Black or green shower grout: clean myself or call pro?« Back to Previous Page

Surface mould on shower grout is common in Dubai's humidity, especially in windowless bathrooms. You can often manage it yourself if the area is small and the grout isn't cracked or soft.

Start with a dedicated grout mould cleaner or a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Apply it, scrub with a stiff brush, and let it sit before rinsing. For persistent spots, a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be effective, but ensure the room is well-ventilated. The key is to dry the shower thoroughly after each use; a squeegee on the walls and running the exhaust fan for 30 minutes after showering can help reduce moisture.

If the mould reappears quickly after a thorough cleaning, if the affected area is large (over one square meter), or if the grout is crumbling, the moisture issue may be deeper. In such cases, a professional inspection can identify if the mould has penetrated behind the tiles or if there's a hidden leak, which is a common cause in villas and older buildings. Professional remediation is advised if the underlying cause isn't addressed, as surface cleaning will only provide a temporary solution.