How to remove and prevent mold in bathroom grout?« Back to Previous Page

That black spot in the grout is almost certainly surface mould, a common issue in Dubai bathrooms due to the high humidity and lack of air circulation, especially in that shaded corner. The weak exhaust fan is the primary culprit, as it allows moisture from showers to linger.

For immediate cleaning, a simple but effective solution is to spray undiluted distilled white vinegar directly onto the mould, let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a stiff brush. For stubborn spots, a paste of baking soda and water can be used as an abrasive scrub after the vinegar. Avoid using bleach; it may remove the colour temporarily but does not kill the mould roots and can weaken grout over time.

Prevention is about managing moisture. Run your exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower. Since it's weak, supplement it by leaving the bathroom door open to allow drier air from the rest of the apartment to circulate. Wiping down the walls and tiles with a squeegee after use removes the moisture mould needs to grow.

If the mould reappears quickly after cleaning or you notice a persistent musty smell, the growth may have penetrated deeper behind the tiles. In such cases, a professional inspection can identify the full extent and recommend targeted remediation to prevent it from spreading into the wall cavity, which is a more serious issue.