Mold and mildew in the bathroom are just part of life, but that doesn’t mean they have to take over. No matter how often you scrub, they always seem to creep back, especially in damp spots like grout, caulk, and shower corners. I’ve tried the usual store-bought cleaners, but they either smell awful, don’t work as well as they claim, or are full of chemicals I don’t want floating around my house.
Over the years, I’ve found a few unexpected tricks that actually help—not just to get rid of mold but to keep it from coming back. Some use everyday household staples, others require almost no scrubbing, and all of them make bathroom cleaning a whole lot easier.
Kill Mold with a Borax and Water Solution
Borax is a great alternative to harsh mold-killing chemicals, and the best part? It keeps mold from coming back. Just mix one cup of borax with a gallon of warm water, stir it until it dissolves, and use a sponge or spray bottle to apply it to moldy areas.
No need to rinse—just let it dry, and borax will keep working long after. This trick is especially useful for damp areas like shower tiles and around sinks where mold loves to grow. It’s cheap, effective, and doesn’t leave behind a strong chemical smell.
Use a Steam Cleaner for Deep Mold Removal
Some mold stains just won’t budge, no matter how much scrubbing you do. A steam cleaner makes the job way easier. The high heat kills mold spores instantly and loosens up grime in tile grout, shower corners, and other hard-to-clean spots.
Just aim the steam nozzle at moldy areas and watch it break up buildup so you can wipe it away. No chemicals, no harsh scrubbing—just a deep clean that actually lasts. If mold keeps coming back in the same spots, try drying the area completely and improving ventilation to stop it from growing in the first place.
Spray Tea Tree Oil to Keep Mold Away
Tea tree oil smells strong, but it’s a natural antifungal that stops mold in its tracks. Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle, shake it up, and spritz it over any moldy spots. Let it sit for about an hour before wiping it clean.
This works great on shower tiles, walls, and even inside cabinets where moisture builds up. The best part? It keeps working after it dries, so mold doesn’t creep back as fast. The smell is intense at first, but it fades—and it’s a whole lot better than breathing in bleach fumes.
Use Shaving Cream for Moldy Caulk
Moldy caulk is frustrating because scrubbing barely makes a dent. Instead of fighting with it, try shaving cream. Just spray a thick layer over the moldy spots and let it sit for about 30 minutes. The foaming action helps break down the gunk, making it easier to scrub off.
After letting it sit, use an old toothbrush to work it into the caulk, then rinse with warm water. If the mold is really bad, you might need to repeat the process, but this trick saves a ton of effort compared to regular scrubbing.
Let in Sunlight and Fresh Air
Mold loves dark, damp places, and bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground. The more fresh air and sunlight you can bring in, the better. If you have a window, open it up as often as possible to help moisture dry out. No window? Running the exhaust fan for at least 15 minutes after a shower helps a lot.
If your bathroom stays humid no matter what, consider setting up a small fan or using a dehumidifier. Less moisture means less mold, and preventing it is always easier than scrubbing it off later.
Wipe Down Mold with White Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to kill mold. Just spray it straight onto problem areas, let it sit for an hour, and then wipe it off. It kills most mold spores on contact and helps prevent them from growing back.
The smell can be strong, but it fades pretty quickly. If it’s too much, mix in a few drops of essential oil or open a window while you clean. It’s a great alternative to harsh chemical sprays, and it works without scrubbing your arms off.
Kill Mold with Hydrogen Peroxide
Bleach smells awful, and honestly, you don’t need it to kill mold. Hydrogen peroxide gets the job done without making your bathroom reek for hours. Just pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, spray it onto the moldy spots, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It’ll foam up as it breaks down the mold—kind of satisfying to watch.
Once the bubbling stops, wipe it clean with a cloth or scrub brush. It’s quick, easy, and keeps mold from coming back. Just spot-test first since peroxide can lighten some surfaces.
Use Vodka to Clean Moldy Grout
Grout is like a mold magnet, and scrubbing it with harsh chemicals isn’t fun. Cheap vodka works just as well and doesn’t leave your bathroom smelling like a swimming pool. Fill a spray bottle, spray it onto the grout, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. The alcohol breaks down the mold, making scrubbing way easier.
Grab an old toothbrush and scrub the grout lines, then rinse with warm water. Not only does vodka kill mold, but it dries fast, so there’s no weird chemical residue left behind. Bonus points if you pour yourself a drink when you’re done.
Spray Grapefruit Seed Extract for Lasting Protection
If you’re tired of scrubbing the same moldy spots over and over, grapefruit seed extract can help keep it from coming back. Just mix about 20 drops with a cup of water, pour it into a spray bottle, and spritz it onto moldy areas. No need to rinse—it keeps working long after it dries.
This stuff is great for shower walls, ceilings, and anywhere else that stays damp. It doesn’t have a strong smell, and since it’s antibacterial, it helps prevent new mold from taking over. It’s a small step that saves a lot of frustration later.
Scrub Away Mold with Baking Soda Paste
Mold loves moisture, and baking soda helps dry things out while scrubbing away stains. Mix it with just enough water to make a thick paste, then smear it over moldy spots. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing clean.
It works great for sinks, tubs, and even shower curtains. Plus, baking soda is cheap, safe to use around kids and pets, and doesn’t leave behind that overpowering chemical smell. It’s an easy way to keep mold under control without turning your bathroom into a science experiment.
*This article was created with the help of AI.