What kills black mold on grout in shower?

Author: Sienna Cassin  |  Last update: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Borax can be a good, cost-effective way to kill and remove mold in grout and doubles as a cleaning agent. It is especially useful for smaller mold problems and for preventive maintenance. Mix borax with water (1 cup of borax per gallon of water) to create a cleaning solution.

How do you get black mold out of shower grout?

Bleach is the most effective method for removing mold from shower grout. Method One: Make a solution of one-part bleach and four-parts water, and put it in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and scrub with a brush after 30 minutes. Rinse with water and repeat if necessary.

Is vinegar or bleach better for killing mold?

Bleach kills most mold. White vinegar kills slightly more species of mold. In both cases, mold on a porous surface will likely recover because the chemical doesn't penetrate down to ALL the mold. Physical removal is easiest on things like drywall.

What is the best cleaner for black mold in the shower?

  • Diluted Chlorine Bleach Solution: A diluted chlorine bleach solution is one of the most effective methods for getting rid of black mold on shower walls.
  • Undiluted Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is another effective solution for killing black mold.

How to get black stains out of shower grout?

Instructions: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of dish soap to form a paste. Apply the paste to the stained grout and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush or grout brush. Rinse with water and wipe clean. Instructions:

The Best Way to Clean Shower Grout Mould and Mildew

Why does my shower grout keep turning black?

Black grout can also be mold and mildew, which forms where there's moisture or high humidity. Mold is a type of fungus. Unsurprisingly, it's not good for your health.

How to get rid of black mold permanently?

For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

Can I leave vinegar on mold overnight in the shower?

Yes, you can leave vinegar on mould overnight, though this isn't necessary as it usually takes effect after an hour. However, you can't use any type of vinegar, for mould removal you must use distilled white vinegar.

What is the best mold remover for grout?

Opt for household staples like borax, ammonia, baking soda paste, or commercial grout cleaners. The vigorous scrubbing action helps dislodge the mold on grout.

Why isn't vinegar killing mold?

Vinegar is good at killing plant matter, that much is true. But it can rarely penetrate deeply enough to kill fungi like mold down to the root. That's why it usually isn't truly effective in cleaning black mold, green mold, and most kinds of common house molds.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

Is hydrogen peroxide better than vinegar for mold?

If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, use distilled white or cleaning vinegar. Distilled white vinegar's acidity slowly breaks down and kills mold but does so much slower than cleaning vinegar.

How do you remove black mold from shower caulking?

Mix 1 part bleach with four parts water in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the moldy caulking and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Gently scrub the area with a brush to remove mold. Rinse thoroughly with water and completely dry the area.

How do professionals clean grout?

Steam cleaning is one of the most powerful ways to clean grout without the use of harsh chemicals. Professionals often use steam to loosen the dirt and other particles trapped in the grout without needing to scrub manually.

Does vinegar damage grout?

White vinegar is an acidic solution that can etch or corrode some tiles, particularly those made from natural stone or unglazed ceramic. The acid in white vinegar can also weaken and deteriorate certain grouts over time, particularly if the grout is already damaged or in poor condition.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

What is the best home made mold cleaner for showers?

Vinegar typically performs best on mold when it is used undiluted in full strength. Simply transfer the white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar directly onto the mold. Do not rinse or scrub.

What is the best black mold killer?

Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover

The Clorox Plus Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover is the best mold remover overall—and it's expert-approved. “If the mold is superficial and on a non-porous area in the bathroom, for example, we use something like Clorox Plus Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover,” Ledoux says.

What keeps black mold from coming back?

The first step to preventing mold and mildew is making sure your bathroom stays well-ventilated. An exhaust fan will help circulate the air and remove moisture more quickly. These additional actions will help keep your bathroom fresh and mold-free. Spread towels out after use so that they dry more quickly.

How do professionals remove mold?

Quality mold remediation professionals may use brushes or sponges and specialized cleaning solutions to remove mold colonies alongside vacuums to extract spores. It is necessary to ensure that every part of a structure is free of mold before restoration starts.

How to clean grout that has turned black on a shower?

One way to clean and whiten the grout is by use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix the two ingredients to create a thick paste. Then, using a brush, spread the paste on the mold-affected grout and let it work for 5-10 minutes. Scrub the grout with a firm bristle brush and repeat if there is still visible mold.

Does hydrogen peroxide damage grout?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide is a natural neutral cleaner that is safe to use on grout. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda produce oxygenated bleach, which is highly effective for cleaning grout.

What is the best grout sealer?

  • Aqua Mix – Sealer's Choice Gold. Aqua Mix has been producing quality tiling solutions and problem solvers for over 30 years and I have been using their product for nearly as long. ...
  • Miracle Sealants – Porous Plus Sealer. ...
  • Black Diamond Coatings – Aqua-X Grout Sealer. ...
  • Tuff Duck Granite Grout Sealer.

Previous article
How long does house foundation settlement take?
Next article
How can I detect mold in my house?