Have you noticed a fuzzy, discolored growth creeping along your grout lines in your bathroom or kitchen? That’s mildew telling you, “Hey looks like you have trouble keeping your home spick and span”. Since moisture is a constant presence in these areas of the home, it’s obvious you’ll need to up your housekeeping game and book professional apartment cleaning in Ladue, MO. If you ignore the issue, you could be inviting a more stubborn and hazardous problem to the party—residential mold.
With a bit of elbow grease, the right tools, and a few tricks from the pros, you can kick mildew out of your home before it settles for good. Will walk you through 5 strategies in the article below to help you keep your home looking neat, feeling fresh, and smelling clean.
What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Although the terms mildew and mold are frequently used interchangeably, mildew refers to a particular kind of mold that usually appears as a surface-level discoloration, commonly white or gray. In contrast, mold can exhibit a broader range of colors and textures and tends to penetrate more deeply into materials. Mildew is typically found on surfaces like shower walls, windowsills, and other areas with high moisture.
How do you remove mildew from tiles?
The good news is that getting rid of mildew is much easier than eliminating black mold. So next time you neglect your home cleanliness and notice telltale gray patches on your tiles, don’t panic, but also don’t wait. Call in reinforcements ASAP to make your bathroom or kitchen a temple of freshness once again, and here’s how:
1. Vinegar – The natural mildew slayer
White vinegar, found in most homes across the country, is one of the most effective natural ways of getting rid of mildew. Its acidity kills mildew and 80% of mold species, but won’t damage your tile or grout. The whole process is pretty straightforward:
- Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle
- Spray directly onto mildew-affected tile and grout
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes
- Scrub with a stiff brush or an old toothbrush
- Rinse with warm water and dry out thoroughly
2. Baking soda for tougher scenarios
If the mildew isn’t budging, you’ll need to turn to the natural scouring power of baking soda. Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part lukewarm water to get a thick paste that creates an abrasive texture that gives you more scrubbing power. This paste is perfect for grout lines and textured tiles that are harder to clean, and the best part is that it won’t damage your tiles. You just have to:
- Apply the paste with a brush
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes
- Scrub with a hard brush
- Rinse clean and dry out
3. Hydrogen peroxide for deep cleaning
If you’ve neglected your tiles for some time, extra-stubborn mildew will cling on, and you may need to turn to hydrogen peroxide. It’s your go-to antifungal and antibacterial agent that’s safe for tiles. Use it like this:
- Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle
- Spray directly onto the persistent mildew
- Let it bubble and sit for 10–15 minutes
- Scrub gently
- Rinse thoroughly and let it dry
4. Bleach as a last resort
If you’re still seeing traces of mildew on your grout lines, it’s time to go for the ‘nuclear option’. Just a few cautionary remarks before you start. Bleach is powerful, but it can also be dangerous. It can discolor grout, damage surfaces if used repeatedly, and produce toxic fumes. It’s also important that you NEVER mix it with vinegar. Only turn to bleach as a last resort when nothing else works. Use gloves and:
- Mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, never more
- Apply to the affected area with a sponge
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes
- Scrub and rinse thoroughly
5. Prevention is better than a cure
If you’re dealing with mildew or mold in your home, it’s a telltale sign that you’re probably not doing something right. While it’s important to soak up excess moisture and open the window after showers to improve air circulation, regular upkeep will go a long way in stopping them in their tracks. Hire a recurring cleaning service because a regular wipe down saves a full scrub later.
Where can I find meticulous apartment cleaning in Ladue, MO & the area?
No matter which side of Interstate 64 your home is located on, Cleaning Concepts is the leading maid service near you. For decades now, we’ve stood out for our ability to deliver thorough, efficient, and consistent house and apartment cleaning in Ladue and the wider St. Louis area.
If you want to keep your tiles spotless year-round, learn about our time-tried approach to residential cleaning, or pick up seasonal cleaning tips for the leading pros, just give us a call and our attentive team will help you with all this and so much more. With our experts at your beck and call, housekeeping will never be the same again. Embrace professional solutions for more ease and peace of mind, call us today!
