How To Remove Mold From Shower Grout

Dealing with mold from shower grout is no fun. Trust me! That gross black mold creeping up the grout lines can make your nice, clean shower look downright nasty.

And not only is it super unappealing to look at, mold comes with some real health hazards that can be worrisome. You definitely don’t want my family breathing in all those spores!

Luckily, with some good old-fashioned elbow grease and cleaning products most of us have on hand, you can get rid of shower mold for good. Let’s walk you through what works to get that grout looking fresh again. Fair warning though – it takes a little patience and repeated effort, but the results are so worth it!

What is Mold and Why Does it Grow in Showers?

Before learning how to remove mold, it helps to understand what it is and why it grows in showers. Mold is a type of microscopic fungus that spreads through tiny spores. It feeds on organic matter like wood, paper, and natural fabrics. Mold grows well in damp, humid environments with adequate airflow.

Showers provide the perfect habitat for mold growth for several reasons:

Moisture – Frequent steam from hot showers creates a humid environment. Mold thrives when relative humidity levels exceed 55%.
Standing water – Water that pools in corners or sits on grout lines provides moisture for mold.
Porosity – The porous nature of grout allows water to seep in and mold spores to take hold.

Organic materials – Grouting, tile backing, wood framing, and drywall provide food for mold.
Oxygen flow – Bathroom ventilation allows mold spores to circulate in the air.

With frequent moisture and humid air, showers offer the ideal mix of elements for mold to multiply quickly. Regular cleaning and moisture prevention are key to controlling mold growth.

What are the Health Hazards of Mold?

In addition to being an eyesore, mold in showers poses potential health hazards worth taking seriously:

Allergic reactions – Mold spores can cause respiratory issues, sinus congestion, runny nose, eye irritation, coughing, sneezing, and worsened asthma.
Skin irritation – For people with sensitivities, skin contact with mold may lead to rashes, hives, and irritation.
Respiratory illnesses – Prolonged exposure to mold has been linked to chronic pulmonary problems and lung infections.
Toxic black mold – Dangerous black molds like stachybotrys release mycotoxins that can cause headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and neurological issues in severe cases.

Weakened immunity – Exposure to mold may suppress the immune system and lower resistance to colds, flus, and other infections.

Mold spores are especially hazardous for children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with compromised immunity. Even those not sensitive to mold can experience issues from high exposure. Controlling home mold greatly reduces these health risks.

Importance of Removing Mold from Grout

Cleaning away mold and mildew from shower grout is critical for several reasons:

Improved aesthetics – Mold leaves behind ugly black stains and discoloration on grout and caulk lines. Removing it restores the clean appearance.
Reduced health risks – Eliminating mold minimizes exposure to mold spores that lead to allergic reactions and illness.

Lower moisture – Cleaning up mold removes the damp, humid conditions it prefers. Less mold means less moisture.
Prevents structural damage – Left uncontrolled, mold can spread from surface grout into subfloor, drywall, and framing and cause costly damage.
Limits spread – The longer mold persists, the more spores multiply and spread throughout the home.

Regularly cleaning and resealing grout prevents mold from taking hold in the first place. But once you spot mold in the shower, taking action to remove it right away is crucial.

What You Need to Get Started

Before tackling the mold, assemble the necessary supplies:

Grout brush – This specialized brush has sturdy bristles designed to get into the grout lines. Look for one with a handle so you can apply extra pressure.
Grout sealer – Sealing the grout after cleaning prevents moisture from seeping back in and mold from returning. Use a waterproof grout sealer made for showers.
Baking soda – The antifungal and abrasive properties of baking soda make it a versatile cleaner for shower mold removal.

White vinegar – When combined with baking soda, vinegar creates a fizzing reaction that penetrates and lifts mold. Undiluted vinegar also kills mold.
Hydrogen peroxide – This bleach-free disinfectant breaks down mold and lifts stains. Opt for 3% concentration.
Spray bottle – Use this to dispense vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution onto the grout. Adjust the setting to a strong stream.

Bucket – Fill a bucket with warm water to help scrub away mold and grime from the grout.
Old toothbrush – For scrubbing mold in cracks and corners, an old toothbrush is the perfect tool.
Grout pen – This specialty marker allows you to touch up discolored grout after cleaning.

Other handy supplies include:

Old rags
Grout scraper

Safety goggles & mask
Knee pads

Cleaning Solutions for Removing Mold

There are several effective homemade solutions for removing mold from shower grout. Here are a few of the most common methods.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

This dynamic duo uses the chemical reaction between acid and base to break down mold and lift stains. The fizzy foam penetrates porous grout to attack mold below the surface.

How to use:

Combine 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup white vinegar in a small bowl. The solution will fizz and bubble.
Using a grout brush or old toothbrush, apply the foamy paste directly to moldy grout.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes so the solution can penetrate and work on the mold.

Scrub the grout with your brush to agitate the paste and lift mold. Apply light pressure.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat if needed for stubborn areas.
Allow grout to dry completely before sealing or using shower.

Hydrogen Peroxide

The oxidizing properties in hydrogen peroxide work to break down mold and bleach stains. It kills mold spores on contact and lifts discoloration.

How to use:

In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of water.

Spray the hydrogen peroxide solution liberally onto moldy grout.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate and lift mold.
Scrub with a stiff grout brush. Apply light pressure to avoid damaging grout.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat as needed for tough mold spots.
Wipe area dry with an old towel once all visible mold is gone. Read more

Vinegar

Plain white vinegar is a natural disinfectant and degreaser that kills mold spores. Its acetic acid cuts through soap scum and lifts stains.

