Mould

[pendleh]

Hi there

My thread is all about mould primarily on grout. What is best to remove mould and what steps can you take to prevent it from coming back. Also does sealing the grout make it less likely that mould will appear in the future.

Thanks

Howard

[Branty]

Hi Howard

If the mold is in the grout, as opposed to being only on the surface of the grout. Then you really need to rake out all the grout, and redo.
If you do re-grout, then use a grout with antimold technolygy. Such as BAL microcolour.

That being said, mold can still grow on the surface of these grouts, but they won't grow in them. So you need to keep them nice and clean.

[Dan]

Is it mold on white wall grout then I'm guessing?

[brian c]

HG do a grout cleaner that is very good but take into account what Branty is saying.

[Alberta Stone]

realize that the antimold technology is just a fungicide which they add to the grout same as the silicones.
Poison.
Causes cancers so take precautions when handling the stuff.
Most guys just get it all over themselves and wear it like medals, and then a few decades later when they are all stove up they wonder why.
I know it is impossible to completely avoid getting it on you other than to avoid tiling, but it is good to be somewhat safety conscious and be concerned for one's health.

[Scott the tiler]

For white grout only! Here in spain they tend to use 0.5 of hydrogen peroxide with 0.5 of water mixed together.
Sprayed on and left for about 30 mins. Clean off with a damp cloth & reapply if necessary.
Also it cleans the grout up beautifully too. I have never used it but some swear by it.

[pendleh]

Hi Dan

Yes its on white grout. Going to try aquamix grout colorant what do you think. Every month or so the mold keeps coming back. May have to take the grout out but thats a major job. Going to use a rotozip if needed. There is an extractor fan in the bathroom. Told the guy to stop it coming back to use a spray (mild mould & mildew formula) after shower. Can anyone suggest any other preventative measures.

Best Wishes

Howard

[pendleh]

Hi Scott

thanks m8 Ill try it! HG also do a mould spray will look at the contents.

[GazTech]

What may appear to be on the surface is the roots of Aspergillus Niger ( black mould ). Once the roots are embedded in the grout or silicone it can't be removed. Microban prevents the root from getting into the body of the grout and therefore it only sits on top and can be easily removed with regular maintenance. Microban contains no pestecides and is harmless.....Gaz

[pendleh]

Hi Gaz

How can you tell if the roots are embedded in the grout? Customer is able to remove the black marks although they reappear within a month.

Howard

[GazTech]

If she can remove the blackmarks then the roots cant be embedded and the grout must have some sort of anti-mould protection...

[pendleh]

Hi Gaz thanks m8! Whats the best way to prevent regrowth.

[GazTech]

If she continues regular cleaning then can't see any problem. People tend to think that any grout which is mould free types can just be left without ever cleaning. Grout and silicone is not a magical self cleaning product....

[grumpygrouter]

As far as I am aware, the best way to prevent mould occuring is a good hygiene regime and PLENTY of ventilation. It is the damp atmosphere that promotes mould and mildew grouth. Get it dry as quickly as possible and it should help a great deal to at least cut the problem down to a minimum, if it doesn't clear it altogether.