Regular cleaning and maintenance is an essential part of caring for your home. Perhaps no other space requires it more than the bathroom. Regular use can leave moisture that holds dirt and grime on your surfaces. This creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to form and spread. At particular risk is your shower tile caulking.

There are a number of ways to prevent mold from forming in your shower caulking. You should begin with a professional cleaning so you start with a clean slate free of mold, mildew, grime, and soap scum.

What Causes Mold?

Anywhere with a propensity for moisture buildup is ripe for mold. Homes in the Pacific Northwest ensure high humidity most of the year, making the battle against mold particularly important. You should always be on the lookout for signs of mold anywhere in your home, but in particular areas with:

• High humidity (small bathrooms where a hot shower can steam up the space quickly)
• Frequent condensation (showers)
• Poor ventilation
• Lack of consistent cleaning
• Moisture intrusion from the outside
• Piles of damp clothing
• Standing puddles (basements)

Mold spores are microscopic and can travel on the air currents, light on clothing and pets, and be carried into your home. There, a lack of airflow and persistent moisture are all that is needed to trigger mold growth.

Why Does Grout in Particular Get Mold?

Shower grout has an affinity for mold growth, and for any number of reasons. First, consider the perfect storm that is present: steady exposure to moisture that is left to air dry on its own, coupled with dirt, soap scum, and other contaminants.

This can be aggravated by slightly misaligned tile that allows moisture to penetrate behind the grout. Improper insulation behind the wall can also allow condensation to form behind the tile and grout. A poor choice in grout for the shower can also contribute to persistent mold growth. Grout that is not intended to handle lots of moisture can actually absorb water and cause serious mold problems.

Tips for Cleaning and Preventing Mold in Shower Caulking

Due to the nature of a shower and constant moisture, frequent cleaning is a must. There are several DIY methods for cleaning mold from your shower caulking. If mold has been present too long, you will likely need a professional to help ensure it is all removed and fully clean for your health and safety.

WARNING! Frequent use of these solutions and many store products can damage and wear away your caulk and shorten its lifespan, making replacement necessary far sooner than expected. If the mold has penetrated too deep into the caulk, then removing and replacing it may be necessary.

1. Create a:

• Bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)
• Vinegar solution (pure vinegar, or add some water if the smell is too intense)
• Ammonia solution (equal parts ammonia and water)

… and pour it into a spray bottle. Be sure to open windows or use other ventilation. You should also wear eye protection, breathing apparatus, and rubber gloves.

2. Spray your shower caulk with the solution, liberally covering all affected areas.
3. Let soak for at least five minutes.
4. Gently scrub the caulk with a sponge or soft bristled brush and then wipe it with a clean wet cloth.
5. Dry your shower tile and grout with a soft towel.

There are also many store cleaners that eliminate mold. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for these products.

Professional Care for Caulk and Tile Surfaces

Hiring a professional will help greatly with your maintenance and make it easier for you to manage. Your surfaces will look cleaner, be easier to maintain, and prevent molds that can be harmful to you and your family. Revivify Surface LLC offers professional tile and grout cleaning and sealing to help your surfaces look great and last longer.

Contact us today for a quote on tile cleaning, removing mold from grout, and sealing your surfaces for durable protection to make them last.