Clean around the area with vinegar and bleach. This process is the best way on how to clean mildew from grout.
People love using tiles because they are beautiful and they work well with moisture. Tiles are specifically used in bathrooms and kitchens.
These areas are the ones that experience the most moisture at home, so they can be susceptible to mold and mildew.
The tiles are water-resistant, but the grout between the pieces is more susceptible. Moisture can get stuck here and not be able to evaporate well.
Pesky infestations can form here, and they can harm your health if you don’t attend to the issue.
What Is Mildew?
If you’ve ever seen a white, powdery film develop on your grout, then that’s probably mildew. This fungus is an early-stage mold that has spores that can grow on various surfaces.
Mildew doesn’t penetrate the surfaces it grows on, so it’s less destructive than mold. This fungus is also easier to clean since it only sits on top of your grout.
Mildew won’t leave any lasting damage on your home, but it’s still better to remove this fungus once you spot it. It can destroy your home’s ambiance with its smell or cause some respiratory problems for your loved ones.
What Causes Mildew On Grout?
Homeowners usually install grout in their kitchens and bathrooms, and these areas are exposed to constant moisture.
Grout is porous, so water won’t evaporate well on this surface. It also dents inwards, so the area remains damp.
Once the mildew spores settle in these moist areas, they can grow into a colony.
Mildew may also be the start of a more severe tile problem from water damage. Just figure out what does water damaged tiles look like.
Which Cleaning Agents Can Kill Mildew?
Once you spot these white stains, you need to remove them. Luckily, several common cleaning agents can kill mildew quickly.
1. White vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning agent, and it won’t leave any discoloration on your grout.
2. Chlorine bleach
This cleaning agent can remove stubborn mildew, but don’t use it on colored grout because it might fade.
3. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an eco-friendly and mild cleaning agent. It kills the mildew without destroying your grout.
4. Baking soda
This powder is another famous D.I.Y. cleaning agent. It’s a lifting agent, so the mildew will come off quickly.
You need to make the baking soda into a paste for it to work well. Combine it with water or hydrogen peroxide for a stellar cleaning experience.
Removing Mildew From Grout
Once you’ve found the mold and have your cleaning materials, it’s time to start with the cleaning.
Remember to use protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask. The spores usually fly around when you’re cleaning, and you might inhale them.
Step #1. Prepare the cleaning solution
This guide will show you how to clean grout with bleach and vinegar. You need to combine water and bleach with a 3:1 ratio.
Leave the solution in a bucket and put some in a spray bottle for a more straightforward application.
Step #2. Spray the grout with mildew
Spray on a thick layer of bleach solution, and let it sit for 15 minutes on the grout.
Step #3. Start scrubbing
Scrub your grout with a microfiber cloth, and try to reach the problematic areas. If a gap is too small, you can use a toothbrush to clean.
Try to check if there are any corners or cracks in your grout. Give yourself enough time to scrub thoroughly and remove all the mold.
Step #4. Rinse and apply vinegar
Use your shower head to rinse the bleach solution, then apply some white vinegar using a paper towel. The vinegar will remove lingering water stains, and it will also prevent future mildew spores from growing.
How To Prevent Mildew From Growing
Once you’ve cleaned off the mildew, you need to ensure it doesn’t come back. Try checking if other parts of the home have been contaminated, like your shower curtains.
If you do find some mildew, here’s a guide on how to remove mildew from shower curtains. Here are other ways to keep your home mildew-free
1. Have proper ventilation
You can install exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom. Run these fans for 20 minutes every day to avoid moisture buildup.
2. Wipe wet areas after using them
Dry your shower or bath area after using it. You can use a hand towel or washcloth.
3. Do regular cleaning
A cleaning routine can prevent any mildew spores that settle from growing. It will also make mildew removal simpler; all you will need is water to wash it off.
Conclusion
Mildew can be an annoying site for any home. Removing it early on will make the process quicker for you, and you won’t need too many materials.
You can keep your home clean when you know how to clean mildew from grout. Your bathroom and kitchen will look beautiful, and you will keep your loved ones safe.
Don’t forget to do proper maintenance and aftercare!