A Guide to Eliminating and Preventing Mildew in the Bathroom

Bathroom mildew is an extremely common issue, particularly in high-moisture areas around the tub and shower. Mildew and mold growth are caused by the accumulation of moisture, so it’s no surprise that your bathroom can be a popular breeding ground for resilient fungal spores. Common bathroom fungi, such as Stachybotrys (often called black mold), thrive in wet, humid environments.

If you discover mold in your bathroom, rest assured there are many simple and effective methods for its removal.

How to Clean Mold Off Bathroom Sealant

Sealant, or caulking, forms a waterproof barrier around fixtures like the bathtub and basin. Because this material often stays wet longer than other surfaces, it encourages the development of common bathroom fungus. Follow these steps to clean mold from your sealant:

1. Combine bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) with about 250ml of white vinegar and mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms.
2. While wearing rubber gloves, use a damp cloth to scoop up some of the paste mixture.
3. Rub the paste onto the affected sealant area. Let the paste sit for five minutes to begin softening the mold.
4. Scrub the dried paste and mold away using a cloth or a stiff bristle brush.
5. Rinse the affected area with cool water to remove any residue, then wipe dry.

Using a paste is often ideal for sealant, as sprays and thinner liquids can be less effective on vertical or contoured surfaces.

How to Remove Mold from Tile Grout

Porous shower grout is unfortunately a prime location for mold growth—and a notoriously difficult area to clean. Various agents, including chlorine bleach, white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda, are effective, but some may be more suitable for your specific tiles than others.

Caution: Before starting, ensure your chosen agent will not damage your tiles. Note that bleach products can cause colored grout to fade.

1. Choose your cleaning agent and wear appropriate protection (including gloves, a face mask, and safety glasses if using bleach or hydrogen products).
2. The key is to work in small sections and use a stiff toothbrush to deeply scrub the cleaner into the moldy grout lines. This is the best way to tackle intricate areas.
3. Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse, repeat if necessary, and finally, dry the surface thoroughly.
4. Always keep the bathroom well-ventilated while you work!

How to Clean Black Mold Off Bathroom Tiles

Fungus growth can make ceramic tiles look unattractive and dull. A variety of natural and chemical methods can be used to clear mold off your tiles:

• Borax: A natural mineral that is often cheaper than specialized cleaners. Mix one cup of borax powder with four liters of warm water. Wearing rubber gloves, use a soft cleaning pad to work the solution onto the affected tiles. Avoid dampening areas currently showing no mold to prevent spreading spores. Wipe the walls after application and allow to dry.
• Vinegar: Pour mild white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply directly to the affected surfaces. Leave for one hour, then wipe the area with a warm, wet cloth and towel dry.
• Bicarbonate of Soda and Detergent: Create a solution of baking soda and dish soap (washing up liquid). Rub this onto affected areas with a cloth. Similar to cleaning sealant, leave it to dry, then scrub off with a stiff brush before rinsing.

If these natural solutions do not work, chemical alternatives may be necessary:

• Hydrogen Peroxide: This is a strong chemical. A mild 3% solution is generally sufficient. You can add a little vinegar to maximize effectiveness. Spray the solution onto the affected area. Keep the room well-ventilated, leave for two to three hours, then wipe the surfaces clean.
• Ammonia: Available from home improvement stores. You will need the clear variety. Before applying, ensure you are wearing a mask, rubber gloves, and safety glasses. Spray the ammonia onto the affected areas and scrub with a soft brush before leaving it to sit for two hours. Keep the windows open, as the odor is overpowering. Once dry, wipe the areas down. Crucially, never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach, or use them one after the other, as the chemical reaction creates highly toxic fumes.

Is Bathroom Mold Dangerous?

Yes, mold is not just an eyesore—it has health implications. Prolonged exposure to dampness and mold can trigger respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma, and it may also impact the immune system. Certain individuals, such as babies, children, and the elderly, are more susceptible to these effects. It is therefore vital to know how to stop this mold and how to remove it if it has taken hold.

How to Prevent Mold in Bathrooms

When it comes to mold, prevention is always superior to cure. Some simple strategies to prevent bathroom mold from appearing in the first place include:

1. Ensuring Excellent Ventilation: Do everything possible to ensure continuous airflow. Keep windows and doors open after using the shower or bath, and consider installing an extractor fan if you do not have one (or use both).
2. Preventing Moisture Build-up: Identify areas that remain damp for long periods and work to eliminate them. Always hang wet towels flat so they can dry properly. Similarly, ensure your shower curtain is stretched out so moisture doesn’t settle and cause mold growth in folds or creases.
3. Regular Cleaning: Clean your bathroom weekly, including wiping down the walls. Regularly cleaning surfaces susceptible to mold growth is the best way to prevent it from becoming a systemic problem.

Following these guidelines will help ensure your bathroom remains a clean, safe, and pleasant space.