March 25, 2024
How to Clean Mold from Shower Grout
There’s nothing better than a long, hot shower after a busy day running around New York City or slaving away at the office. But if your shower has become a breeding ground for mold, that “relaxing” soak becomes just the opposite. Mold in your shower grout and other crevices can be not only unsightly but potentially dangerous for your health. Don’t panic! There are several quick and easy ways to get rid of mold in your shower once and for all.
Common Causes of Mold in Shower Grout
What causes mold to grow in your shower in the first place? Mold grows in moist conditions, and the grout in your bathroom is the perfect place for harmful bacteria to thrive, even if you follow a regular cleaning schedule.
Excess humidity and poor ventilation in your bathroom can make your mold problem worse. New York winters can be brutally cold, and nothing feels better than a hot shower after coming in from a snowstorm. Unfortunately, the steam from your shower can help mold grow, particularly if you don’t have a window or exhaust fan in your bathroom.
Removing Mold from Shower Grout
If you’ve got mold in your shower, don’t panic. A few simple tools and some elbow grease will get rid of the mold and bring your bathroom back to its former glory. Before you begin, grab some rubber gloves and a mask to protect yourself from mold and any harsh fumes that may come from your cleaners. Keep doors and windows open for optimal ventilation.
Gather your tools, which should include a broom and dustpan, scrubbing sponge, bleach, and a bucket. You can also grab an old toothbrush to help you clean tiny corners and crevices. Then, sweep away loose dirt and debris before applying your cleaning solution. If you skip this step, then the dirt can mix with the cleaner and create a muddy mess in your bathroom.
An easy at-home cleaner can be made with one part bleach to 10 parts water. Add your solution to a spray bottle and soak the mold and mildew with your cleaner. Be sure not to miss visible mold on any lightly colored tile grout or caulk. Let the solution sit undisturbed for at least five minutes, giving the bleach time to penetrate the grout and kill the mold.
After five minutes or longer, use your scrubbing sponge to gently scrub the grout or caulk. Smaller areas can be tackled with a toothbrush. Finally, use a clean, wet rag or cloth to wipe down the caulk.
If you don’t have bleach on hand or want to use something less odorous, you can clean mold by combining half a cup of baking soda with a gallon of water. Put your solution into a spray bottle, apply it to the grout or caulk, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Finish by rinsing the surface with warm water. Don’t have a spray bottle? Instead, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the grout, wait 10 minutes, then scrub with your brush and rinse with warm water.
Alternatively, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar for a natural and effective cleaning solution. Spray the solution onto the affected areas, wait 30 minutes, then scrub. Rinse with warm water. This method is ideal if you have black grout, as it will remove the mold without discoloring your shower.
If you’re seeking a store-bought fix, you can purchase a commercial mold remover at your local hardware store. Well-known brands such as CLR, Lysol, and Clorox offer affordable options that are readily available throughout New York.
Keep Your Shower Mold-Free
Now that you’ve gotten rid of the mold in your bathroom, you’ll want to keep it that way. Thankfully, keeping your shower clean and mold-free doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.
First, ensure that your bathroom’s exhaust fan is always on when you’re showering to reduce humidity and moisture. Don’t turn the fan off as soon as you get done, though. Keep the fan on for a few minutes afterward to help the moisture on the walls and floor evaporate. If you have a window in your bathroom, open it up to let the moisture out.
After showering, use a towel or squeegee to wipe excess water from the shower walls and floor. This practice will remove moisture and help your exhaust fan work more quickly and effectively. When you’re not using your shower, leave the door or curtain open to ensure proper ventilation. If you’ve got a curtain, shake it off after your shower, helping it to dry faster.
If you’re leaving wet towels in the bathroom after showering, you could be unknowingly contributing to mold growth. Let your towels dry completely after use, whether you choose to drape them across your shower rod or a towel rack. Be sure to smooth out any folds where moisture can be trapped.
Silicone-based grout sealer is an effective product for slowing the penetration of moisture in your dry grout. You can also apply a mold-prohibiting solution made from equal parts water and white vinegar. Using this solution once a week can help prevent the growth of fungi and harmful bacteria.
Finally, take good care of your bathroom. If you notice a leak in your faucet or shower head, try to get it fixed as soon as possible. Clean your bathroom and shower regularly to get rid of soap residue, which can trap moisture and allow mold to grow.
Work with White Glove Cleaner
Dealing with mold in your bathroom can be intimidating, but luckily, it’s a relatively easy problem to deal with. Once your bathroom is sparkling clean again, regular maintenance is all it takes to keep mold at bay for good. But when life gets in the way and you don’t have time to clean as often as you’d like, how can you maintain a mold-free home or apartment?
White Glove Cleaner is here to help. We are proud to be one of the most trusted residential cleaning and commercial cleaning services in New York City, serving all five boroughs. Our team can visit your residence or workplace to offer one-time cleaning services or recurring visits every week, two weeks, or month. All of our team members are individually vetted and background checked, so you can rest assured knowing you’re working with the most dedicated and trusted professionals. Hiring a cleaning team can not only save you time and energy, but because we use our own tools and cleaners, it can save you money as well. Let us handle the dirty work (literally) so you can use your precious free time to enjoy what matters most to you. Contact White Glove Cleaner today to learn more about all of our cleaning services.