# Black mold in the shower: how to clean it Updated: 2026-10-24 ยท https://pros411.com/en/guides/house-cleaning/black-mold-in-shower ## Short answer Open a window or turn on the bathroom fan and put on rubber gloves. Spray the black spots with one cleaner only, a mold and mildew spray or undiluted white vinegar, and wait at least 10 minutes. Scrub the grout with a stiff brush, rinse and dry the walls. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners. If the mold covers more than about 10 square feet, call a pro. > Safety first: Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar or any other cleaner: the fumes can hurt your lungs. Use one product at a time and rinse with water before switching. Wear gloves, keep the fan running or a window open, and keep kids and pets out. If you have asthma or mold allergies, let someone else do it. ## How to clean black mold in the shower ![Cartoon shower head scared of black mold on the grout, with a spray bottle on the way](https://pros411.com/img/guias/black-mold-in-shower.webp) 1. **Black spots on the caulk and grout.** Mold grows where water sits: the bottom corners, the caulk line and the grout. A few small spots are a normal cleaning job. 2. **Fan on, window open, gloves on.** Fresh air keeps the fumes away from your lungs, and rubber gloves protect your hands. Keep kids and pets out of the bathroom. 3. **Spray one cleaner and let it sit.** A mold and mildew spray or undiluted white vinegar, never both. Soak the spots and wait at least 10 minutes. 4. **Scrub the grout with a stiff brush.** A grout brush or an old toothbrush gets into the lines. Scrub in short strokes until the black is gone. 5. **Rinse, dry and keep the fan running.** Rinse with water and wipe the walls dry. After every shower, run the fan 20 to 30 minutes so the mold does not come back. ## What not to do - Do not mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners. Rinse with water before you switch products. - Do not paint or caulk over mold. It keeps growing underneath. - Do not use a wire brush on grout, tile or an acrylic tub: scratches give mold more places to hold on. ## If the caulk stays black Black spots inside the caulk mean the mold grew into it, and cleaning will not get it out. Cut out the old caulk with a utility knife, clean the joint and let it dry for a day. Then run a new bead of mildew-resistant silicone caulk. ## Why it keeps coming back Mold needs water and time. A shower that stays wet for hours, a weak or missing exhaust fan and soap scum on the grout give it both. Squeegee the walls, leave the door or curtain open after you shower and wash the bath mat often. ## When to call a house cleaner - The mold covers more than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3 by 3 foot patch. - It comes back within days, or the wall behind the tile feels soft (a sign of a hidden leak). - You smell a musty odor but cannot find where it comes from. - Someone at home has asthma, allergies or a weak immune system. Find house cleaning in your city: https://pros411.com/en/house-cleaning ## Frequently asked questions ### Is black mold in the shower dangerous? A few small spots are common and you can clean them yourself with gloves and good air. Mold can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, so keep sensitive people away. Large areas or mold that keeps coming back need a pro. ### Does vinegar kill mold in the shower? Undiluted white vinegar works well on small spots. Spray it on, let it sit up to an hour, then scrub and rinse. Never use it together with bleach. ### Can I use bleach on shower mold? You can, but most shower mold does not need it. If you use it, follow the label, keep the fan on and never let it touch vinegar, ammonia or other cleaners. ### How do I get mold out of shower caulk? Usually you cannot, because the mold grows into the caulk. Cut the old caulk out, let the joint dry and apply new mildew-resistant caulk. ### How do I keep mold from coming back in the shower? Keep the shower dry. Run the exhaust fan during and 20 to 30 minutes after each shower, squeegee the walls and leave the door or curtain open. ### When should I call a professional for mold? When it covers more than about 10 square feet, comes back fast or points to a hidden leak, like soft walls or a musty smell. The EPA uses that 10 square foot mark as the size most people can clean themselves. ## Sources - [EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home) - [EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home](https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home)