How can I clean grout in an old bathroom?

Amanda Scarber
by Amanda Scarber

Sorry for the misspelling ^... but my thing is i just moved into a like 1950ish house and i have an older type of bathtub in my bathroom, where the three walls and ceiling over the bathtub is tile and grout. I'm trying to find a way to get the mold and mildew off the ceiling over my bathtub. Mold and mildew sprays,scrubbing not working, I cant just sprinkle baking soda up there(not because I'm short) but ya know it's not going to stay. I need help... I can't stand looking at it, it's driving me mad....help please.

  4 answers
  • Claire Claire on Oct 20, 2019

    You'll need a ladder to do this but you could paint the ceiling grout white. The folks in the paint department or store should know what paint to use. I don't think you can paint the grout that gets wet when you shower. Good Luck!

    • Amanda Scarber Amanda Scarber on Oct 23, 2019

      Well luckily me Im not doing the don't actual ceiling of the bathroom just the one over the tub, it has two cabinets above/over the tub.

  • Toni Toni on Oct 20, 2019
    Trisodium phosphate works on many issues. Clorox -
  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Oct 20, 2019

    There is a pen in the tile department of any home improvement store that is a tile restore pen. It stains the grout back to a consistent and pleasing white. I think other colors are available as well. This will be tedious, but worth it. Once your grout looks good again, seal it. Grout must be sealed. You will find that in the same area as the pens.

  • Oliva Oliva on Oct 21, 2019

    Once you've cleaned and sealed this grout, keep in mind that thoroughly drying the ceiling and wall tile and grout after showers/baths is necessary to minimize grout cleaning.


    You'll find a long handled squeegee and clean microfiber towels to be very useful in ridding the tile and grout of excess water after showers.


    If the house lacks a high powered exhaust fan with auto humidity sensor and timer, get one installed.


    Avoid using fabric softener in bath linens/rugs, because it reduces their absorption and adds more humidity.


    Purchase or make felted wool dryer balls (at least 4-6, dependent upon your dryer size), to make your bath linens soft, without the fabric softener, which can cause a film deposit on your dryer drum, over time.