How to Clean Shower Grout Mold

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Do you want to learn how to clean shower grout mold? Those dark-colored spots that make your bathroom look unclean and can be a real challenge when cleaning? Yeah, it’s a struggle a lot of people share. Shower grout is usually exposed to moist and warm environments, which are the ideal conditions for mold to grow, so it isn’t surprising to see these spots there. But how exactly do you clean them?
We’ll discuss below how to clean shower grout mold to help you, me, and everyone out!

How to Clean Shower Grout Mold

Before trying to do any cleaning, follow the necessary safety precautions. Wear gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and a mask. Additionally, make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated.
Most listed cleaning agents are safe, but working around mold is generally unsafe. That’s especially if you’re allergic or suffer from asthma. It’s also better to keep any kids outs while you’re cleaning.

White Vinegar

Vinegar, an essential cooking ingredient, is a natural cleaning agent because of its acidic properties. It’s used for plenty of cleaning applications around the house, shower grout mold included.
Here’s how to use it to clean shower grout mold:

1. Dilute the white vinegar with equal water, then put the solution in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution on the shower grout. Leave it for about 30 minutes or longer if needed.
3. After about 30 minutes, scrub the area with an old toothbrush or stiff brush.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 as necessary.

White vinegar is easily accessible and an affordable natural cleaning agent. However, if used long-term, it may cause a chemical reaction with the calcium and the cement in the shower grout, eventually weakening it.

Chlorine Bleach

Before using bleach, ensure enough air circulation in the bathroom and use protective equipment like safety glasses, gloves, and a mask. It would be best if you didn’t let the bleach touch your skin to avoid irritating it.
Here’s how to use it:

1. Dilute bleach with water using a 1:4 ratio, then pour the solution into a spray bottle.
2. Spray on the shower grout. Leave it for about 30 minutes or longer if necessary.
3. Brush the area with a toothbrush or any stiff brush.
4. Rinse off the area thoroughly with water.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 times as required.

Like vinegar, bleach is a common household item, making it accessible to everyone. However, it may cause discoloration on the shower grout if used long-term. So, it should only be used on white shower grouts.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used for treating wounds. However, it can also be used for other purposes, such as disinfecting kitchen tools like sponges or cutting boards and cleaning around the house. Other than that, it can also be used to clean shower grout mold.

Here’s how to use it: (liquid only)

1. Pour the Hydrogen peroxide into a safe spray bottle.
2. Spray the area and leave it to sit for at least 10 minutes.
3. Brush the area using a toothbrush or any stiff brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water before drying it with a clean rag.

Here’s how to use it: (with baking soda)

1. Gradually add hydrogen peroxide to the baking soda in a bowl using a 1:2 ratio until a paste-like mixture is formed.
2. Brush the paste directly onto the shower grout using a toothbrush.
3. Rinse off the area thoroughly with water.

Hydrogen peroxide can eliminate mold spores, preventing them from regrowing, so it’s one of the best options for cleaning.

Commercial Cleaning Gel

Cleaning gels were made to stay on the grout instead of dripping down like liquid cleaners. They’re made to last longer on the shower grout, at least longer than liquid cleaning agents. Here’s how to use it, but beforehand, make sure to check the instructions on the bottle:

1. Uncap the cleaning gel and squeeze the bottle along the shower grout.
2. Leave it to sit depending on the time specified on the product. Some products recommend leaving it for at least 5 hours.
3. Using a rag, wipe the product off the shower grout.
4. Wash the area thoroughly with water.

Cleaning gel is easy to use. It doesn’t involve mixing a chemical with another or any extra steps. However, it’s a little expensive compared to regular cleaning agents, and you would have to leave it for hours.

Steam Cleaning

If you aren’t comfortable handling chemicals, steam cleaners might be a better option. You can rent or purchase your own. Some cleaners have different attachments, such as brushes and nozzles, to fit the task you’re using them for. Here’s how to use a steam cleaner to remove grout mold:

1. Make sure there is no surface dirt or debris on the shower grout.
2. Assemble your steam cleaner according to the manual that comes with it.
3. Make sure you use the right attachments.
4. Steam clean the shower grout, starting from top to bottom. During this step, frequently check and clean the brush.
5. Wash the steamed area with water.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 as necessary.

You can also hire steam cleaning professionals to do the job for you if there are any in your area.
Steam cleaning is safe and eco-friendly as it doesn’t need chemicals that can be dangerous when not handled properly. However, whether the steam cleaner is rented or purchased, it’s relatively expensive.

Conclusion

Cleaning shower grout mold can be a hassle. This is why it’s essential to know the different and proper methods to clean it. You can use everyday household items such as vinegar and bleach. You can also buy commercial products like hydrogen peroxide, cleaning gel, and steam cleaner, whichever you find suitable and easy to use.

Now you can enjoy and admire your clean and mold-free shower grout each time you take a shower!