How to Remove Mold from Grout


Grout, a mortar-like compound of water, sand and cement, is usually used as a plaster for finishing walls, ceilings or flooring in household surfaces. It is most commonly found in bathrooms, between the tiles. Keeping in consideration that your bath tub gets wet every day when you shower, and your sink is left wet after you wash your hands, there may be times when the bath tub or the sink does not dry completely, leaving moisture in the grout. This can lead to the growth of mold near your bath tub, sink or any other place that has been left wet, giving a grim look to your bathroom.


To prevent mold from growing on to grout, it is recommended that you wash the surfaces thoroughly at least once in two weeks, and have as much air circulated in the bathroom as possible so that it dries completely. However, if mold has already grown on grout, use one of the methods outlined below to get rid of it. All you need are simple household items. Always wear gloves, and test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the object before using it on the stain. If the solution damages the object in any way, do not proceed with it.

Before you proceed, rinse the affected area well with plain water, and scrub it using a stiff brush that has nylon or plastic bristles. This will remove any loose mold that is present on the surface.


Method One (Using Vinegar)

Things that you will require:

·      Vinegar
·      Bowl
·      Water
·      Stiff brush
·      Paper towels

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   To make the cleaning solution for cleaning the grout, pour 1 part vinegar in a bowl. Add an equal amount of water to the bowl, and mix.

2.   Dip a soft, clean cloth in the solution, and apply a generous amount to the molded area.

3.   Grab a stiff brush, and start scrubbing the affected area. Do not use an old toothbrush as it may be too soft or metal bristles as they may ruin the grout.

4.   Scrub in a circular motion as it is more effective.

5.   Once the mold has been removed after the scrubbing, rinse the affected area with clear water.

6.   Let the area dry completely. Use paper towels if required.


Tip:

Vinegar is more effective on freshly grown mold. It may not work well on mold that has been in place for a long time.

Method Two (Using Bleach)

Things that you will require:

·         Chlorine bleach
·         A container (preferable aluminum pan)
·         Paper towels
·         Water

Steps that you will need to take:

1.    Grab a bottle of chlorine bleach and a container in which you can pour the bleach, preferably an aluminum pan. Avoid plastic containers. Pour some chlorine bleach in the container.

2.    Take a paper towel, dip it well in chlorine bleach, and place it in contact with the mold on the grout. Use as many paper towels as required.

3.    Leave the paper towels in place for a night.

4.    The next day, remove them. If the mold is still visible, repeat the above steps.

5.    Rinse the affected area well with plain water.

6.    Let it dry completely. Turn the exhaust fan on, and leave the door open for air circulation.

Tip:

Be careful while using bleach. Do not splash it on your face or let it come in contact with your skin. Chlorine bleach also has the tendency to discolor the tile. If chlorine bleach does so after you have checked it on an inconspicuous area, use oxygen bleach instead.

Method Three (Using Hydrogen Peroxide)

Things that you will require:

·         3% Hydrogen peroxide
·         Water
·         Bowl
·         Soft, clean cloths

Steps that you will need to take:

1.    To make your cleaning solution to remove the mold from grout, all you need is hydrogen peroxide, water and a bowl. Pour ½ a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide in a bowl, and add 1 cup of plain water to it. Mix it thoroughly.

2.    Dip a soft, clean cloth in the solution, and apply the cloth to the moldy area.

3.    Leave it in place for the night.

4.    The next day, rinse the affected area with plain water.

5.    Leave it to dry completely. Leave the door open, and turn on the exhaust fan. Your bathroom should be back to its original appearance!

Tip:

Hydrogen Peroxide works in the same way as bleach, and can be used as a substitute for it.


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