Moldy Tub?!?

Updated on April 24, 2009
S.H. asks from Mishawaka, IN
19 answers

Hello MOMS!!
I keep my bathtub pretty clean. I have used CLR, Lysol scrub, etc to keep my bathtub clean. All those work just fine in getting the soap scum and residue off. However, I have moldy spots on the trim of the tub. Im guessing that its mold. I have tried bleach to get it clean also. Does anyone have any tips to get that off? I am disgusted by it!!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.V.

answers from Columbus on

It seems like once the caulk gets moldy the only thing you can do is replace it. Some of the newer one have a built-in antimicrobial. The tube of caulk or a squeaze tube costs less than $4.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.P.

answers from Cleveland on

S. H,
I share your pain in cleaning the mold from the trim. I have also used many products and had no luck. I came across the Tide bleach pen as I was removing stains from my 10 year olds gym pants. I thought why not try it on a hard surface. It gets out just about everything else I had used it on. And sure enough, it worked. Try to leave it on for 20-30min. before you remove it. I used a old toothbrush and went over it once before rinsing. I hope it works for you. If not you may need to calk the area over with a new silicone sealant.L. P. Married 15years 2 boys and busy!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Skin So Soft Bath Oil. It will take off the mold, soap scum, etc., and it leaves an oil finish behind that will cause water to bead up and wipe off easily. I use it after showers and bath. A couple of squirts with the spray bottle and wipe it with a towel to spread it around. It will take cooking oil etc. off kitchen cupboards, tar off of you car, and does a lot of other things too.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

Comet Spray Gel works really well. My shower was totally moldy and I just sprayed and left it on there overnight and everything is gone. It does have a very strong smell, though.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Try putting white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the area and then sprinkle baking soda on it. When it's done fizzing, try scrubbing it off.
I just stripped and replaced the caulk in our shower/tub because of the mildew spots and hard water discoloration.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Cleveland on

I'm a big fan of Tilex.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.B.

answers from Columbus on

we use tilex mold and mildew cleaner and I think lysol also makes one that we have used. We spray it on, leave it for 5 mins and then rinse it off. We have to do it about once a month or so. If the mold is in your caulking, you may need to take the old caulking out, clean good and then re caulk it. We had to do that in one of our tubs because who ever did the original caulking job did not get it really smooth and the mold was able to work itself into the creases.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Indianapolis on

I use "The Works" and it works great...strong odor so be careful

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Vineager is a good natural mold killer. Like some have already said, you may have to replace the caulking, but vineager is a good preventive measure as well. In fact, I put my shower curtains in the wash with vineager and run them through a wash cycle. Hang to dry and it keeps the mold off.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.K.

answers from Elkhart on

Hi S.,
my grandma used toilet bowl cleaner.worked pretty good. You don't want to use it very often, & DO NOT mix it with bleach!!!
Good luck!!!

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Bloomington on

S.,
Try using Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. Those things do, in fact, work like magic!!

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

When you say trim, are you talking about on the caulk? If so, get a 5 in one scraper or a utility knife, scrape the old caulk out, and put in new caulk. If this is what needs done, when you put the new caulk back on there, don't put too much. Keep your caulk gun moving steadily while you're pushing the new caulk out of it, and when you're done take a moistened sponge and go over the caulk to get the excess off. It leaves a clean line and isn't messy. If you've used too much caulk, the sponge will wipe it off and you'll just have to rinse it off the sponge before you continue wiping the caulk line. I flip houses so I have lots of great tricks!

K.K.

answers from Cleveland on

I feel your pain .... my shower had some moldy spots on the caulking and the absolute only way to get rid of it is to replace it. I can not even fathom how much money I spent in trying every product on the market - when I should of just replaced it to begin with! They sell a 2 hr. dry caulk at lowes - which is nice, because the traditional caulk has to stay dry for 24 hours. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Use BLEACH or a gel based cleaner with bleach in a squeeze bottle. Bleach is the #1 enemy of molds. Off brands that use bleach are OK also. Head for the Dollar Tree if the gasoline tank permits it. You will find all kinds of good off brand cleaners there for a $1.

I have consistently wiped down the shower area after each use. That includes the inside of the shower curtain which CAN get smelly if not wiped on a regular basis! I call that preventative maintenance. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Columbus on

You have to rip out all of the caulk around the tub, let it dry completely and then recaulk. My hubby just recaulked ours. I always make a point to wipe down the rim when tub time is over to help prevent this nasty issue.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.N.

answers from Cleveland on

when you say trim do you mean where it's caulked? if so it's time to just replace the caulk, nothing else will get rid of it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.M.

answers from Canton on

I use Tilex - it should take it right off. Don't use any other strong cleaners at that same moment.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.H.

answers from Dayton on

Sounds to me like it could be the caulking of the tub. I would reccomend taking a day (it took me 4 hrs my first time) removing and recaulking your tub. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.L.

answers from Columbus on

I had little spots like that in the past - before I got the automatic scubbing bubbles shower cleaner you hang from your shower. We use it every morning after all the showers are done. However, before that, regular cleaning would get most of the mold gone, but for the little spots that just won't go away, I would take a cotton ball & soak it in bleach, and then leave it sitting on the area for the day. You might need to repeat. But it's always good to replace the caulk if it's getting old, because you don't want water going behind your tub & ruin the wood/ceiling/wall or whatever is below your tub.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions