Tile Care 101: Identifying & Combating Mould

Mould is the enemy of every homeowner, landlord or tenant. 

Mould can pose many health risks, including respiratory problems and allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. This is especially true if you touch or inhale any spores. 

Therefore, properly maintaining your home through an optimised cleaning routine isn’t just important for your home’s aesthetic – it’s important for your health, too.

That’s why today, we’re giving you the lowdown on combating mould – from how to identify and remove it, to ways to prevent future build-up and valuable lessons in proper tile care.

How to identify mould

Some mould is obvious, building up in the nooks and crannies of your home to create an eyesore. 

However, mould can form in places that are not visible to the eye, and while this might not impact your interior approach, it may still harm your home’s functionality. The below are good indicators of mould, regardless of whether you’re able to see it:

• A bad smell: Most likely the result of built-up moisture, a constant damp smell in areas even after cleaning is a likely indicator of mould 
• Damaged walls: If your walls have started to crumble, go off coloured, have cracked paint or even warped, mould may have started to grow inside your walls
• Unstable Floors: If your flooring feels soft and spongy,  you may have excess moisture underneath, resulting in the formation of mould

How to remove mould safely when cleaning tiles

If you’ve identified mould on your tiles, you’ll want to safely remove any build-up as soon as possible. That doesn’t require an extensive arsenal of cleaning products, however. On the contrary, look to utilise the following to achieve cleaner tiles free of mould: 

Domestic bleach 

The most common method for removing mould from tiles and grout is the tried and tested method of domestic bleach. 

First, always remember to wear gloves and a mask to prevent you from breathing in those toxic fumes. Apply bleach to the mould and leave it to stand for 30 mins, ensuring the room is well ventilated. Then, using a scrubbing brush or old toothbrush, wipe away the mould from top to bottom, making sure to wipe as hard as you can to reach those smaller, hard-to-access areas of the tile. 

Once done, simply wash away with warm water!

NB: do not use bleach on coloured grout as this may change its colour.  

White Vinegar 

White vinegar is great for cleaning coloured grout and tiles. 

Add some vinegar to a spray bottle and spray onto the infected area, allowing it to sit for an hour. 

Then, wash down with warm water, repeating until the mould has gone entirely. If you don’t have a spray bottle, apply using a cloth.

Baking Powder Paste

If neither bleach nor vinegar is for you, then add half a cup of baking powder with 4 teaspoons of water to create a baking soda paste instead.

Apply this paste to the affected area, allowing it to sit for 15 mins. 

Finally, wipe away the mould with a brush or an old toothbrush and rinse with warm water.

Adding sparkle to stained grout

Even after cleaning grout with the above methods, mould can leave behind unsightly stains. However, you can utilise grout stain remover to fight away the toughest and ugliest of stains.

To add a new lease of life to previously mouldy tiles, you could even consider painting your grout. Not only is this an ideal way to ensure no trace of mould is left behind, but it also allows you to add that extra little bit of sparkle to your walls or floors. 

How to clean tiles to keep your interiors mould free

Although some mould cannot be prevented, especially if it’s a result of structural or plumbing issues, keeping your tiles clean can help prevent mould from becoming a major problem. 

Sounds like hassle? On the contrary, a regular scrub of your tiles using multi-use wipes is all that’s needed to remove any dirt, dampness or oils on your tiles – meaning upkeep is nice and simple! For additional guidance on the best ways to maintain clean tiles, check out this handy blog post!

Of course, the above are suggestions for cleaning mould that isn’t causing any structural damage to your interior or exterior. If you’re particularly concerned about the look of mould build-up in your home, and how it could be making your home unsafe to live in, then you should look to contact a professional to inspect the area. 

Fighting mould on your tiled walls and floors is all about knowing how to keep your tiles cleaner for longer. To help you on your way, why not check our extensive range of cleaning and tile care products? And be sure to check back in on the Tiles Direct blog – we regularly post useful tips and tricks on keeping your tiled interiors on-trend and looking spick and span!