Black bathroom grout: DIY fix or contact maintenance?« Back to Previous Page

That black, slimy grout is almost certainly active mould growth, and it's an extremely common issue in Dubai bathrooms. The high humidity here, especially post-shower, gets trapped in the grout's porous surface, creating a perfect environment for mould to thrive.

You can attempt a DIY fix first. Start with a paste of baking soda and white vinegar or a dedicated grout cleaner; scrub it into the grout lines with a stiff brush and let it sit before rinsing. This may remove the surface growth. However, if the mould returns quickly—which is common—the issue is likely deeper. Persistent, rapidly returning black mould often indicates a chronic moisture problem that a surface clean won't solve.

This is where you should contact building maintenance. The problem could be insufficient bathroom ventilation, a hidden leak from the shower tray or pipes behind the tiles, or even inadequate waterproofing. Under Dubai's rental regulations, landlords are typically responsible for fixing issues related to building integrity like leaks and ventilation systems. A professional inspection can identify the root cause, which is essential for a permanent solution. Simply cleaning it repeatedly without addressing the underlying moisture will never work.