How to Clean Black Mold

Even if your bathroom was freshly scrubbed and smelling like citrus, the sight of black mold can make even the cleanest bathroom seem disgusting. Mold thrives in places like bathrooms, garages, and basements because they’re typically damp and dark. Small spots of mold in a bathtub are manageable with the correct methods and the best cleaning products. However, if the mold is spreading quickly and growing in large quantities, you should contact a professional. They are trained to completely remove mold in a way that won’t cause harm to you or your home.  

10 Best Mold Removal Products 

While a black mold-infested bathroom not only looks bad, it also can be a health hazard. Inhaling the spores can cause dangerous symptoms such as headaches, severe coughing, and respiratory difficulties, which can be indicative of black mold poisoning. Use these highly-rated products to get your tile grout sparkling clean.  

1. RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover 

How to use it: Spray the cleaner on the affected surface and wait about 15 seconds, no scrubbing needed it! 

2. Skylarlife Home Mold and Mildew Remover 

How to use it: Pour the cleaning gel on the affected surface and let it soak for about 5–6 hours, then scrub and rinse! This product is a great option for shower grout because it has a specially designed tip that will fit in the tight corners.  

3. Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover 

How to use it: Spray the Clorox Tilex on any moldy areas and scrub with a brush, then rinse away the chemical with water.  

4. OXO Good Grips Scrubber Brush 

How to use it: This brush is thin enough to get into the smallest lines of grout, so when dipped into any cleaning solution, it will be sure to scrub away any mold. 

5. Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner 

How to use it: This tub cleaner won’t necessarily kill mold, but its natural sanitizing formula will help prevent mold growth in your shower.  

6. Mold Solution Concentrate 

How to use it: Mix with water, spray onto the affected areas, then rinse. Scrub at any tough spots with a brush. 

7. White Vinegar 

How to use it: For a more natural approach, simply spray white vinegar onto the moldy areas to kill the spores and sanitize the space.  

8. Laundry Bleach 

How to use it: Dilute a capful of bleach with about a gallon of water, scrub away at the moldy areas, and rinse with water.  

9. Baking Soda 

How to use it: Make a paste using baking soda and water and leave it on the moldy areas for about 15 minutes. Then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.  

10. OxiClean 

How to use it: Make a paste using powdered OxiClean and water, then leave on the moldy areas for about 15 minutes. Scrub the area with a brush and rinse with water. 

How to Prevent Mold Growth 

Mold thrives in wet, humid environments — it's no wonder it is typically found in the bathroom. Using the procedures and products above are sure to eradicate the fungal growth. Now that you’ve been able to disinfect your bathroom of the mold, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to prevent it.  

1. Take a Moment to Squeegee 

Squeegeeing the water off the shower walls will prevent mold growth. Taking 30 seconds after you shower to squeegee away water on grout is a great precaution to take against mold growth.  

2. Keep Your Bottles Away from the Spray 

If your shampoo bottles are consistently covered in water after your shower, that could be a breeding ground for bacteria; it can pool underneath the containers and grow mold on the bathtub shelves. Keep your various hair products, body washes, and soaps in a shower caddy, then stash it underneath the sink or on a shelf.  

3. Wash Your Towels and Bath Mats Regularly  

Have you ever smelled your towels and instead of fresh laundry detergent, got a whiff of mildew? Mold can form in the folds of towels, especially when they’ve been thrown on the ground or hung on a hook. Even after washing your towels multiple times, they can still smell funky, so it may be time for a “towel recharge.” Doing so will not only cure the moldy stench, but your towels will become much more absorbent and fluffier, just like the day you purchased them. 

First, wash your towels with hot water and 1 cup of white vinegar, without any detergent. Next, run a second cycle with hot water and 1/2 cup of baking soda, again with no detergent. Lastly, you’ll dry them on the hottest cycle possible. If the smell persists, then repeat the process all over again, except use 2 cups of white vinegar instead of just 1.  

4. Use Your Bathroom Fan 

The purpose of the fan is to rid the air of excess moisture and humidity, which will prevent mold growth after your steamy shower. Run it throughout your shower and keep it on for at least 30 minutes after you bathe. If you live in a particularly humid climate, you may find it beneficial to simply run the fan all day.  

5. Routinely Inspect Your Home 

There may not be any obvious signs of mold in your bathroom, but when was the last time you checked your basement or garage for leaky pipes or flooding? Do a quick sweep of these areas after every season. If you see any problems, contact a professional. Even if you scrub away the mold with chemicals, the growth will simply return due to unresolved issues.  

Most everybody will find mold in their homes at some point. It’s not necessarily an indication of an ill-maintained home, but rather a reminder to be watchful and focus on keeping your living areas dry and clean. If you follow these tips and use mold cleaning products, then it will ensure your house is free of mold, so that you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets from being exposed to the harmful spores.  

Have you ever found mold in your home? Let us know what did to eradicate it in the comments below!