The Best Way to Get Mould Out of Tile Grout

Mould commonly occurs in surfaces exposed to moisture and dampness for prolonged periods, and since grout easily absorbs moisture, shower and bathroom tiles become hotspots for mould growth. If you have a hunch that mould is growing in between your tiles, you'll want to clean it well to make sure it doesn't grow back.

The Best Cleaning Products

For brand-name cleaners, we recommend Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover and StoneTech Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. For DIY options, we recommend combining one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts baking soda. For cleaning tools, use the OXO Grout Brush or any other household firm-bristled brush.

What Not to Use

Highly abrasive scrubbing tools such as steel wool or wire brushes will damage grout and tiles. Do not use highly abrasive cleaning products like Borax or Comet. And even substances like vinegar, ammonia, bleach, and lemon juice may damage your grout and tile.

The Cleaning Process

Step 1: Surface-Level Wipe Down

Do a quick wipe down to clean any surface-level dirt. This will help you differentiate mould from regular buildup.

Step 2: Apply Your Cleaner

Apply the cleaning substance to the grout and wait 10-15 minutes to let it penetrate the surface. For store-bought cleaners, follow their product-specific cleaning directions.

Step 3: Scrub and Repeat

Scrub the grout using your cleaning brush. This will be the longest step and will require rigorous scrubbing. If the grout is still mouldy, repeat the process until the mould is gone.

Preventing Mould

Tiles should be regularly cleaned to prevent mould and mildew. You can use soap and water every one to two weeks to help maintain a mould-free shower or bathroom. Leaving the bathroom fan on or keeping the door open after showers will help ventilate your bathroom and mitigate mould growth.

If mould grows back faster than expected, we suggest calling an inspector. Recurring mould could suggest a problem beneath the tiles. In these cases, the affected area would require a full retile.

At Trini Tile, we can help guide you through the retiling process, suggest standout renovation experts, and provide easy-to-clean tiles for the renovation. Come visit our showroom in Vaughan or click here to browse our select online products.