How to Clean Mold and Mildew in a Shower

How to Clean Mold and Mildew in a Shower

Showers are one of the most common places for mold and mildew stains to develop because warm temperatures, moisture and humidity can keep surfaces damp long after the shower is used.

Mold and mildew staining may appear on shower tile, grout, glass, fiberglass and other moisture-prone surfaces. Regular cleaning and controlling moisture can help keep the shower cleaner and reduce recurring problems.

Why Does Mold and Mildew Grow in Showers?

Every shower introduces moisture and humidity into the bathroom.

Problem areas commonly include:

• Tile and grout

• Shower walls

• Shower floors

• Glass shower doors

• Fiberglass shower surrounds

• Corners and seams

• Areas around fixtures

• Other surfaces that remain damp

Soap residue, body oils and personal-care products can also accumulate on shower surfaces, making regular cleaning particularly important.

Step 1: Ventilate the Bathroom

Before cleaning, improve airflow in the bathroom.

Run the exhaust fan and open a door or window when practical. Good ventilation helps reduce humidity and allows the shower to dry more quickly after cleaning.

Step 2: Apply Mold & Mildew Cleaner

Natural Armor All-Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner is a ready-to-use, bleach-free formula designed to help remove mold and mildew stains from compatible surfaces.

Apply the cleaner directly to the affected shower surface according to the product directions.

Because Natural Armor is ready to use, there's no need to dilute or mix the formula before normal application.

Step 3: Allow the Cleaner to Work

Allow the product the recommended contact time before wiping or scrubbing the area.

Giving the cleaner time to remain in contact with the staining helps it work before being removed from the surface.

Always follow the directions on the product label.

Step 4: Wipe or Scrub the Surface

Clean the treated area according to the product directions.

Smooth shower surfaces may require wiping, while grout and textured surfaces may benefit from gentle scrubbing.

Pay particular attention to areas where staining commonly collects, such as:

• Grout lines

• Corners

• Around fixtures

• Shower-door tracks

• Seams and edges

Older or stubborn staining may require additional cleaning.

Step 5: Dry the Shower

Once the shower has been cleaned, allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly.

Keeping the shower dry is one of the most important steps for reducing recurring mold and mildew.

After showering:

• Run the bathroom exhaust fan

• Leave the shower door or curtain open when appropriate

• Use a squeegee on shower walls and glass

• Remove standing water

• Hang towels and bath mats so they can dry

• Improve airflow through the bathroom

How Do You Clean Mold and Mildew From Shower Grout?

Grout can be more challenging because it may be more porous than surrounding tile.

Apply Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner according to the directions and allow it adequate contact time. Gentle scrubbing with an appropriate brush can help clean staining from grout lines.

Avoid overly aggressive scrubbing that could damage deteriorated grout.

Can You Use Mold & Mildew Cleaner on Shower Glass?

Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner can be used on compatible glass surfaces.

Shower glass may accumulate several types of residue at once, including soap residue, hard-water spots and mold or mildew staining around edges and tracks.

Follow the product directions and wipe the glass thoroughly after cleaning.

Do You Need Bleach to Clean a Moldy Shower?

Not necessarily.

Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner contains no bleach, providing an alternative for homeowners who prefer a bleach-free approach to cleaning mold and mildew stains.

Its all-natural formula is ready to use and features a lemon scent rather than the characteristic chlorine odor associated with bleach.

Why Does Mold Keep Coming Back in My Shower?

If mold or mildew staining repeatedly returns, moisture is usually an important part of the problem.

Look for:

• Poor bathroom ventilation

• High humidity

• Plumbing leaks

• Wet grout

• Standing water

• Surfaces that don't dry between showers

Cleaning removes existing surface staining. Reducing moisture helps address the conditions that allow mold and mildew to return.