Apartment Stains and Mold Eat the Security Deposit
68 posts across 6 communities in the last 30 days; 77% from r/CleaningTips.
“2nd time homeowners, previously owned townhome. We just bought a 1972 single story slab-foundation home, and noticed some staining in our garage in what would be behind our bathroom tub. I expected mold. When I opened the access panel, I found some rot, but also this odd “tub”…”
“Looking for opinions on if this issue is worth submitting a work order request. The grout in our shower has several places where there is unclean-able mold/grime (I’ve tried) as well as areas where the grout is straight up flaking/chipping off. It looks like they used the cheap…”
“long story short, this bathroom was previously being used by my boyfriends roommate before he moved out and i moved in. we have no idea how these scratches got on the sink but i want them GONE. they’re terrible. have already tried scrubbing and that didn’t do a thing lol. any…”
Residents in apartments are facing cleaning challenges, including stubborn stains, mold growth, and residue from previous tenants. These issues threaten security deposits and create stress around move-out procedures.
SOURCES (60)
“2nd time homeowners, previously owned townhome. We just bought a 1972 single story slab-foundation home, and noticed some staining in our garage in what would be behind our bathroom tub. I expected mold. When I opened the access panel, I found some rot, but also…”
“I live in a rental and the buildings quite old so I don’t know the exact material of the tub but 409 spray didn’t work. submitted by /u/LanguageHumble8308 [link] [comments]”
“2 weeks into moving into a new flat and I'm still struggling to get this scum out of the bath 😮💨 The landlord sent a series of cleaners who gave the flat a deep clean before my move in but its still as stubborn as ever!! I think I'm making some progress with some CIF and a good hard scrub with a scrub daddy but it feels like its never gonna shift! submitted by /u/Independent_Care1643 [link] [comments]”
“Bought a new place recently, it’s lovely but there are a few nooks and crannies in the actual shower unit I’m struggling to clean. I’m going to replace the actual seals on the sliding doors, but there is a weird gap between the “skirting board” and the actual shower unit and it’s accumulated a lot of debris and such. I’m thinking a rag on a stick but if anyone has a better idea I’m all ears! submitted by /u/narnababy [link] [comments]”
“Hi! I just moved into a new apartment and I’ve never had a shower like this before Anyone have tips on cleaning a shower floor like this? And the walls? What makes it EASY? Thanks for any help! submitted by /u/Ghoststory00 [link] [comments]”
“I had a plastic organizer thing in the corner that I moved and cleaned under at least once or twice a month as I knew water gets trapped under, I smelled something really bad moved it and found a black stain, it’s been only a little over month since last time, it looks like it’s inside the stone, doesn’t move no matter what i use to wipe it, what can I use to actually clean it? It looks and smells bad. submitted by /u/CouldBeDaisy [link] [comments]”
“Hello, My new apartment shower has stains in the shower and i’m not sure how to get them out. We used a bleach solution to clean the shower and a magic eraser on the stains. Any ideas on how to remove them/what they are? submitted by /u/kiwibugs [link] [comments]”
“https://preview.redd.it/7ymshp4dimvh1.jpeg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26078fd02c4eac29c174c5027095880f3bd5f782 [re: Constant bad smell coming from the kitchen sink and dishwasher]”
“Hello! Moved in here (lease that gets renewed and has revolving door of roommates) and saw this in my ensuite washroom. Is this like just dirt or grime? I managed to scrub most of it off with a sponge but I’m worried it’s mold. First night I slept here my lungs hurt. I will say this house has a chock full of other problems including dust if you see my other posts LOL. If it is indeed mold can someone tell me how to verify? How can I tackle it if so? I really don’t want to get more sick. su”
“Ew! We’ve had mold in our bathroom since we moved in a few months ago. The worst/most visible mold is on the wall towards the ceiling. We told the landlord, she came over and looked at it, then sent over some people where there was a bit of a language barrier. They painted over the mold (second photo is how the painted over mold looks today). Now there is mold throughout the rest of our bathroom on the walls right next to the ceiling. Any ideas on how to clean this mold off of our bathroom walls”
