Trying to keep mould out of your home can feel like an uphill battle. The fungus loves damp places, and many people find it in their bathrooms after the steam from their shower has formed condensation on their tiles and other cool surfaces.
If you’ve had to deal with mould in your bathroom or anywhere else in your house, you’ll know how much of a pain it is to get rid of. But there’s one place in particular that it’s almost impossible to clean mould from – tile grout.
Grout is a cement- or resin-based material used to fill the gaps between the tiles in your bathroom. However, traditional cement-based grout is naturally porous, making it vulnerable to stains and mould growth as liquids like water can seep into the material through the tiny holes on its surface.
Getting mould out of grout can be a Herculean task, as the mould can sometimes be embedded into the grout itself – especially if it has grown in places where water has penetrated through the material.
However, according to cleaning fans on Facebook, some items can be used to clean mould and other stains from grout.
One person in a group for fans of cleaning guru Mrs. Hinch asked for tips on the “best way to whiten grout”. She asked if baking soda was a good choice, or if she should invest in a special grout pen instead.
Commenters were quick to respond, and many of them suggested two common kitchen items that most of us already have at home: baking soda and white vinegar.
One person said: “Baking soda paste really does work. When it’s been sitting for a while, squirt with white vinegar. It brought the grout in my shower up really well.”
Another added: “Avoid bleach for anything you want to stay white. It yellows everything. Use baking soda and vinegar.”
Others claimed grout pens haven’t been effective for them, but some swore by the “grout reviving” pens, which can be picked up for around £5 from Dunelm and Amazon.
How to clean mould from tile grout
1. Ventilate the Area: Open windows or turn on a fan to keep the area well-ventilated.
2. Make a Cleaning Solution:
- Option 1: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Option 2: For tougher mould, use hydrogen peroxide (3%) undiluted in a spray bottle.
- Option 3: Make a paste of baking soda and water.
3. Apply the Solution: Spray the vinegar or hydrogen peroxide directly onto the mouldy grout. If using baking soda paste, spread it onto the grout with a brush.
4. Let It Sit: Allow the solution to sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps break down the mould.
5. Scrub the Grout: Use your scrub brush or toothbrush to scrub the grout lines thoroughly.
6. Rinse: Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to remove residue.
7. Repeat if Needed: For stubborn mould, repeat the process or use a commercial mould remover or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
8. Dry the Area: Mould thrives in moisture, so dry the grout and tiles thoroughly after cleaning.