How to Remove Mildew from a Shower

  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 15-25
What You'll Need
Bathroom cleaner
Brush
Bleach
Water
Baking soda
Vinegar
Squeegee
Paper towels
Spray bottle
What You'll Need
Bathroom cleaner
Brush
Bleach
Water
Baking soda
Vinegar
Squeegee
Paper towels
Spray bottle

Over time, you may need to remove mildew from your shower. The warmth, humidity and food sources (oil, skin, dirt) in a shower are abundant for the growth of the mildew and mold. You can prevent the growth of mildew to a large extent by following some rules and with some elbow grease you can remove it from the shower as well.

Step 1 – Wash and Scrub Shower with Bathroom Cleaner

Wear gloves. Open the windows of the bathroom to ensure sufficient ventilation. Apply bathroom cleaner on the walls of the shower. With a stiff bristled brush, scrub the shower thoroughly. This will get rid of all the accumulated soap scum, dirt and oil on the shower walls. Choose a cleaner that contain bleach. You could also make a cleaning solution with water and bleach at a ratio of 5:1. Bleach is very effective in killing mildew and other microorganisms.

Step 2 – Apply a Solution of Baking Soda and Water

If the mildew is still very apparent, try cleaning it with baking soda. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply this paste to the tiles and grout in the shower. Let it sit for a few hours. With the brush, scrub the paste into the tiles and the grout. Wash it off and reapply if necessary.

Step 3 – Remove Hard Water Stains

Vinegar is an effective, non toxic cleaner that can effectively remove hard water stains on the shower wall. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray it on to the shower wall. You could also dip some paper towels with vinegar and lay them on the wall. If the wall or the towels become dry, spray some more vinegar or soak the towels again and place them back on the wall. Scrub the walls again and ensure that all the hard water stains have disappeared.

Step 4 – Remove Mildew Stains

If you still see some mildew stains, on the shower tiles or in the grout, you will need to use some more bleach for cleaning. Spray some bleach solution on the grout and let it sit, or soak some paper towels with bleach and lay them on the tile and grout. After a few hours, scrub it off and rinse with plenty of water. It is important to protect yourself and any fabrics around the shower when you are cleaning it with bleach. In addition to irritating the skin, bleach can discolor garments.

Step 5 – Wash Shower Curtain

To remove mildew from the shower curtain, wash it in a solution of hot water and bleach. Prevent further growth of mildew by cleaning the shower every week or 2.

Tips

  • Use the exhaust fan in your bathroom at all times.
  • Never leave the bathroom dark and moist, because this is the perfect growth environment for mildew.
  • Avoid leaving wet clothes in the bathroom.
  • Use a squeegee and plain water to rinse off the soap scum and dirt from the shower walls every day. This will prevent the growth of mildew to a great extent.