Black grout in shower: clean or repair in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The grout between the tiles in our master bathroom shower has been turning black over the last couple of months, and no matter how much I scrub with bleach, it just comes back. We live in a villa in Jumeirah, and I'm worried the high humidity is making it worse behind the walls. Is this a job for a specialized cleaning company, or should I be calling a contractor for a full repair, and what’s the typical cost range in Dubai for each option?
Posted by Dieter Robert
Asked on March 26, 2026 7:00 am
The black discoloration in your shower grout is a classic symptom of mold growth, a very common issue in Dubai villas due to our extreme humidity and year-round AC use, which creates significant condensation. Bleach is ineffective as it only bleaches the surface pigments and does not address the root cause; the fungal hyphae (roots) penetrate deep into the porous grout. This is a job for a specialized remediation company, not just a cleaner or a general contractor.

In severe cases, this indicates a potential moisture issue behind the tiles. A professional inspection is critical. We use borescopes to inspect cavity walls and moisture meters to quantify the water content within the substrate. This diagnosis determines the correct solution: a surface hygienization or a full repair.

For surface-level growth, we perform a deep hygienization using EPA-approved, non-bleach fungicidal cleaners that penetrate and neutralize the mold at its root, followed by the application of a protective sealer. If moisture is detected behind the tiles, a full repair involving removal of the affected tiles and grout, treatment of the underlying wall, and re-tiling is necessary to prevent structural damage and health issues.

Costs in Dubai vary significantly based on the required solution. A professional hygienization service typically ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 2,500. A full demolition and repair project can start from AED 5,000 and increase based on the villa's finish level and tile selection.

For a definitive diagnosis and a permanent solution, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice is equipped to handle both the inspection and remediation in full compliance with Dubai Municipality's health and safety standards.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 11:11 am