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Answers (8)
- Woodridge Construction, "Somervillian1"
- Contributions:4
Helpful
- ProudFather
- Contributions:16
I love this website. I have found so much great information about home improvements here. Thanks everyone.
- BrandonHandyman . com, "_Realtors_Fix It Guy"
- Contributions:31
Unfortunately, the mold and mildew will contrast dramatically against white tile. From my experience, the grout gap between the wall base and shower floor is often too wide (1/4" or more) re-caulking is only temporary at best.
I recommend totally removing the existing seal along the shower floor perimeter, then spray liberally with a full strength bleach and allow overnight to dry. Repeat if necessary because there's still mold deep within the crevice. Re-grout thoroughly with an anti mildew and mold resistant additive mixed into the sanded grout. You may want to consider a new darker floor tile which can be cemented over the white, just add extra polymer to your thin-set adhesive when doing so. These are the only remedies that have proven successful for me.
Best regards.
Brandon's HeritageHandyman
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I recommend totally removing the existing seal along the shower floor perimeter, then spray liberally with a full strength bleach and allow overnight to dry. Repeat if necessary because there's still mold deep within the crevice. Re-grout thoroughly with an anti mildew and mold resistant additive mixed into the sanded grout. You may want to consider a new darker floor tile which can be cemented over the white, just add extra polymer to your thin-set adhesive when doing so. These are the only remedies that have proven successful for me.
Best regards.
Brandon's HeritageHandyman
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.
.
- Ethan Biederman, "HomePro Remodeling"
- Contributions:49
Nwhome.us is pretty much on the money here. Bleach is very effective at killing mildew but it should be diluted to no more than 50%. Keep the surface wet with the bleach solution for about 10 minutes and then rinse it well. You will usually see mildew turn from black to a medium brown color as it dies.
If the bleach doesn't kill the mildew then it is INSIDE the caulk and you must remove the caulk and replace it with a mildew-resistant caulk. I recommend treating the area with bleach solution and let it dry for 24 hours before applying new caulk. Mildew is spore based so the more you remove the slower it will reappear.
Finally, consider why the mildew is appearing. Usually the poor ventilation in bathrooms is the major culprit which can be solved by installing or upgrading your exhaust fan. With a shower pan you may have a problem with standing water.
I hope this helps,
Ethan
If the bleach doesn't kill the mildew then it is INSIDE the caulk and you must remove the caulk and replace it with a mildew-resistant caulk. I recommend treating the area with bleach solution and let it dry for 24 hours before applying new caulk. Mildew is spore based so the more you remove the slower it will reappear.
Finally, consider why the mildew is appearing. Usually the poor ventilation in bathrooms is the major culprit which can be solved by installing or upgrading your exhaust fan. With a shower pan you may have a problem with standing water.
I hope this helps,
Ethan
- Toan Nguyen, "Toan Nguyen"
- Contributions:140
What works really well is using a steamer with the correct attachment to clean the grout. It is non toxic, safe and when you are done just wash everything down the drain. Allow the cleaned area some time to dry, then seal the grout. Remember that grout, just like your carpet or tile floor needs periodic maintenance. Call your local hardware store to see if they either sell or can rent you a unit.
- Guzzardi Thomas, "DivineGC"
- Contributions:14
Remove all the existing caulk, clean it out as well as you can then re-caulk it. After you are done, when you take showers in that shower from this point forward dry the walls and edges of the pan every single time you use the shower. I know it sounds like a pain, but it will work, trust me.
- John Stewart, "nwhome.us"
- Contributions:2165
Bleach.
You have to get the caulk joint completely cleaned out, dried out and bleached to the excess. Is there any moisture coming down behind the wall tiles? Have you sealed the grout?
Use a silicone tub caulk with anti-fungal ingredients. Use masking tape to define the limits of the caulk joint; install the caulk and tool it; remove the masking tape and detail the joint. Use as little caulk as possible.
I find that I still have to recaulk every 3-4 years.
You have to get the caulk joint completely cleaned out, dried out and bleached to the excess. Is there any moisture coming down behind the wall tiles? Have you sealed the grout?
Use a silicone tub caulk with anti-fungal ingredients. Use masking tape to define the limits of the caulk joint; install the caulk and tool it; remove the masking tape and detail the joint. Use as little caulk as possible.
I find that I still have to recaulk every 3-4 years.
- Craig Lawler, "Craig Lawler"
- Contributions:238
Yes, I had this same problem. I kept having to re-caulk it about every 6 months since the mildew kept coming back. I finally tried a product called "Premixed Ceramic Tile Adhesive and Grout" instead of caulk, which you can get at your local home improvement store, and problem solved. The mildew has not returned. Just be sure to scrape out all of the caulk & mildew before using the grout.
Craig Lawler
Security Pacific Real Estate
[content removed by moderator]
Craig Lawler
Security Pacific Real Estate
[content removed by moderator]
How to remove mildew in the tiled shower pan?
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- 0.0/5.0
Contributions:23We have white ceramic tiles in the shower pan and surrounds and mildew keeps appearing even after re-caulking the edges of the shower pan. Any suggestions to get rid of it?
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