Help: Bathroom Tile cleaning question

[Default User]

We have really black stuff in certain parts of our bathroom tub tiles, what
is the best way to clean them.
We tried most common brand stuff but haven't made a dent. I'm not sure if
its mildew, mold, or just
hard water stain.

Any ideas.

Ok to reply to this email.

Sam

[Phisherman]

On Sat, 6 Dec 2003 05:29:24 -0500, "Default User"
<defaultuser@comcast.net> wrote:

>We have really black stuff in certain parts of our bathroom tub tiles, what
>is the best way to clean them.
>We tried most common brand stuff but haven't made a dent. I'm not sure if
>its mildew, mold, or just
>hard water stain.
>
>Any ideas.
>
>Ok to reply to this email.
>
>Sam
>

If bleach removes it, then the black stuff is a fungus. If you have
fungus, then look for ways to increase ventilation and the fungus
won't grow, or at least not as fast. Use about 3/4 c. of bleach, 1/4
c. of detergent to a gallon of warm water.

[dupuis.bedard]

Hi,
My name is Marie and I live in Quebec city. Have you heard of the properties
of Melaleuca oil? I use a product called Sol-U-Mel and it works on almost
everything. I dont know if it would solve your problem. Have you tried
bleach? probably. If bleach could not help, i think the only way is to put
new corking... good luck and you can my e-mail to answer. good luck
Marie form quebec
"Default User" <defaultuser@comcast.net> a écrit dans le message news:
3fednWjiyYn2Mkyi4p2dnA@comcast.com...
> We have really black stuff in certain parts of our bathroom tub tiles,
what
> is the best way to clean them.
> We tried most common brand stuff but haven't made a dent. I'm not sure if
> its mildew, mold, or just
> hard water stain.
>
> Any ideas.
>
> Ok to reply to this email.
>
> Sam
>
>

[Prof. Sunshine]

Black stuff is either A) Mold or B) Bacteria. Mildew by definition grows on
living plants only and is usually white-ish. A bleach dilution as described
in other responses will kill generally both mold & bacteria. Mold however
has spores that bleach will not kill. Spores are released when the mold is
disturbed. They will regrow into new mold colonies unless growth conditions
are altered. This means 1) remove moisture, 2) remove food sources (soap
residue, flaking skin, etc), 3) keeping the bathroom colder than 68 or
hotter than 86. Keeping the tile surfaces drier by wiping or squeegee after
each shower typically works well. Spraying surfaces with a 'post shower
spray' like Clean Shower will also help. You can tell the difference
between mold & bacteria by the fact that mold tends to form distinct
colonies - clusters of mold, then some space with no growth, then more mold
growth. Also mold grows in thicker, fuzzy masses where bacteria are usually
very thin layers. Bacteria will frequently stain surfaces and even though
you may have killed the bacteria with the bleach dilution, stains can
persist. Mold will almost always disappear completely with a bleach
solution. If you have lots of mold be cautious of breathing potentially
harmful gases that mold can release. In this case use a respirator with an
cartridge. Contact a mold remediation firm if you have concerns or have
large growth areas.

Good luck!

"Default User" <defaultuser@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:3fednWjiyYn2Mkyi4p2dnA@comcast.com...
> We have really black stuff in certain parts of our bathroom tub tiles,
what
> is the best way to clean them.
> We tried most common brand stuff but haven't made a dent. I'm not sure if
> its mildew, mold, or just
> hard water stain.
>
> Any ideas.
>
> Ok to reply to this email.
>
> Sam
>
>