“Looking for opinions on if this issue is worth submitting a work order request. The grout in our shower has several places where there is unclean-able mold/grime (I’ve tried) as well as areas where the grout is straight up flaking/chipping off. It looks like they used the cheap shit and just slapped it cover the old stuff without scraping anything out. Should I submit a work order for them to fix it? I want it re done properly, not slapped over again. Is this something a landlord would even both”
“I recently had my bathroom renovated. When the new shower was installed, a bit of water leaked, and the sealing wasn’t fixed until a couple of weeks later. In the meantime the grout all around the shower got quite wet and I think it got stained? It’s definitely dry now (no more leaks from the shower) but it still looks like this. I’m a complete beginner when it comes to tiling so I have no idea what to do. I tried scrubbing it with little success. Any idea what might have happened and how I can”
“So i moved into an apartment recently and the bathtub has this on it. Im not sure what it is but it does not come off. I tried using bleach to get it off but i have had no luck. Any ideas what i can do to get it off? It doesn't smell or anything. But its just gross. submitted by /u/PleaseDontDoxxMe43 [link] [comments]”
“This is a soap counter? in my shower and it got dyed with red hair dye. Do you have any tips on getting this out? I don’t know what the material is, but Im renting a cheap condo/ investment property type building. Thank you! submitted by /u/Forsaken_Lynx_4931 [link] [comments]”
“Am I cooked? Took a shower and water leaked and left a major stain in the bathroom, I’m renting. Is there anyway to fix this? Been here for less than a day submitted by /u/Visible_Lunch_8356 [link] [comments]”
“Just moved into an apartment and noticed these marks on the counter. I tried using Lysol wipes and a brush but they don’t come out submitted by /u/Articunothegreat [link] [comments]”
“long story short, this bathroom was previously being used by my boyfriends roommate before he moved out and i moved in. we have no idea how these scratches got on the sink but i want them GONE. they’re terrible. have already tried scrubbing and that didn’t do a thing lol. any tips would be GREATLY appreciated! submitted by /u/SnooStories9114 [link] [comments]”
“Had a slow leak under the kitchen sink that soaked the drywall below. Cut out the soft spot and the paper is separating around the edges. Landlord said I can fix it but I want to do it right so it doesn't happen again. The joists look dry now but I wonder if I should run a moisture meter in a few spots or just go straight to patching. Wondering if overlapping new tape and mud is enough or if I need to sister a board along the joist for support. Also curious how people blend the texture on a”
“Tenants moved out and I found this on the wall. Anyone ideas what this could be? submitted by /u/Helpful_Luck_6602 [link] [comments]”
“Hey, everyone! Wondering if it’s possible to clean these stains that appeared on all surfaces close to the bathroom after a tub re-glazing. Pictured is a black desk in the next-door bedroom. You can see the outlines of where my mousepad and wires were. Tried dusting, multi-surface cleaning solutions, and Clorox wipes. I appreciate any input! submitted by /u/jpande428 [link] [comments]”
“I recently moved into a new apartment that was renovated. I noticed these stains and they keep showing up. I think it might be some type of water damage but I don't know how to clean it! I have tried simple green, bar keepers friend (spray version), and hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda. Please help. submitted by /u/poppyseedheroin [link] [comments]”
“Hello everyone, I need some help! My shower head had a a drip for a few months while I was away, now the issue is fixed but the constant slow drip created a yellow mineral limescale build-up all over the shower tray that feels rough to the touch. I already tried scrubbing it intensely with bleach and standard limescale remover but it just won't go away! Does anyone know how to get rid of it so that my shower tray can go back to being white and smooth?? Thanks! submitted by /u/Ven”
“I’m moving out of my apartment at the end of this month and have some brown stains on the countertops of my bathroom from water sitting there (the faucet sprays everywhere). How do I remove these? I’m not sure what the counter is made of, it feels plasticy. submitted by /u/bellawych [link] [comments]”
