How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew in Shower Grout

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To rid your shower of mold, first use a vinegar-borax solution to kill the mold. Alternatively, you can use a vinegar-hydrogen peroxide solution or straight peroxide to kill the mold. Mold stains may remain after ridding your shower of mold. If they do, then use a baking soda paste to remove the stains. Prevent future mold growth by keeping your bathroom well-ventilated and by spraying your shower with a water-vinegar solution after you finish showering three to five times a week.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Killing the Mold

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  1. Pour ½ cup (120 ml) of vinegar into 1 quart (1 liter) of warm water. Use distilled white vinegar. Then mix in ¼ cup (59 ml) of borax. Mix the ingredients together in a pitcher until they are well-combined and the borax is completely dissolved.
    • Alternatively, you may use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. However, do not dilute it with water or mix it with borax. Instead, use straight peroxide, or mix 1 part peroxide to 1 part vinegar. [1]
    • You can purchase borax from your local pharmacy or grocery store.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 308 wikiHow readers which chemical solution they prefer to use to clean mold, and only 10% of them said 3% hydrogen peroxide. [Take Poll] While peroxide can be effective at removing mold, other cleaners may work better.
  2. Then spray the mold with the solution. Make sure to spray a generous amount of the solution onto the affected areas in your shower.
    • You may have some solution leftover. As you clean the mold, re-fill the bottle as needed.
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  3. Depending on how much mold you have, you may need to let the solution set for longer like 30 minutes to an hour.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Washing the Mold Off

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  1. Use a scrub brush to do this. Scrub the mold in a vigorous back and forth motion until all of it is removed. For small crevices, use a toothbrush to scrub the mold.
    • As you scrub, you may need to spray more solution onto the affected areas to clean them thoroughly.
  2. Use a clean, dry towel to do this. Wipe until all the debris and mold are removed. [2] Do not rinse the area with water because any remaining borax will help keep your shower clean for a longer period of time.
    • Alternatively, you may use a vacuum to clean away debris and mold. However, make sure to use a HEPA filter; this type of filter can collect and contain mold spores.
  3. Use a clean, dry towel to do this. Make sure the areas in your shower that collect and grow mold are thoroughly dried. [3]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Removing Mold Stains

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  1. Mix the baking soda and water in a bowl until they are well-combined. You are looking for a mixture with a toothpaste-like consistency. [4]
    • If the mixture is too thin, then just add more baking soda until a thick paste forms.
  2. Let the paste set for 10 to 15 minutes. For tough stains, let the paste set for longer like 30 minutes to an hour. [5]
  3. Use a scrub brush to do this after the paste has set for the allotted time. Scrub in a vigorous back and forth motion until they are gone. Use a toothbrush to clean small crevices. [6]
    • If the stains remain, then you may need to repeat steps one through three again.
  4. Wipe until any and all paste, debris and grime are removed. Then use a clean, dry towel to wipe your shower down until it is completely dry. [7]
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Preventing Mold

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  1. Make sure to do this while you are taking a shower or bath. [8] Also, leave it on for an additional 30 minutes after you get out of the shower. [9]
    • If you do not have a ventilation fan, then keep your bathroom windows open during and after your shower.
  2. Do this after you shower three to five times a week to prevent mold growth. Mix equal parts water and vinegar, and fill a spray bottle labeled “shower spray” with the solution. [10]
    • Keep the spray bottle handy in your shower or bathroom.
    • If you have children, make sure to keep the spray bottle out of reach.
  3. [11] Do this after you shower five to seven times a week. Make sure to wipe down and dry your shampoo bottles, cleansers, toys, and other objects in the shower as well. [12]
    • Keep a designated towel handy in your bathroom for this specific purpose.
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Join the Discussion...

How do I safely kill mold?
WikiCheetahRunner104
17
WikiCheetahRunner104
I think I found some mold in my bathroom recently and am a little worried. I know mold isn't good and stuff like black mold can be pretty dangero... Read More
Mike Kapur
Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
You can use vinegar, diluted bleach, ammonia, or pretty much any household cleaners that have some kind of moldicide in them. If you have mold in... Read More
WikiAxolotlDancer711
WikiAxolotlDancer711
I agree that household white vinegar is the way to go! Make sure to give it time to soak if you want to maximize the effectiveness of the vinegar... Read More
See all 3 Replies and
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you clean a stubborn mold?
    Andrii Gurskyi
    House Cleaning Professional
    Andrii Gurskyi is the owner and founder of Rainbow Cleaning Service, a New York City cleaning company specializing in apartments, homes, and moving cleanup using non-toxic and artificial fragrance free cleaning solutions. Founded in 2010, Andrii and Rainbow Cleaning Service has served over 35,000 customers.
    Andrii Gurskyi
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    You can try a professional commercial cleaner like RMR 86 and RMR 141. RMR brand mold and mildew cleaners work well in showers and elsewhere.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What is the best cleaner for mold in shower?
    Fabricio Ferraz
    House Cleaning Professional
    Fabricio Ferraz is the Co-Owner and Operator of Hire a Cleaning. Hire a Cleaning is a family owned and operated business that has been serving San Francisco, California homes for over 10 years.
    Fabricio Ferraz
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    For a more effective scrub, use Easy Off. Easy Off is a professional, heavy-duty cleaner that can cut through dirt, grime, and mold on most surfaces. Apply the chemical to your shower and wait three minutes. Then, clean the mold and use hot water to rinse it away. Use adequate ventilation because Easy Off can leave a strong odor.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    How can I stop mold from growing in my shower?
    Ashley Matuska
    Professional Cleaner
    Ashley Matuska is a Professional Cleaner at the Founder and Owner of Dashing Maids in Denver, Colorado. Ashley has over seven years of experience in the cleaning industry. She and her team specialize in offering sustainable deep cleaning and maintenance cleaning services. She received a BS in Biology and Sociology from Indiana University.
    Ashley Matuska
    Professional Cleaner
    Expert Answer
    Make sure you dry out your shower or dry it with a towel to help sop up some of the moisture.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://removemoldguide.com/do-it-yourself/how-to-get-rid-of-mold/
      2. ↑ Mike Kapur. Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
      3. ↑ Ashley Matuska. Professional Cleaner. Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.
      4. ↑ https://removemoldguide.com/do-it-yourself/how-to-get-rid-of-mold/
      5. ↑ https://naturallysavvy.com/live/how-to-get-rid-of-bathroom-mold
      6. ↑ https://naturallysavvy.com/live/how-to-get-rid-of-bathroom-mold
      7. ↑ https://removemoldguide.com/do-it-yourself/how-to-get-rid-of-mold/
      8. ↑ Ashley Matuska. Professional Cleaner. Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.
      9. ↑ https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/bathroom-laundry/bathroom-mold/
      1. ↑ https://naturallysavvy.com/live/how-to-get-rid-of-bathroom-mold?page=3
      2. ↑ Ashley Matuska. Professional Cleaner. Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/bathroom-laundry/bathroom-mold/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean mold in a shower, start by mixing white vinegar, borax, and warm water to make a mold-killing solution. Alternatively, you can use equal parts hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Then, spray the solution on the mold, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Next, wash the mold off using a scrub brush for big areas and a toothbrush for small crevices. Finally, wipe any leftover residue away with a clean, dry towel. To learn how to remove leftover mold stains in a shower, scroll down!

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