Mildew Attack!

Actually Bleach is the only thing that will KILL the mold. I agree with not wanting to put my kid in the tub after I use it though. I have found that the Seventh Generation brand from Target (eco-friendly) is the only thing that gets rid of soap scum and is safe for the kids. It gets rid of the mold too but in a moist environment like the shower, the mold will keep coming back no matter what you use.

Bleach is a great cleaning agent. The clorine evaporates quickly, make sure you rinse the tub and tub surround well. Be careful of being a "Clean Freak" if you use too many anti-bacterial cleaners and your house is 'hospital' clean all the time you are actually hurting your family. The body has an immune system for a reason. It becomes stronger by fighting off the little germs around us. If you clean too much you weaken the immune system and studies have proven that children who grow up in a too clean home develop allergies. The immune system creates the allergy to have something to do.

You can try Shaklee's Basic H2 followed by Shaklee's Scour Off. Basic G is a germicide, which should work, too.

K.
www.shaklee.net/K.

Honestly, I personally think that bleach (NaClO) water is *safer* than a lot of over the counter products (which are often really hazardous and sometimes have carcinogenic ingredients). Bleach is completely water soluble, and rinses away (although it takes time for the vapors to dissapate--the same thing you have to deal with when you use the toxic bathroom cleaners). You could try using a more dilute solution so you don't gag as much.

Also, it is often used in the water treatment system, so it is present in small amounts in your water anyway--just rinse your tub really well.

If you really don't want to use bleach, try hydrogen peroxide. The only catch is that I'm not certain if the regular formula (~5%) is concentrated enough to be effective--you'll have to test it out.

Good luck!

Hi C.,
If you are a clean freak with small children you Need to know about Melaleuca! Particularly the tub-n-tile. Get's out the mildew, safe for little ones!
S.
mamasource business owner

I'm having same problem. I was told it is black mold. We will be replacing our chauk again but I haven't found anything yet to get rid of it completely or forever. It seems to come back within a month after totally cleaning it up. Hoping to get some ideas myself. Thanks for asking the question. J.

I totally understand your gag reflex to Bleach! I have switched all of my cleaning supplies to All Natural 'Get Clean' line from Shaklee. I would suggest the Scour Off Paste: it is Safe Nontoxic, Natural abrasives, No harsh chemicals, Biodegradable surfactants, No phosphates AND IT IS VERY INEXPENSIVE! Here is the link: togethergreen.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00430

Also, check out the Get Clean Starter Kit for less than $150.00 (MN SRP) to Go Green with ALL YOUR CLEANERS. You'd have to spend more than $3,400 to get the same amount of clean found in the Get Clean Starter Kit! Based on comparing number of uses as set forth on product labels of conventional, ready-to-use cleaners. That link is: togethergreen.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=50444

Or you can always use good old Vineger... but, if the smell of Bleach makes you gag, I can only imagine what your reaction to the stench of vineger is! Best Wishes! S.-

I dont have Mildew stains but i do use Zep Tub and tile cleaner from Home Depot and it does wonders for all of my soap scum issues. It is pretty strong, you have to let it sit a good 5 min, and then wipe it down.
I hope you find something that works!