How to Remove Mold From Grout
Beautiful shining kitchen or bathroom tiles are a thing of glory. However, all homeowners know it is rare to keep them totally sparkling white year-round.
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That pesky grout between tiles will quickly accumulate all moisture around it.
In a cruel twist of ironic fate, we place tiles in areas of the home that get a lot of moisture (bathrooms, kitchens, basements, etc.) because they resist stains and mildew growth so well. But that grout between the tiles is a prime breeding ground for potentially dangerous mold growth.
Read on to find out how to protect your home from this fungal invader.
Why Does Mold Develop On Grout?
Grout is highly porous and absorbs moisture both from humidity in the air and direct contact. After a shower, water on the tiles can spend over an hour evaporating, allowing plenty of time to seep into the minuscule cracks.
The same principle applies to a kitchen backsplash or any other tiled area that gets wet.
Mold and mildew is a hearty fungus that starts to grow in damp areas in as little as 24 hours. Even the most vigilant cleaners deal with mold in moist places.
A serious black mold can pose genuine health hazards and needs to be removed at the first sign. Some people will experience allergic reactions or hay fever symptoms, while others may have difficulty breathing and painful congestion.
How to Remove Mold From Grout
If you see any dark fuzzy or slimy growth in your grout, sorry, but that’s mold! If your bathroom maintains a dank, musty smell, that’s another bad sign! You need to get in those areas and start sterilizing and washing before the unwanted visitor creeps throughout your house.
Here are a few of the best ways to easily get rid of mold growing in grout.
Always Put on gloves, safety goggles, a face mask, and open windows before cleaning with bleach or any harsh chemicals.
Bleach
This is the classic go-to method for at-home mold removal. Use a rough bristle brush or old toothbrush and work the bleach into all the affected areas. Make sure your exhaust fan is on, or a window is open before you begin.
Let the bleach sit for up to 45 minutes, and then brush it away with warm water.
If your grout is colored, bleach could lead to discoloring, so try another method if this is a concern.
Baking Soda
Use ½ cup of baking soda and several teaspoons of water until you create a thick paste. Apply the paste to all the affected areas and allow it to sit for up to 15 minutes. Then use your bristle brush and gently scrub away the baking soda.
PRO TIP: Add hydrogen peroxide on top of the baking soda paste until it begins to fizz. The chemicals in the hydrogen peroxide will help loosen the mold and make cleaning easier. Just make sure you fully wash away any leftover hydrogen peroxide.
Vinegar
This old-school cleaning agent is not as strong as other options on the list but is effective at treating mild cases of mildew and some molds.
Use a spray bottle to hit the mold and surrounding areas, sit for 30 minutes, then brush away with warm water.
How to Prevent Mold in Grout
Once you’ve removed all the mold in your grout, you will want to keep it from coming back. Even the most in-depth and vigorous cleaning technique is only a temporary solution to mold.
But It is easier than you might think to protect your grout from future outbreaks.
Just follow these tips and strategies and enjoy sparkling tiles and squeaky clean grout!
Exhaust Fans
Always run the exhaust fan in your bathroom for 30 minutes after taking a shower or bath. It will take that long to suck out all the moisture. If you do not have an exhaust fan, leave your windows open for up to an hour for the air to properly circulate.
Keep a fan on all through cooking and cleanup to ensure a dry kitchen.
Re-Seal
Once a year, you should apply two layers of a silicone-based grout sealant to cover the porous areas. Double-check you are using an anti-microbial-based sealant that will prevent fungus growth.
Don’t Let Water Pool
Draw the curtain open after a shower, wipe surfaces, and remove excess water around your tiles. This is the most common reason mold grows and also one of the easiest to prevent.
Use an extra towel or rag to dry your walls, and you’ll be surprised how much less short-term cleaning you will have to do.
Conclusion
If you have an outbreak of mold, you don’t have to tackle it alone. The experts at All Dry USA have spent decades quelling outbreaks of mold, from between-the-grout mildew to entire black mold-infested basements.
Our team can identify what strain of mold is growing in your home and sanitize it using our professional-grade equipment. We also offer high-quality and long-lasting treatment to keep the mold from coming back.
Mold can be dangerous to your home and your health, so don’t put your family at risk, and contact All Dry USA today!
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
