The only solution for getting rid of mold in the bathroom on tile, tub, or any other hard or porous surface is lemons or lemon juice. I recently read where someone had thought bleach was the answer. At one time so did I, until I had children.
Being "concerned" with money and being green, someone suggested lemons or lemon juice. Lemon has been used for centuries. However, concern with the environment, what chemicals contaminate our water, plant life, animals, and humans got me thinking. After researching and experimenting, using natural, less expensive products fit my life style better. I chose lemons. My first stop was the bathroom.
I took a lemon wedge, rubbed it in the corner where tile meets the porcelain tub, and ran it up and down over the caulking. I let it sit about 15 minutes, checking it about halfway through (at which time you can reapply). I rinsed the tub then cleaned it as usual. The tub was clean!
This cleaning method can be used on many different things. Recently while preparing for a garage sale, I noticed the antique highchair which was being sold was growing mold. Immediately, I remembered the lemon juice. I grabbed my spray bottle that I used for cleaning the bathrooms and spayed the highchair. You would never want to use bleach or other chemicals where a baby was going to be eating.
When using on porous items, wipe away immediately. If necessary reapply.
By Mistie from Baton Rouge, LA
This page contains the following solutions.
Please don't use bleach! It is very caustic. Instead, buy a 32 oz bottle of hydrogen peroxide and buy and empty 32 oz sprayer bottle at Wal Mart. Remove the sprayer head and place on the hydrogen peroxide bottle and spray.
Krud Kutter will remove the mold overnight! Just spray on the surface and let it stand overnight. I get water in my garage when the rain is heavy and mold forms on the 'dry wall' and the wood frame it sits on.
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
We have mold on the walls above our shower. What's the best way to remove the mold and to prevent it from coming back?
Lewis
Wash the area down with a solution of Chlorine Bleach & Water and then apply KILZ Primer to the surface and repaint. (Available in Paint Depts., even Wallyworld)
I second what Cajun said--works great! A tip for cleaning the ceiling above the shower of mold: make up some bleach water in a bucket and use a foam-head mop to swab it down. Make sure you've squeezed out the mop enough beforehand so it doesn't drip on you.
Yes, great answer when you paint make sure its a paint for bathrooms it helps prevent mold and mildew, too.
My shower stall has wet-wall similar to kitchen counter tops. The wall covering has developed a slight bloom any ideas how to clean this?
Thanks in advance.
By Fran from Fife, Scotland
I am looking for a homemade solution. I'd heard that peroxide gets rid of mold, I think, but don't recall for sure about that.
I don't want to go spending money on Tilex, but want something simple and cheap, that hopefully will work as well! :-) Ann
If you can find a bottle of Mean Green tug and shower cleaner, that works best for me.
Bleach, that is all Tilex is, it's scented bleach.
1 Part Hydrogen Peroxide to 2 parts water. Let it sit for at least an hour before rinsing!
I've never actually tried this method, I just recently found it online!
Try the following. Not sure if it will work but it's worth a try:
All Purpose Cleaner: You'll need a large spray bottle, a half cup of baking soda, and enough water to dissolve. To this, slowly add a cup of vinegar (it will fizz like mad for a bit), then top off with more water. Let this mixture sit overnight, and then flip end over end to mix. Be prepared for more fizzing. When fizzing ends, it's ready to use.
OR
Tile Cleaner: Mix equal parts baking soda and warm water, scrub into tiles, and then clean with all purpose solution.
You can get other cleaning ideas from this site (which is where I got the idea I've mentioned) www.stretcher.com/
When we moved into this house, the shower tiles had a lime buildup and mold. Each time I clean with a bleach cleaner, the tiles turn orange/brown which is then very difficult to remove. This doesn't happen in other areas where there is no build up. How can I clean the shower without this happening and kill the mold, too?
If you have lime buildup then you need to use an acid cleaner to get rid of it. Probably full strength vinegar will do the trick, but if it doesn't, try CLR.
Don't use bleach. I know it's been used for decades in the belief it got rid of mold. Recent studies have shown all it does is 'bleach' the mold to white/clear. The spores are still alive therefore it will come back. Consider using full strength vinegar sprayed on to get rid of the calcium buildup.
If the mold is on the putty around the enclosure, take it off and put new putty on. If it's on a curtain, of course, replace it. I spray vinegar on the entire enclosure after each use of the tub/shower. I no longer have a problem with either buildup nor mold.
We are getting ready to move into a house, but there is a lot of work that has to be done first. We recently tore the entire bathroom out from the floors to the ceiling. It will be a whole new make-over. The bathtub is fine, it just needs to be cleaned really well. It is filthy, but the dirt wipes off. Now on the outside of the tub surround there is mold. What can I do to safely remove and prevent if from coming back?
By Kristi from Columbus, OH
Use a 50/50 bleach/water solution in a bucket. Use hot but not scalding water. Take a stiff bristled handheld bathtub brush and alternate between dipping the brush in the bucket and scrubbing at the mold until it is all gone. The bleach should remove the stain left by the mold. If not you can try some concentrated bleach on a white rag, wearing gloves. Be careful not to damage the caulk. If the caulk is leaking in any way, remove, clean and re-caulk. Rinse clean with water and you should be good to go.
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I need a homemade recipe for a small problem of mold in the shower. It is on the wall at one side. The shower is a tile shower. Thank you.
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