How to Remove Mold Stains in the Shower & Bathroom Walls

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there DIY and natural mold cleaning options that don’t require bleach?

While there are alternatives to bleach, these DIY options below are not registered by the EPA to kill mold. Any product that kills mold needs to be registered with the EPA like Clorox Disinfecting Bleach. However you may try these options for cleaning mold stains:

• Vinegar: Spray white vinegar onto mold stain, let it sit for an hour, then scrub and rinse.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Apply 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on moldy areas. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with warm water.
• Baking soda: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the mold, scrub, and rinse.

Are there additional mold and mildew tips for bathroom surfaces?

Here are some things to consider when cleaning mold in the bathroom.

• Moldy caulk: If mold is embedded in cracked caulk, consider removing and replacing it, as it’s challenging to clean once mold gets inside.
• Painting over mold: Don’t paint over mold, as it will eventually bleed through the paint. Always remove mold, then clean and dry the area thoroughly before any painting.
• Tile and grout care: Regularly clean and reseal tile and grout to maintain a mold-resistant surface.

For more bathroom cleaning products and tips, check out our cleaning products category page.

What surfaces are safe to treat with bleach-based mold removers?

Bleach-based mold removers like Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach and Clorox™ Clean-Up™ Cleaner + Bleach are safe for use on hard, nonporous surfaces such as glazed ceramic tile, porcelain, glass, stainless steel, plastic laminate, sealed granite, vinyl and silicone. These surfaces can withstand the power of bleach when used as directed. However, bleach should not be used on marble, non-stainless steel, aluminum, chipped porcelain or porous tile, as it may cause damage or discoloration. If you're unsure about a surface, test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.

Can I use a stronger bleach solution to remove mold faster?

It may be tempting to use a more concentrated bleach solution to speed up mold removal, but this is not recommended. Bleach and water solutions should always be mixed according to label instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Overly strong solutions can damage surfaces and pose health risks due to increased fumes and corrosiveness. For example, Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach should be diluted to ⅓ cup per gallon of water for mold stain removal. This concentration provides sufficient cleaning power while helping to remove mold stains from hard, nonporous surfaces without compromising surface integrity.

Is it safe to leave bleach solutions on surfaces longer than recommended?

It’s best not to leave bleach solutions on surfaces longer than the recommended time. For example, with Clorox™ Clean-Up™ Cleaner + Bleach, keeping the surface visibly wet for 5 minutes ensures proper disinfection. For visibly soiled surfaces, preclean surface before disinfecting. Leaving bleach on for too long may lead to discoloration or surface wear. To get the best results while keeping things safe, always follow the instructions on the product label for how long to leave it on and when to rinse.

What precautions should I take when using bleach-based mold removers?

Gloves are not a requirement when using bleach-based products. But for sensitive skin or prolonged use, it is a good idea to wear rubber gloves.