How to use:

Undiluted vinegar – Spray directly onto moldy grout and let sit 10 minutes before scrubbing.
Vinegar solution – Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and apply to affected areas.

Scrub with grout brush and rinse clean. Repeat as needed.
Wipe surface dry after cleaning to prevent remnant mold growth.

Tea Tree Oil

The antifungal and antibacterial powers of tea tree oil make it a natural mold killer. It penetrates porous grout to destroy mold below the surface.

How to use:

In a spray bottle, mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water.
Shake bottle to combine and spray directly onto moldy grout.

Let the solution sit for 10 minutes to penetrate and kill mold.
Scrub with a stiff grout brush.
Rinse clean with warm water and wipe the surface dry.

Bleach

Traditional bleach uses the power of chlorine to disinfect and de-stain moldy grout. Bleach kills mold and spores on contact.

How to use:

In a spray bottle, mix 1 part bleach to 4 parts water.

Spray the bleach solution onto moldy grout and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
Scrub with a grout brush, applying light pressure.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Repeat as needed for stubborn mold.

Allow grout to dry fully before sealing or using a shower.

Caution: Bleach can be harsh on lungs. Open windows and run ventilation while using. Handle carefully.

Scrubbing and Brushing the Grout

After applying your DIY mold remover, the next step is scrubbing away the mold and stain from the grout. This takes some repetition and elbow grease, but is critical.

Use your grout brush to scrub back and forth across moldy areas, applying moderate pressure. Dip your brush in the bucket of warm water to help rinse away mold and grime.

For tight corners and cracks, use an old toothbrush to penetrate and scrub. The stiff bristles will help lift mold from these difficult areas.

To tackle stubborn mold stains, let your cleaner sit for longer time periods before scrubbing. Up to 20 minutes allows the solutions to fully penetrate and attack the mold below the surface.

If abrasion alone isn’t cutting it, try gently scraping off mold with a plastic grout scraper. Take care not to scratch or gouge the grout lines.

Repeat the scrubbing process as needed until all visible mold is gone. Be patient and take your time for the best results. Hard to reach areas may require extra attention.

Once done, rinse the entire area with warm water. Use a towel to soak up any remaining moisture so the grout can fully dry. Proper drying prevents remnant mold spores from taking hold again.

For extra protection, consider wearing goggles, gloves, and a safety mask to guard against inhaling mold spores while scrubbing. Knee pads also help when kneeling to access tough spots.

Sealing the Grout

After removing all visible mold from your shower grout, it’s important to seal it so mold can’t easily grow back. Sealing creates a protective barrier that prevents water and moisture from seeping into porous grout.

To apply grout sealer:

Make sure the grout is completely clean and dry first.

Apply sealer to grout lines using the included brush or sponge applicator. Follow product instructions.
Allow the sealer to soak and penetrate for 10-15 minutes.
Thoroughly wipe away all excess sealer from grout and tile surface.

Allow treated grout to cure and dry fully according to sealer directions before use.
Apply a second coat of sealer if needed for extra protection.

With properly sealed grout, water and moisture will bead up and roll off rather than soak in. Reapply grout sealer every 6-12 months for lasting effectiveness against mold.

Sealer Tips:

Only seal fully dried grout or sealer won’t soak in effectively.
Carefully wipe excess sealer off tiles to avoid a shiny film on tiles.

Ventilate the bathroom well while sealer cures to allow fumes to escape.
Use an epoxy-based sealer for maximum mold and moisture protection.

Preventing Future Mold Growth

Removing existing mold from shower grout is only half the battle. Taking steps to prevent mold growth will save you from dealing with this issue in the future:

Improve ventilation – Make sure your bathroom has a working exhaust fan. Open a window or run a fan while showering and for a short time after to reduce moisture.
Remove standing water – After bathing, wipe down shower walls and give the basin a quick swipe with a squeegee.

Clean regularly – Use a non-soap cleanser designed for showers and tubs at least weekly. More frequent is better.
Reduce humidity – Have a hygrometer to monitor bathroom humidity levels, keeping them below 55%. Get a dehumidifier if needed.
Re-seal grout – Renew grout sealer every 6-12 months per product recommendations.

Use mold-resistant grout – Consider replacing existing grout with mold and mildew-resistant formulations.
Repair leaks – Fix any plumbing leaks or tile cracks that allow water to seep through.
Improve airflow – Keep bathroom doors open and run ceiling fans to keep air circulating.

When To Call a Professional

For homeowners dealing with extensive mold issues, professional help may be needed:

If DIY cleaning methods aren’t improving the situation after several applications, it may require pros with industrial-strength cleaners.

If the mold is growing back shortly after removing, there’s likely an underlying moisture issue that needs to be addressed.
If mold has penetrated beneath the grout into subfloor or walls, repairs and mold remediation may be necessary.
To completely remove and re-grout a shower with mold-resistant formulations.

If you discover black mold, which can be hazardous to health. Special containment and removal precautions are required.
If the mold problem is widespread into multiple rooms or HVAC systems, which indicates a serious moisture issue.

Don’t let mold continue growing in your shower and impacting your family’s health. Follow these proven methods to remove mold from grout and keep it at bay. With the right supplies and techniques, you can rid shower grout of mold for good.

Bottom Line

There you have it- mold in shower grout is an important one to address. Left unchecked, growing mold can lead to issues. Luckily, with some common household ingredients and a little scrubbing effort, you can get your shower grout looking fresh and mold-free.

Just follow through with the useful tips in this article, and be ready to tackle mold and maintain a cleaner, healthier shower.