The Healthy Brain

When we think about dementia prevention, we often focus on diet, exercise, and cognitive stimulation. But what if the air we breathe at home is silently contributing to cognitive decline? According to Dr. Dale Bredesen, a leading neurologist and Alzheimer’s researcher, exposure to environmental toxins like mold and mycotoxins can play a significant role in neurodegeneration.

Dr. Bredesen has identified a specific subtype of Alzheimer’s disease, known as Inhalational Alzheimer’s Disease (IAD) or Type 3 Alzheimer’s, which is triggered by prolonged exposure to mold and its toxic byproducts. These mycotoxins, commonly found in damp and poorly ventilated environments—such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens—can cause chronic inflammation, disrupting brain function and accelerating cognitive decline.

Given the strong link between mold exposure and brain health, keeping your home mold-free isn’t just about aesthetics or preventing allergies—it’s about protecting your cognitive function for years to come.

You can take practical steps to eliminate mold and prevent its return.

I have personally been searching for a mould removal solution for my grout between my tiles that safe tiles made of natural Stone.

It is surprisingly difficult to find as most chemical cleaners are too harsh for natural stone and in actual fact not great for your health, so I turned to Dr Google to help me find a solution to my problem with not too much luck what I found on the Internet surprised me. It was mainly things like spray some spray some clove oil And it’ll fix it or put some baking soda on and that will or it. I’ve tried all these and they definitely don’t. They may stop it from coming back as quickly as opposed to bleach but they don’t solve your issue so I turned to the experts in the building industry and the only way to true way get rid of mould for good is to remove the grout from your bathroom and tiles and start again, for most people this is a very cost prohibitive process. I know it is for me so I needed to find something else to help me

The following solution is one that we’ve come up with after trial and error. It worked for us and I hope it works for you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through an effective, long-term strategy to remove mold from your bathroom—one of the most common problem areas—while ensuring it doesn’t come back. By making these simple changes, you’re not just improving air quality; you’re actively supporting your brain health, memory, and overall well-being. Let’s get started!

Removing mold from the grout between tiles and keeping it from returning requires a three-step approach: deep cleaning, treating the root cause, and long-term prevention. Since marble and other decorative tiles can be porous and may be damaged by harsh chemicals, we need a gentle yet effective solution.

Step 1: Deep Cleaning the Mold Safely

What You’ll Need:

✅ Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – Kills mold without damaging marble

✅ Baking soda – Mildly abrasive, lifts stains, and deodorizes

✅ Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush – Gentle on grout and marble

✅ Microfiber cloth – To wipe away residue

✅ Spray bottle – For even application

✅ Distilled white vinegar (for non-marble areas ONLY)

✅ Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) – Final mold-killing rinse

Cleaning Process:

1. Prepare a Mold-Killing Paste

• Mix ½ cup of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste.

• Optional: Add a few drops of tea tree oil (natural antifungal).

2. Apply the Paste

• Spread the paste directly onto the moldy grout.

• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down the mold.

3. Scrub Gently

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub the grout.

• Avoid excessive pressure to prevent damaging the marble.

4. Wipe & Rinse

• Wipe off the paste with a damp microfiber cloth.

• Spray isopropyl alcohol (70%) on the area to kill any remaining mold spores.

• Let it air dry completely.

🚫 Avoid Bleach & Vinegar on natural stone – They will etch and damage the stone.

Step 2: Kill the Mold at the Root

If mold keeps returning, moisture is trapped inside the grout. To remove hidden mold:

• Use a hairdryer or dehumidifier: After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly.

• Apply a mold-preventative spray: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with one part water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the grout and let it air dry.

Step 3: Long-Term Prevention (Keep Mold Away for Good)

1. Seal the Grout (Critical Step!)

✔ Use a penetrating grout sealer (safe for marble) to create a waterproof barrier.

✔ Apply every 6–12 months to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Reduce Moisture & Improve Airflow

✔ Use an exhaust fan or open a window after showers.

✔ Wipe down tiles & grout with a microfiber cloth after each use.

✔ Install a dehumidifier in persistently damp bathrooms.

3. Weekly Maintenance Spray (Mold Prevention)

Mix and spray once a week:

• 1 cup distilled water

• ½ cup isopropyl alcohol (70%)

• 5 drops tea tree oil or clove oil (natural antifungal)

Lightly mist the grout after showers and let it air dry.

Summary (Mold-Free Forever Plan)

✅ Deep Clean: Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide → Scrub → Wipe → Isopropyl alcohol rinse

✅ Kill Spores: Dry thoroughly & mist with peroxide spray

✅ Seal Grout: Apply a penetrating grout sealer every 6–12 months

✅ Moisture Control: Use an exhaust fan, towel dry grout, & run a dehumidifier

✅ Prevention: Weekly alcohol + essential oil spray

This three-step method will remove mold completely