower walls and floor, preventing mold from growing.
Tip Two: Keep the Bathroom Ventilated
Allow air to circulate in your bathroom by opening the windows or running the ventilation fan during and after showering. This will help to remove moisture and prevent mold growth.
Tip Three: Clean Regularly
Clean the shower regularly using a natural cleaning solution or any of the methods discussed above. This will help to remove any molds that may have formed before they grow.
Conclusion
Preventing and getting rid of mold growth on shower grout takes effort, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive task. Using natural and readily available ingredients and adopting simple habits can eliminate the problem of moldy shower grout. And once you have succeeded in your mission, remember to keep the shower clean and dry to prevent mold from coming back.
FAQs
Below are some of the common questions people ask about getting rid of mold from the shower grout and the answers to those questions.
- Q: What chemicals can I use to get rid of mold on shower grout?
- A: You can use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, tea tree oil, or baking soda to remove mold from shower grout.
- Q: How often should I clean my shower to prevent mold growth?
- A: You should clean your shower regularly, preferably once a week, to prevent mold growth.
- Q: Can bleach damage shower grout?
- A: Yes, bleach can damage shower grout with prolonged use.
References
The following are the sources that were used to put this article together: