How to Remove Mould From Your Bathroom
Bathroom mould is common in BC's coastal climate — high humidity from showers creates perfect conditions for mould to grow on grout, caulking, and ceilings. Here's how to deal with it safely and effectively.
Is It Mould or Mildew?
Mildew is a surface fungus — usually grey or white, flat, and easy to clean. Mould is usually black, green, or fuzzy, and can penetrate porous surfaces. Both need to be addressed, but mould on drywall or behind tiles requires professional remediation.
Safety First
Before cleaning mould, open windows and run the fan. Wear rubber gloves and, if you're sensitive to mould, an N95 mask. Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar — this creates toxic fumes.
Cleaning Mould From Grout
Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water. Apply to the grout with an old toothbrush and scrub. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. For a non-bleach option, hydrogen peroxide (3%) sprayed directly on grout and left for 10 minutes works well.
Cleaning Mould From Caulking
Mould in the silicone caulking around your tub or shower is nearly impossible to fully remove — the mould grows inside the caulk, not just on the surface. The only real fix is to remove the old caulk with a caulk remover tool, clean the area thoroughly with bleach, let it dry completely, and re-caulk with a mould-resistant silicone caulk.
Cleaning Mould From Bathroom Ceiling
Spray diluted bleach solution on the ceiling using a spray bottle. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wipe with a cloth attached to a mop or extendable handle to keep bleach off your skin. Rinse with clean water. Repaint with mould-resistant paint after cleaning.
Preventing Mould in BC Homes
- Run the bathroom fan during and for 20 minutes after every shower
- Squeegee shower walls after each use
- Leave shower doors open or curtain pulled back to allow air circulation
- Fix any leaks immediately — even small drips create mould conditions
- Re-caulk every 2–3 years before mould penetrates
When to Call a Professional
If mould covers more than 10 square feet, appears behind walls, or keeps coming back after cleaning — that's a professional remediation job, not a cleaning job. A regular house clean addresses surface mould as part of bathroom cleaning, but structural mould requires a mould remediation specialist.
For regular bathroom deep cleaning to keep mould from getting established, book at maidless.ca.