“Stubborn black mold has formed a lining along the length of the silicone caulk on my shower floor. What is the simplest DIY spray I can make that will help me get rid of it without scrubbing away the caulk? Also, my bathroom has no ventilation, so I’m a little concerned about using a bleach solution. Is this a big deal, or can I just keep the door open and not worry about it? submitted by /u/doofus50O0 [link] [comments]”
“Moved into a new “luxury” apartment and the grooves between the tiles appear quite gross. Is this grout? Would you expect an apartment’s maintenance to handle/clean it? Apartment is telling us it’s fine, we can see it’s cleaner in some areas than others. Apologies if sounding naive. College student who is not very familiar with cleaning terminology. submitted by /u/Efficient_Sky4285 [link] [comments]”
“So this is my first time living alone and experiencing something like this. Not totally sure if it’s mold but i sprayed it with white vinegar after doing some research. submitted by /u/Repulsive_Check5448 [link] [comments]”
“Please help 😭 I used toilet bowl cleaner to clean the bathroom tiles earlier and it became like this. My mom's gonna kill me 😭😭 submitted by /u/Elegant-Candidate-92 [link] [comments]”
“Every time I take a steaming shower, this appears. I've scrubbed the walls with a mop three times now. It's in my bathroom at the apartment I moved into Sep 10th. submitted by /u/CrazyDisastrous948 [link] [comments]”
“Does anyone have tips on how to get this yellow staining out? I believe it was from when I sprayed it with bleach one time and left it, then it turned yellow. Thanks submitted by /u/Ok-Requirement5864 [link] [comments]”
“How the heck do I get this out? My son messed with the dishes and I didnt notice the water under there until it was too late. We rent so Im really concerned we will have to pay an ungodly fee to have it replaced. submitted by /u/AssteroidAttak [link] [comments]”
“Hi all, I renovated my bathroom last summer. A few weeks ago, I noticed what looks like a water stain on the wall (see pictures). I originally thought it may have been caused by someone splashing water as they were getting out of the shower. However, it is possible there is a leak behind drywall or tile backing. One relevant detail here is that the contractor did not use silicone caulk for the joints in the bathroom. He did that at my request when I noticed cracks in the grout. Does this look li”
“We are in a rental property and I have been nervous to use harsh cleaning agents in this stone shower. I just use dawn dish soap and a scrub brush, but I can’t get the walls/corners clean. Any tips? submitted by /u/Abject-Spinach6404 [link] [comments]”
“Thank y’all for the advice I’ll try the screwdriver and 30% vinegar. The previous owners were nasty people.”
“Grout? Hard water build up? Its trapping hair, very gross. I have added a grate to catch most of the hair. submitted by /u/allthe6 [link] [comments]”
“I live in a rental. I thought this bathroom sink looked Neat™️ when I looked at the apartment, but it has proven difficult to clean. Lysol wipes and paper towels get torn by the rough edges in the sink basin, where the water pools. I am afraid of using any harsh chemicals to clean it, as I don't know exactly what material this is made of. I've sprayed a diluted vinegar solution (from hardware store vinegar) on it, and have no idea if it has any meaningful cleaning effect without wiping i”
“My husband used Zep on our bathroom stone and I had no idea it would stain or corrode it. The stone turned whitish and blotchy. I’ve already scrubbed it, but it won't come out. I need help… how can I remove this stain? submitted by /u/No-Cloud-9538 [link] [comments]”
“I'd like to avoid an expensive professional cleaning if I can. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. submitted by /u/Financial_Case_3891 [link] [comments]”
“husband does not think it’s mold, I do. under the bathroom sink. smells very musty. submitted by /u/HandleVisible1327 [link] [comments]”
“Looking for advise to clear out mold on bathroom walls and cieling left back by my tenant. submitted by /u/Resident-Trick7097 [link] [comments]”
“So basically it’s just an old tub that was never quite cleaned thoroughly as the grout is also discolored. Sink looks to be hair dye. I’ve tried scrubbing both areas as best I could without using harsh chemicals. What can I use to get these clean to a ‘normal’ standard? If I need to buy some fancy tool to make it quick I can but would rather use elbow grease*. *elbow grease needs restocked as well because I’m about out. Thanks! submitted by /u/NihilisticCreature [link] [comment”
