Black mold in bathroom grout: DIY clean or call pro?« Back to Previous Page

My ensuite bathroom in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has black spots growing in the grout between the tiles, especially behind the toilet where it's always a bit damp. It’s gotten noticeably worse since the humidity spiked last month. I’m pretty handy, but I'm worried it might be more serious than just surface mold. Should I try cleaning it with bleach myself, or is it time to call a professional cleaning company?
Posted by Seung Tanaka
Asked on April 26, 2026 9:10 am
Black mold in bathroom grout is common in Dubai's high humidity, especially in areas with poor ventilation. For a small area (under one square foot) that you've caught early, a thorough DIY cleaning is often effective. However, the location behind the toilet and its recent growth suggest a persistent moisture issue that may require more than just surface cleaning.

Start by scrubbing the area with a dedicated grout cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water, not bleach. Bleach only removes surface discoloration but doesn't kill the mold roots deep in the porous grout, and its fumes in a small, enclosed space can be harmful. The key is to fix the source of dampness. Run your bathroom's exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and ensure it is actually venting outside. Wipe down wet walls and grout lines with a squeegee after use.

If the mold returns within a few weeks despite these measures, the problem is likely deeper. In many JVC apartments, moisture can seep behind the tiles, feeding mold in the wall cavity itself. At this point, professional assessment is wise. A proper inspection, often involving moisture meters, can determine if the issue is superficial or internal. For remediation that involves removing and replacing compromised grout or addressing hidden moisture, a professional service with the right equipment and antimicrobial treatments will provide a longer-lasting solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 27, 2026 8:07 am