Asked on Aug 15, 2020

HOW CAN I GET THE BLACK MOLD/SPOTS OFF MY SANDED GROUT IN MY SHOWER?

Dee Harvan
by Dee Harvan

I HAVE TRIED "EVERYTHING" FROM BLEACH TO SOFT SCRUB TO A TOOTH BRUSH WITH TILE CLEANER ETC. SEEMS I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING, BUT SOME OF THE "BLACK" (THAT'S DISGUSTING) WILL NOT COME OFF. WE PAID $20,000.00 FOR OUR NEW BATHROOM WITH A WALK-IN SHOWER, BEAUTIFUL CERAMIC TILE & THEY USED SANDED GROUT! I'M SO DISAPPOINTED. I CAN'T GET THE FLOOR CLEAN EITHER ~ I HAVE THE TINY HEXAGON TILES ON THE FLOOR, & THE SHEETS OF IT WERE PUT IN CROOKED. HELP, HELP, HELP WITH MY DIRTY GROUT! ARE THERE ANY SHOWER TILE CLEANERS THAT MIGHT WORK?


  19 answers
  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 15, 2020

    Hello. It sounds very frustrating. Maybe we can suggest some different methods here for you to consider.



    Heres some recommended cleaners


    The Best Way to Clean Grout-EVER!!! | Hometalk

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/bathroom/the-best-way-to-clean-grout-ever-2295735?expand_all_questions=1


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/floors/homemade-grout-cleaner-recipe-41693881?expand_all_questions=1

    https://www.bobvila.com/articles/cleaning-grout/#.Wi6YzKZOmf0

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=clean%20grout


    Additionally


    Painted Tile Grout Refresh with grout pen

    https://www.blesserhouse.com/painted-tile-grout-refresh/


    Grout cleaning and grout removal and replace it


    Here’s a Hometalk link for you to consider. Hope this helps

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/clean/bathroom/how-to-clean-grout-and-install-new-grout-that-won-t-stain-23803774

  • Patty Patty on Aug 15, 2020

    Yikes! I would call whoever did the work and ask to tell you who made the tile, then call the tile manufacturer. A bigger concern is: why are you getting mold? Is your bathroom vented? You should run your fan before you shower, whikebyou shower and for half hour afterward. If you cannot get the name of the tile manufacturer, take pics and go to a tile store and ask for advice. Or, go to a specialty cleaning supply store to ask. Buy a small amount of whatever they recommend, and try it on a small, non noticeable space first. I do wonder, did you try spraying it with white vinegar, let it sit overnight, rinse the next day? I would go very slowly on this because you do not want to harm the finish.

  • Patty Patty on Aug 15, 2020

    I just read use 25% bleach and 75% baking soda. I'd mix up 1/4 c bleach and 3/4 c baking soda and see what it does.

  • Hi Dee - There are several ways to get rid of mold, but most importantly, you need to address the root cause to keep it from returning. This article focuses on the bathroom, but is an overall great article that covers methods of how to remove mold, if bleach is safe to use, and how to prevent it from coming back. Hope this helps! Hugs, Holly

    https://pinkfortitude.com/mold-in-the-shower/

    PS - We have a FREE eBook with recipes for all of my homemade and all-natural cleaners. You can download it here --> https://pinkfortitude.com/thank#GreenClean

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 15, 2020

    HELLO DEE,

    Look for Mr. Mussel - for black mould! in the cleaning section of Supermarket.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Aug 15, 2020

    I don't know if this will work any better, but try this one: Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with one gallon of water and spray the mixture on the affected area. Wait for about half an hour, then rinse the surfaces thoroughly with warm water; Dip a damp sponge into pure baking soda and scrub down the tiles and grout with it.

  • Since bleach doesn't work, have you tried vinegar?


  • I always go straight to domestos. Use a toothbrush dipped into domestos and add to the grout. Leave for about 30 and brush off again. Works everything for me.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 15, 2020

    Undiluted vinegar will kill the mold, but will not de-colorize it to much of any degree. I would treat it with vinegar first, let it dry and then go about trying to bleach out the mold. It sounds like you have a moisture problem and that needs to be resolved, a powerful venting fan, dehumidifier are 2 suggestions. After eack use, wipe down the shower to remove excess water, you might even consider a box fan to help it dry quickly until you have a more permanent solution. The Hometalkers have given you some suggestions on how to treat and clear up the mold. It may come down to removing the grout, re-grouting it and sealing it so the mold cannot take residence. Best to you.

  • Shona M. Aycock Shona M. Aycock on Aug 15, 2020

    I would try Bar Cleaners Friend and hydrogen peroxide.

  • Oliva Oliva on Aug 15, 2020

    There is something grossly wrong with the work that was done for you. Was Schlutter ystem installed behind the tile? What was the shape of the wall when work commenced? Do you have adequate ventilation for this room? Are walls squeegeed and exhaust fans run for at least 20 min. after showers?

    Why he used sanded grout is beyond me. An epoxy grout, although very costly, never needs cleaning. I had a friend who tried to clean her sanded grout and was told it was not meant to be cleaned. Thus, she had ruined it, per the tile company.

    Were pictures taken as work progressed? Were leaks found in your wall piping? You should not be having mold. Check your written contract carefully, then call back the installing company. Check your access panel and floor area for leaks, as well. Check the slope of your floor. It may not have been properly installed, either, and it too should have a waterproof membrand below the walk in shower and the floor. Water leaks can take months to show their source. Good luck.

    • Dee Harvan Dee Harvan on Aug 16, 2020

      Thank you! I told my husband that we'd probably have to replace the grout, but he blew it off. So glad you wrote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Aug 15, 2020

    I agree, about the questionable work done. Check your contract for specific materials that were to be used. Unfortunately, the grout might need replacement and should be sealed. The suggestions for checking for leaks and moisture problems is good advice. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Dee Harvan Dee Harvan on Aug 16, 2020

    That's what I'm afraid of ~ that I may have to replace the grout!

  • Oliva Oliva on Aug 16, 2020

    Hi, Dee, are you sure the wall tiles were correctly prepared before he placed them on the wall? Are they stone or porcelain? Did the installer use the correct grout spacing for this particular tile? I'm really concerned that you may have a hidden leak somewhere, and by the time you find it, you may discover that the ceiling of the room beneath this bathroom has suffered extensive damage.

    Please don't wait any longer to investigate the source of the mold. Call your insurance company to see if this is covered.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Aug 16, 2020

    This product worked wonders in my daughter's moldy shower.https://amzn.to/3avU3Vn

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 16, 2020

    For that price I would call the company back, and ask why the grout was not sealed.... and tell them its molding. And then ask them to repair the crocked tile. Take pictures before they come, and if its not done to your sadtisfaction, get some estimates to fix it, and take them to small claims court.

  • Dee Harvan Dee Harvan on Aug 17, 2020

    I think I will email the contractor! Thanx!

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Aug 18, 2020

    Can you use a bleach pen in the meantime? You can also get paint pens for the grout. Sorry this happened!