Black bathroom grout: DIY fix or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Black grout in a bathroom is a classic sign of mould growth, fueled by the high humidity and condensation common in Dubai. While surface mould can often be managed with diligent cleaning, a persistent musty smell and growth in hidden corners suggest a deeper moisture issue that cleaning won't fix.

For a DIY attempt, skip bleach—it's mostly water and can feed mould roots in porous grout. Instead, use a dedicated mould remover or a paste of baking soda and vinegar, scrubbing thoroughly. This is a temporary solution if the underlying cause is excess moisture from a leaky seal, pipe, or inadequate ventilation.

In a rental apartment, your responsibility is typically surface cleaning, while the landlord is responsible for the building's integrity and fixing issues like leaking pipes, failed waterproofing, or faulty ventilation systems that cause chronic dampness. Document the issue with photos and a written request to the building management or landlord, citing the persistent musty odour.

If the problem returns after a thorough DIY clean or the landlord is unresponsive, a professional inspection is warranted. They can use moisture meters to identify hidden water sources and air sampling to determine if the mould type is problematic. In many cases, the fix requires regrouting with a mould-resistant product and sealing, after the moisture source is repaired.