For a Q&A in Atlanta Home Improvement: Is there an easy way to remove mildew stains from grout?

Kali M
by Kali M
  9 answers
  • Baking Soda or Vinegar should do the trick. i usually make a paste of Baking Soda with water and apply it on the grout. Let it sit for a while and scrub it with a brush. It works for me all the time.
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Feb 10, 2012
    There are several ways to remove mildew stains from a bathroom. The first (and easiest) is to prevent the growth in the first place. Mold/ mildew tends to grow on surfaces that are moist and also have organic material that acts as a food source. Keeping it dry may be a challenge since it would be used frequently, however eliminating the food source is something that can be resolved by more frequent cleanings. If you are in the process of design the space, then consider products that are antimicrobial. This means that they surface of the product was designed to be unfriendly to mold and bacteria. They even make tile now that is self cleaning that has this type of surface! If the prevention did not take place then there are several ways to get rid of it. You can buy powerful chemicals that are harmful to breath but do kill the mildew or you can create your own solution. One popular solution is to use a Baking Soda and Vinegar paste. This is a green solution since is cost less to make and it does not have any harmful off-gassing like typical detergents that can make you sick.
  • Melissa G Melissa G on Feb 10, 2012
    These tips are very helpful for me, too. Tilex doesn't do a good enough job.
  • Kali M Kali M on Feb 10, 2012
    Congrats, SawHorse, you're in! Thanks also to Yamini and Melissa G. for the feedback :)
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Feb 22, 2012
    No problem. I would have to thank Yamini for starting the conversation on the greener solution.
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Feb 22, 2012
    Melissa- I have found that Vinegar is a much better cleaning agent than most other commercial products. It is amazing how simple food and simple cleaning agents are just better.
  • Janet D Janet D on Mar 09, 2012
    You can use bleach & water equal amounts of both and they work
  • Tami Mishel L Tami Mishel L on Mar 16, 2012
    Tilex ... buy the one that says "root" on it. spray it on and leave it! After the area is clean the tilex will remove the stain and kill the mildew.
  • Joanita B Joanita B on Mar 18, 2012
    muratic acid but use goggles and rubber gloves