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3 Simple and Easy Ways to Clean Mold from Grout

by on Nov 30, 2024

This guide will walk you through three straightforward methods to achieve clean, mold-free grout. We’ll cover the natural power of fresh lemon juice, the effective action of OxiClean, and the potent strength of sulfamic acid cleaner. 

Are you tired of dealing with unsightly mold on your bathroom shower grout? Moldy grout isn’t just an eyesore; it can also present health hazards if left untreated. You don’t need to call a professional to address this issue. 

You can easily clean mold from grout with a few household items and specialized cleaners. 

Each method is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring you can confidently tackle black mold growth. Ready to reclaim your bathroom’s sparkle? Let’s get started!

lemon juice on grout

Using Fresh Lemon Juice to Clean Grout

If you’re looking for a natural cleaning agent and a fresh-smelling solution free of harsh chemicals to clean mold from grout, lemon juice might be your best bet. 

Here’s What You’ll Need To Clean Grout With Fresh Lemon Juice:

  •  fresh lemons
  • a spray bottle
  • a scrub bristle brush or old toothbrush

Steps For Cleaning Grout With Lemon Juice

Prepare the Lemon Juice

Start by squeezing fresh lemons to collect the juice. You’ll need enough to fill a small spray bottle.

Fill the Spray Bottle

Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into a spray bottle. This will make it easier to apply directly to the grout.

Spray the Grout

Generously spray the lemon juice onto the moldy grout. Make sure the entire area is well-covered.

Let it Sit

Allow the lemon juice to sit on the grout for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the acidity time to break down the mold and mildew.

Scrub Away

Use a scrub brush to scrub the grout. The combination of the brush and lemon juice should help remove mold effectively.

Rinse

Finally, rinse the area with warm water to remove leftover lemon juice and mold residues.

OxiClean cleaner

Grout Cleaning with OxiClean

OxiClean is a popular option for removing stubborn mold from grout. 

Materials Needed For Cleaning Grout With Oxiclean

  • OxiClean
  • warm water
  • a bowl
  • a scrub brush or old toothbrush

Steps For Cleaning Grout With Oxiclean

Create the Mixture

In a bowl, mix a scoop of OxiClean with warm water. Stir until the powder is completely dissolved, forming a robust cleaning solution.

Apply to Grout

Use a sponge or brush to spread the OxiClean solution onto the moldy grout. Ensure every affected area is thoroughly covered.

Allow to Sit

Let the solution rest on the grout for about 15 minutes. This gives the OxiClean enough time to break down mold spores and mildew.

Scrub the Grout

With your scrub brush, scrub the grout lines firmly. The combination of OxiClean and scrubbing should effectively lift away the mold.

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the grout with warm water to remove any remaining cleaner and loosen mold.

OxiClean is an efficient method for addressing mold growth, especially in larger areas with extensive mold.

sulfamic acid cleaner

Utilizing Sulfamic Acid Cleaner for Grout Cleaning

When dealing with stubborn mold that refuses to budge, sulfamic acid cleaner can be an effective solution. 

What You’ll Need For Cleaning Grout With Sulfamic Acid 

  • sulfamic acid cleaner
  • Water
  • protective gloves
  • a brush or old toothbrush

How To Clean Grout With  Sulfamic Acid

Safety First

Ensure you have protective gloves to avoid skin irritation. Proper ventilation and air circulation is crucial, so make sure to open a window or turn on a fan.

Mix the Cleaner

Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the sulfamic acid cleaner with appropriate parts water. Always adhere to safety guidelines for the best results and to protect yourself.

Apply the Solution

Spread the sulfamic acid solution directly onto the moldy grout using a brush. Be sure to cover all the affected areas thoroughly.

Let it Work

Allow the solution to sit for the recommended time as indicated on the product’s label. This will give the cleaner ample time to break down the mold effectively.

Scrub and Rinse

Use a brush to scrub the grout lines, removing as much mold as possible. Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaner and mold residues.

Sulfamic acid cleaners are known for their strength and efficiency, making them an excellent choice for challenging mold issues. By following these steps, you can confidently tackle even the toughest mold problems.

bathroom cleaned with oxiclean

Conclusion

Following either of these three methods, you can effectively tackle mold on your bathroom grout. 

Each approach has its unique strengths. Fresh lemon juice provides a natural, pleasant-smelling way to clean mold while being gentle on surfaces. 

tile cleaned with oxiclean

OxiClean is a robust option that combines ease of use with effective results, especially for larger or more stubborn mold patches. 

Lastly, sulfamic acid cleaner is ideal for those particularly challenging areas where other methods might fall short. 

Maintaining a mold-free bathroom is crucial not just for aesthetics but also for health reasons. 

Mold can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, making it important to address it promptly. 

Whichever method you choose, remember to follow the instructions carefully and ensure proper ventilation during the cleaning process. 

This will help prevent any irritation from cleaners and improve the effectiveness of your efforts.

In addition to these cleaning methods, regular maintenance can go a long way in the prevention of mold reappearing. 

Keep your bathroom well-ventilated by using exhaust fans or opening windows to reduce moisture buildup. Regularly inspect grout lines and clean them at the first sign of mold to stop it from spreading. 

Using a squeegee to remove excess water from tiles and grout after each shower can also help minimize growth of mold.

Keeping your bathroom grout clean and mold-free is manageable with a little effort and the right approach. 

Whether you opt for the natural freshness of lemon juice, OxiClean’s powerful action, or the sulfamic acid cleaner’s strength, you’re equipped to handle mold growth effectively. 

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9 Comments

  1. THANK YOU FOR TRYING THIS OUT AND EXPERIMENTING WITH THESE 3 PRODUCTS. I VE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT OXI CLEAN AND THE ACID WHICH I WOULD NOT TRY. I WILL GIVE IT AND TRY AND REALLY APPRECIATED THE PICTURES.

    THANKS AGAIN

  2. Thanks for the info. I just bought a house that has the dirtiest kitchen floor I have ever seen. I was going to replace it but have decided to try to save it and just clean, clean,clean! I’d rather spend the money on quartz counters..lol. Your post has encouraged me to use the Oxiclean method and save my tile from the dump.

  3. Amazing! We just rent what was supposed to be a “Luxury apartment”. I was shocked when I saw all the tiles had grout so dirty that I was at a loss as to what to do. Your experiment showed me and now my tiles and grout look astonishing. Thanks for the head’s up on this one!

  4. I love oxiclean for many things, I will try on my grout next time I clean it. This time I made a paste of baking soda and water then scrubbed it into my grout lines with a nail brush (toothbrush will work if bristles are stiff enough). Let sit for minimum 5 minutes then using a squirt bottle spray with white vinegar. It will fizz up then wipe with a clean wet rag. when finished you may have to rinse again to get the white film from the baking soda off. What a difference in my floor. Best method I have found yet.

  5. I use Oxiclean and vinegar. Spoon the oxi on the grout line then wet it with white vinegar. It bubbles then I use a stiff bristle brush after about 5 to 8 minutes. Clean the area with a sponge and warm water as the last step. If I wait to long to do last step it sometimes takes an extra mopping to get the residue all up. Good luck!

  6. Cleaning tile grout can be such a tedious task, but your tips make it seem so much more manageable. I especially appreciate the suggestion of using a vinegar and baking soda paste for those stubborn stains. It’s a natural and effective solution that I can’t wait to try. Thanks for sharing your expertise!