Mold can be a huge problem in any home. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous to your health. How can you remove mold from tile grout?
To remove mold from tile grout you can either use warm water and a scrub brush, baking soda, borax, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or beach. Sometimes using a steam cleaner can also help you to remove mold from tile grout.
In this blog post, I will teach you how to remove mold from tile grout using natural ingredients. I’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent mold from forming in the future.
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What To Know About Mold
- Mold can be harmful to your health.
- Mold needs moisture to grow.
- Wear a mask, gloves, and potentially goggles when cleaning the mold.
How to Remove Mold From Tile Grout
Here are the different methods you can use to remove mold from tile grout:
1. Warm Water and a Scrub Brush
This is the simplest way to remove mold from tile grout. There is no need to use harsh chemicals when warm water and a scrub brush will do the trick. Follow this step-by-step guide when removing mold through this method:
- Fill a spray bottle or a bucket with warm water.
- Spray the moldy tile grout with warm water.
- Let the water sit for a few minutes to loosen the mold.
- Scrub the area with a scrub brush. you need to do this vigorously in a back-and-forth motion.
- Rinse the area with clean water.
- Repeat steps 2-5 if necessary.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can also be used to remove mold from tile grout. Just make a paste of baking soda and water, and then apply it to the moldy areas.
Let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area clean. Rinse well and dry completely when you’re done.
Note that baking soda is abrasive. Therefore you need to be careful when using it on delicate surfaces like tiles. If you’re not sure, test a small area first before proceeding.
According to the EPA, to effectively clean up mold, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
3. Borax
Just like baking soda, borax is also an effective cleaning agent that can be used to remove mold from tile grout.
The process of using borax to remove mold is similar to using baking soda. Just make a paste of borax and water, and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area clean. Rinse well with clean water and dry completely when you’re done.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can be used to kill mold.
To use hydrogen peroxide to remove mold, just pour it onto the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the area clean, and then rinse with clean water.
If you’re in the mood for some DIY, you can also make a mold-killing spray by mixing 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water. Pour it into a spray bottle and use it as needed.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar makes a very good cleaning agent. You need to note that vinegar may not be the best cleaning agent though. It takes a little more time and effort to work.
To remove mold from tile grout using vinegar, just pour it onto the affected areas and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the area clean, and then rinse with clean water. You may need to repeat this process a few times before the mold is completely gone.
6. Bleach
Bleach is a very effective cleaning agent. However, it can also be very harsh. You need to use bleach with caution. Also note, bleach is not the recommended way to remove mold since it is caustic and odors can be dangerous to inhale.
Here are s few tips to follow when using bleach to remove mold from tile grout:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing.
- Open the windows for ventilation.
- Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water.
- Pour the solution onto the moldy areas.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Scrub the area clean with a brush.
- Rinse the area with clean water.
- Dry the area completely.
Repeat this process if necessary.
7. Steam Cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to remove mold from tile grout. The high temperature of the steam will kill the mold and make it easier to scrub away.
Follow these steps when using a steam cleaner to remove mold from tile grout:
- Fill the steamer with water.
- Heat the water until it boils.
- Hold the steamer about an inch away from the moldy tile grout and let the steam do its work for a few minutes.
- Scrub the area with a brush.
- Rinse the area with clean water.
- Dry the area completely.
A highly-rated steam cleaner from Amazon is the Bissell SteamShot Hard Surface Steam Cleaner with Natural Sanitization. It is a chemical-free way to clean.
If you don’t have a steam cleaner, you can rent one from a hardware store or a home improvement store.
Tile and Grout Cleaning Service
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of removing mold from tile grout yourself, you can always hire a professional tile and grout cleaning service.
A professional tile and grout cleaning service will have the necessary equipment and expertise to clean your tile grout properly. They will also be able to seal the grout to prevent mold from coming back.
How To Prevent Mold in the Future
Here are a few tips to help you prevent mold from coming back:
Clean Up Spills
You need to clean up spills as soon as they happen. Mold thrives in damp and moist conditions.
If you let a spill sit, it will become the perfect breeding ground for mold. So, always remember to clean up spills right away.
Keep Things Dry
It’s important to keep things dry. After taking a shower, make sure to dry the tub and shower area completely.
If there is any moisture, wipe it up with a towel. You should also open the windows and doors to let the area air out.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier can help to remove mold spores from the air. This will help to prevent mold from growing in the first place.
You can learn more about air purifiers in my article on the differences in filtration, noise levels, and effectiveness of air purifiers in my buying guide. These tips will help you purchase the right purifier for you.
Change Your Air Filters
You should change your air filters regularly. This will help to remove mold spores and other airborne particles from your home.
Wondering if you can paint your grout to make it look better? Yes, you can. See how to paint grout and just how quick and easy it is to restore its appearance in my article.
Conclusion
Mold can be a tough thing to deal with. But, with the right knowledge and tools, you can remove mold from tile grout easily. I hope this article has been helpful.
What’s the takeaway?
- Choose a mold-cleaning solution from the choices in this article. Simple water and baking soda or vinegar solution are very effective.
- Take precautions when cleaning up mold from grout, such as wearing gloves and a mask.
- Mold needs moisture to grow, so keep things dry to prevent it from coming back.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
I’m J.S., I created and am the content manager at DIYHouseSkills.com. I do the research and write the articles that appear on this website. I’ve learned many household skills during my life and think it’s important to at least know the basics so that you can save yourself time and money… READ FULL BIO >
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