“Hi, hopefully someone is able to help. I am renting this flat and the previous tenant left these stains. I hate them. I already tried citric acid, bleach cleaners and special bath cleaners with hydrogen poroxide and a lot of scrubbing. It has gotten better each time but this is what i cannot get rid of. These stains have accumulated over 4-5 years since the bath got renovated back then. Can anyone help/give advuce what might work? submitted by /u/Endrohr [link] [comments]”
“Hi- we removed shower doors and now there is a giant yellow stain from where they were. Any pro tips on how we could safely remove this or are we doomed? submitted by /u/anxiousyams [link] [comments]”
“Hi, I’m renting in nyc, it’s a basement unit next to the boiler room. I was reorganize and moved some furniture away from the wall and found a squishy black spot 😥. I have no idea how to clean it and if I even can. I run a dehumidifier in my room almost 24/7. The lease ends in April and I’ll be able to move out then. Is there any temporary solution or advise on how to clean it? I doubt I’ll be able to get to the root, I don’t even know what the wall is made out of, it doesn’t look or feel like”
“I moved into my apartment about a month ago and this is what the tub looked like (first picture). I tried scrubbing with scrubbing bubbles, comet, magic erasers, and Brillo and have only seen a marginal difference. Am I doomed to forever have a gross tub? submitted by /u/Party-Lettuce-8270 [link] [comments]”
“This is at my rental basement. And the tub is very dirty. It looks like enamel is gone but I am not sure. How can I clean this? submitted by /u/Automatic-Fly5208 [link] [comments]”
“Tile is porcelain. There was a water soaked blue towel that smelled very bad and looked like there was white fungus on it. Underneath it was the 2nd image, I’m unsure if this is mold. So far we put white vinegar on it for 20 minutes should I rinse off and try: For other stuff, is it safe to address with dawn dish and hydrogen peroxide or do I need something heavy duty? Also do i need a mask Help submitted by /u/RhubarbBusy7122 [link] [comments]”
“I am a renter and need to try to get this stain from a towel off asap! Please help, I already tried magic erasers and even dabbing diluted bleach. submitted by /u/blaireaupear [link] [comments]”
“Hi all. I am currently renting a flat with an ensuite bathroom. A few years ago a plumber came as there was a leak and redid the caulking. Shortly after, it turned mouldy and I’m not sure how could I clean it, or if it needs reporting to our landlord as we have a dehumidifier and an extractor fan and nothing has helped. Any tips on how to clean in between the tiles is also much appreciated!! submitted by /u/limemangoes [link] [comments]”
“I’m starting with cleaning the bathroom and I’m not sure how to get these bottoms parts clean. I was able to use concentrated vinegar and degreaser to make the top half of the shower looks great, but the bottom half has these rust drips aren’t budging with those things and I also tried Bar Keeper’s friend to no avail. And I took one slider door off to find a lot more brown gunk and a little black mold in some places, even in the caulk in the corner. The concentrated vinegar helped a bit but took”
“Hey all, I’m helping out a family member and volunteered to get their shower back in decent shape. Problem is I haven’t cleaned one like this before and I want to make sure I’m not sweeping problems under the rug. I initially bought a caulk scraper, chlorox mold and mildew spray, and GE caulk and walked in with confidence. But now seeing the grout is seriously moldy too, I wasn’t sure if that meant there’s water damage at play or if I could simply clean out the grout with the spray and scrub. Wo”
“Please help! How do I clean this? Need all the tips..please suggest budget friendly solutions . Also , cannot abandon ship even if it's dangerous, just cannot afford to at present. submitted by /u/Substantial_Bet_6766 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone, I just moved into a new flat and found these stains on the mattress. Can anyone help me identify what they could be (no mold or moisture signs anywhere in the building but can’t be 100% sure)? Do you think they could be a health hazard? Any way I could remove them? Appreciate any help, thank you! submitted by /u/laurusnobiliss [link] [comments]”