How do I Remove Shower Mold?

The bathroom contains all of the ideal ingredients for a concoction of molds and mildews: it's damp, generally dark and generates vast amounts of bacteria-laden water droplets that mold and mildew love. Shower mildew is generally red or green, depending on the species of the fungi. Black mold is considered to be the most toxic mold, causing health problems such as asthma and other respiratory problems. Although a plethora of special mildew and mold cleaning products glut the supermarket shelves, you can remove shower mold with a few basic household products.

Cleaning shower mold requires a good amount of elbow grease — this means you'll be scrubbing a lot — as well as an acidic disinfectant to kill the mold spores. Household white vinegar consists of acetic acid, a mild nontoxic acid that kills most shower mold and mildew. Chlorine bleach kills mold and mildew but produces harmful fumes and skin reactions for those with sensitive skin. Try using vinegar to remove mold and mildew before moving on to the more caustic materials.

For removal of shower mold and bathtub mold, mix equal amounts of white vinegar — acetic acid — and hot water into a bucket. Wash the walls of the shower unit and the tub, then rinse it off when you're done. In stubborn areas, apply undiluted vinegar. Vinegar also removes hard water deposits and stains. Several applications might be required to completely clean mold and water stains from the shower and tub.

For removing shower head mold and mold in tile grout, add just enough baking soda to create a paste. Smooth the paste onto the affected areas. Allow it to sit for a minute or two, then scrub it with a stiff toothbrush or nylon brush and rinse it off with water.

Severe stains can be treated with diluted chlorine bleach, but wear rubber gloves to protect your skin, and open a window to provide sufficient ventilation. Mold cleanup is vigorous work. You might not see instantaneous results for very severe cases. Apply the solutions several times if necessary.

The old proverb "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings true for bathroom mold. To prevent shower mold from forming, run the ventilation fan after every shower. Maintain a clean environment by regularly scrubbing the walls, tub, shower and shower head with a bleach or vinegar solution. In the event of a stubborn case of mold, consult a professional.