Black Mould On Bathroom Tiles ~ Slack House Pro

Black Mould On Bathroom Tiles

While the accumulation of mould in living spaces is extremely common, it is also a problem that you should attempt to fix as soon as possible.

What is mould and why is it in your home?

Mould is a type of fungi and can grow on a range of surfaces both indoors and outdoors. It's a naturally occurring organism. Reproducing by making spores, mould prefers damp and poorly ventilated areas where it has easy access to water, which is its main food source.

Mould in the home can be caused by:

Poor ventilation
Leaks
Condensation (moisture in the air)
Humidity

Is mould bad for your health?

Mould isn't just unsightly in your kitchen, bathroom or living space, it also has some potentially harmful side effects including:

Respiratory infections
Allergies
Asthma
A negative impact on your immune system

You should remove mould as quickly as you can. If your household includes infants or young children, the elderly, or asthma sufferers, then it becomes even more of a priority as they are more likely to be sensitive to the potential side effects.

Where is mould most likely found?

dirt and mould commonly found in windows and bathrooms

Due to the levels of moisture in the air, mould is very often found around windows and in bathrooms, commonly collecting in the space between your tiles. As one of the most likely manifestations of mould in your home, tackling mould in the grout between bathroom tiles is a universal problem.

During homeownership and renting, the majority of us will face mould in tiles at one time or another – especially when preventative measures such as fans and dehumidifiers aren't regularly used to reduce moisture in the air…

How to remove mould from grout

For anyone who has attempted to tackle this problem with a typical multipurpose spray, you will know the feeling of futility that attempting to scrub harder with a scourer brings on.

So, what's the best way to remove the mould that collects in the grout between your tiles?

What will you need? (Any one of these options are possible)

Professional mould cleaner
Distilled white vinegar
Baking soda paste
Baking soda plus hydrogen peroxide

Which option is the best for your home?

Depending on the tiles you've chosen, you should avoid using abrasive cleaning agents like bleach or baking soda, as this can potentially cause permanent damage to the surface and colour of the tiles. Always check if you're not sure as it's a costly mistake to make.

In this instance, you would be better off opting for distilled white vinegar from the options above…

Safety precautions for removing mould

As removing mould from grout requires strong cleaning agents, whenever you attempt to use these solutions you should take appropriate precautions to ensure that you are being safe and not putting yourself at risk unnecessarily.

Before using these chemicals you should ensure that you do the following:

Ensure there is adequate ventilation (either by opening windows or via an operational fan)
Wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands against irritation
Safety glasses will ensure that the harmful chemicals do not splash back into your eyes while cleaning.

Which option is best for your tiles?

Professional mould cleaner

This is the easiest and possibly most effective solution; simply buy a pre-prepared mixture designed to remove mould effectively. We recommend LTP Mouldex Intensive Cleaner. The solution clings to the surface of grout to remove mould and stains with it's bleaching action, as well as preventing regrowth.

Please take note of the safety and application instructions on the product label.

SHOP PROFESSIONAL MOULD CLEANER

Distilled white vinegar

If you're looking for a less abrasive solution, or if you have tiles that are susceptible to damage from bleach like chemical agents, then an effective home remedy for mould found in grout is distilled white vinegar. White vinegar is also a good first step to try if you have coloured grout as it is less likely to cause discolouration.

How to apply

Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle so that it is easier to apply to the affected area. Once you have treated the mould, leave it for half an hour and scrub with a bristle brush. Repeat this process as required.

Baking soda paste

Baking soda is an ideal solution for all kinds of cleaning problems. As baking soda is a mild alkali, it is not as abrasive as other cleaning products like bleach. When mixed with water however, baking soda can still be highly effective in dissolving grease and dirt from numerous areas, including the removal of mould from grout.

How to apply

Stir 110g or half a cup of baking soda with a tablespoon or so of water (or until the paste is easily spreadable on your tiles), and apply directly to the affected area. Leave the paste to sit for ten minutes before scrubbing the mould away with a stiff bristle brush. Rinse with warm water and repeat the process if necessary.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

If baking soda alone isn't quite cutting it, or if you think you'll need a stronger solution, adding hydrogen peroxide could help to lift the stubborn mould from your tiles.

How to apply

Apply the baking soda as above, except in this instance pour over the hydrogen peroxide until the paste begins to bubble. This will assist with loosening the mould. As with the baking soda application, rinse with warm water and repeat if necessary.

Now your mould is gone how can you prevent it returning?

Keep your bathroom or affected area well ventilated; keep windows open or your extractor fan on for 20 minutes after a shower or bath
Hang bath towels to dry after use
Apply mould preventing solutions as above regularly
Keep your tiles clean
Seal your grout
- Recommended spray – LTP tile grout protector
Invest in mould-resistant paint