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Mold, staining, soap scum, mineral stains, and paint, OH MY!

  • Writer: Mark Maier
    Mark Maier
  • May 23
  • 2 min read

I was at a University today helping to set procedures for one of our local Certified Partners. The problem in the student showers is a combination of 5 types of soil load:

-Soap scum

-Mineral deposits

-Mold growth

-Mold staining (pigmentation)

-Some type of latex/acrylic “paint”


The tricky thing is that the soil loads overlap one another so I had to cut through one to get to the next. But instead of a clean surface, I found that the combination of our product lifted and removed an acrylic paint (used to make the grout lines white again) from the grout lines and tile. So of course under that was another layer of soap scum, mineral deposit, mold and mold staining!


Here are some BEFORE images.


Here's the procedure we came up with...

  • Pre-treat with Scum Snuffer (yeah, we’re working on a name for soap scum and mineral deposit remover). Allow to dwell at least 5 minutes. More seems to be better.

  • Without rinsing, re-saturate with OxyPrep. Allow to dwell at least 5 minutes.

  • Neutralize with SuperPar and allow to dwell for at least another 5 minutes. 

  • Rinse or wipe down to evaluate remnant soil load (soap scum, mineral deposits, mold, mold staining)

  • This combination seems to penetrate and release a good bit of the “paint” on the tile and in the grout lines, so you’ll notice that soap scum, mineral deposits, mold and staining may underlie the paint as it releases from the grout lines.

  • Repeat in the order of addition that makes the most sense. My experience was the Scum Snuffer > OxyPrep > SuperPar is a good order of addition. Dwell times are essential.


Here are some AFTER images.


Besides a bunch of towels that I brought with my Mold Severity Index kit, no scrubbing or additional physical action was used to clean the surfaces. However, a stiff bristle brush may make quick work of any remaining residue in the grout lines.


Whether you're doing an individual residential job, or you're working to set up a program with a University, school system, or municipality, we're here to help. Reach out to us at:



 
 
 

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