Mold in the shower
Q. from Teresa: I am having a HUGE problem with mold in my shower. PLEASE help. I need to get rid of it and then keep it away…but without using harsh chemicals. I have tried vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide, water-tea-tree oil-lavender oil mixture. Nothing works. I am so frustrated (and disgusted!)
Great question Teresa. It’s hard to say without seeing it, but here are my thoughts. The first thing is process. The best products won’t do the job if the process isn’t right. Tea tree oil should kill the mold and keep it from returning, but you may need to let it sit a bit longer. Spray it on, let it work its way into the grooves and pores of the surface, and after 10 minutes (or more) scrub away. Over the next week or so keep your spray handy and spritz the shower daily to make sure all the spores are dead. The problem with mold and mildew is that it grows deep into surfaces. It penetrates, but your scrub brush or sponge doesn’t.
The next method is to use Borax, which you can find in your grocer’s laundry aisle. It’s another natural fungicide but it works a little differently than tea tree oil. You’d make a paste of Borax and water and spread it over the area. Let it sit overnight and scrub it in the morning.
As for a commercial product, several of our clients have had success with Melaleuca’s No Work Shower Spray. Spray it daily and mold and soap scum be gone. I have to attest that my girls love to clean homes where the homeowners use this stuff. They say the showers are a breeze!
Keep in mind though, grout isn’t meant to last forever. Over time your grout – and sealant too – will need to be replaced. That’s actually the case in my shower. In fact, the previous owners sealed the grout without cleaning it first, so there’s mold growing beneath the seal, which makes it virtually uncleanable. If all else fails, you may have to look into having grout work done – or doing it yourself.
There are some tips to cut down on mold and mildew growth though. They grow in dark, warm, wet areas. So after your shower, rinse the shower walls and door with a shot of cold water. Squeegee the walls and door when you get out to remove excess moisture, then leave the shower door (or curtain) and the bathroom door open to allow the humidity to escape. Even better, turn on your bathroom fan to create a draft. Mold doesn’t like that! Anything you can do to dry your shower quickly and cool it off will keep mold and mildew at bay.
Good luck Teresa!
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Comments
Thanks for the solution. I was also facing the same problem and Borax is a great help. I used it and never saw mold. Thanks once again.
Here’s another suggestion: Thieves oil. Simply diffusing this therapeutic-grade essential oil regularly will likely result in an environment very hostile to mold, not to mention the health benefits, long-term protection, and simply making your home smell great. The Thieves Household Cleaner is wonderful too.
http://www.secretofthieves.com/mold.cfm/79544
Thank you so much! I am going to try Borax tonight. But you also made a great point in that the grout is old. But I am hoping I can buy a little more time. Again, thank you!
I’ve heard that mold is very dangerous and I never thought of it being in the shower.
Tea tree oil is a great fungicide so it should work but the problem may be that your not getting it all so it just keeps regrowing. Definitely, you should wipe down the tiles after you use the shower and also be sure to use the fan when you shower. You might consider a dehumidifier – mold loves moisture!
Try this powerful formula to get rid of those pesky molds.
4 parts water to 2 parts vinegar
5 drops of lavender essential oil (or a scent of your choosing)
5 drops tea tree oil
Bobby
Make Homemade Fragrances
Applying the sealant without first ensuring the surfaces are 100% clean is a major cause of sealant breakage in bathrooms and kitchens. It is very common to see such seals with mould on or that are coming away from the surfaces.
This also causes further problems whereby water, and indeed mould, can get behind your units where you can’t even see to clean… this can cause re-occurring problems.
Great solution, I’m a big fan of essential oils. From cleaning to muscle pain relief to aromatherapy…essential oils are great!
Home Depote is selling a consume version of mdf500 called simply mdf. It not only kills the mold but eliminates the toxins. Its what we use in our business.
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