How To Keep Black Mold In Your Bathroom Away
Once youve gotten rid of the mold, youve got to keep it away with regular maintenance. Regularly spraying vinegar on bathroom surfaces and letting it air dry kills mold spores and prevents growth. Make sure theres proper ventilation in the bathroom and install an exhaust fan if you dont have one. If you can, wipe down the shower with a cloth or squeegee after showering. Clean the bathroom weekly using your preferred cleaner and use an antifungal cleaner once a month.
Is There A Difference Between Mildew And Mold
Water runs frequently in bathrooms, making it moist and humid, an environment that allows mold to thrive. When people dont clean the surfaces or dry them off, mildew begins to form. If it isnt removed, it develops into mold.
Mildew it the beginning of a mold colony, Dr. Neeta Ogden, a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, told TODAY.
Stagnant water in showers spurs mold growth, which is why so many people struggle to keep them free of mold and mildew. Plus, mold loves lurking in nooks between tile or deep in corners. Sometimes, hidden pipes under the sink or in the walls also have slow leaks that cause water to pool, making perfect hiding places for new colonies.
It has to do with the nature of the bathrooms, where we take showers and baths and wash up,” Ogden said. “Water is constantly being turned on and off … Its a perfect ground for mold to grow.
- Penicillium
- Stachybotrys, also known as black mold
These varieties of mold mostly look dark brown or green with Stachybotrys the most dangerous kind common to bathrooms appearing so dark that it’s almost black and Penicillium sometimes having a blue, green or yellowish tint to it.
“It can be difficult to tell different types of mold from another,” Tolliver said. “They can look very similar.”
While black mold “is less common than other mold species, it is not rare,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cleaning An Acrylic Bathtub
Acrylic is a softer material that requires nonabrasive cleaning products and supplies to leave it looking brand new. Follow the instructions on whichever product you choose for the best results.
- Scatter baking soda or mild cleaning product throughout the tub and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Baking soda can remove hard dirt from the acrylic. For tough stains: First, fill the tub with hot water and vinegar. Allow this soaking mixture to stay for 15 minutes or more to loosen any mildew and scum, then drain the water.
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the baking soda into the tub and faucets.
- Use a bristle brush to capture dirt in corners and along the bathtub edges.
- Rinse the tub and wipe clean.
Read Also: How To Remove Algae From Brick Pavers
How To Remove Mold And Disinfect The Area
Once youve identified bathtub mold, removing it is a simple step-by-step process.Step 1: The first step is to thoroughly dry the mold in your bathtub which means wiping the surface of your tub and sealing off your bathroom to any excess moisture. Different types of mold respond to different cleaning agents but if you have black mold in your bathtub, the most common infestation, a simple bleach solution should suffice.
Step 2: Mix bleach and water together to form a solution then while wearing rubber gloves and goggles, thoroughly wipe the surface of your bathtub to kill all remaining mold. Its imperative never to mix bleach and ammonia as this can be hazardous.
Step 3: After scrubbing the bathtub clean with a plastic brush and bleach, use pure water to rinse down the area to ensure all mold and cleaning agents are removed from the surface. If cleaned properly, a visual inspection of the area should determine the mold has been removed.
Step 4: The final step of your bathtub mold removal is to then thoroughly dry the bathtub then make sure no moisture re-enters the room for at least 24-hours. The combination of decreased moisture and bleach should thoroughly remove the mold in your bathtub as well as disinfect your bathtub area.
Is Shower Mold Toxic
Due to the way bathrooms and showers are constructed today, the black mold you see in your shower is less likely to be the really hazardous type of mold. This is because your shower areas and surfaces dont have cellulose which is required for most of the really hazardous types of mold to grow.
That isnot to say that one of the more toxic molds cant ever grow in your shower. Theycan. If you have a bigger issue in your bathroom or home and THOSE spores haveinfiltrated your shower then your shower can become a breeding ground for somereally bad mold. But regular ol mold in the shower usually more allergenicthan anything.
Recommended Reading: Moss Prevention On Pavers
Cleaning A Stone Resin Bathtub
Man-made stone resin is remarkably durable and resistant to stain and scratches. This easy to clean surface will remain the centerpiece of your bathroom for years if you clean it carefully.
- Mix dishwasher detergent and water into the bathtub or bucket. For tough stains, scrub the area with cream cleanser solutions to dissolve the stains.
- Use a cloth to scrub the tub and finish removing the stains.
- Rinse multiple times and wipe completely to prevent streaks.
Understanding how to clean the bathtub properly is the key to making sure your space is neat and tidy all year long. Shop our selection of cleaning supplies today, and consider our subscription service to get convenience and savings delivered on your schedule.
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Keep your bathroom pristine with these mold-free strategies.
Mold is not only unsightly it also can pose health risks to members of your family. If you have mold in your bathtub or shower, you are in good company. It is a common problem in American homes, and because mold thrives in moist, enclosed spaces, it stands to reason that bathrooms are among its favorite places to grow. Mold can cause respiratory distress, red and itchy eyes or even chronic lung infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control. You can send black mold packing by adopting some simple, straightforward cleaning strategies that will keep your bathtub and shower areas pristine.
Bathroom Mold Prevention
One of the best ways to banish mold from your living spaces is to prevent it in the first place. To do that successfully, be sure to:
- Install an exhaust fan with a humidity sensor, which automatically removes moisture and conserves energy by shutting off when the moisture has been cleared.
- Promptly repair any leaks if they develop.
- Replace your shower curtain liner often.
- Store shampoo, soap and bath toys in a dry place between uses.
- Keep towels and bathmats clean and dry.
- Maintain your homes ambient air at less than 50 percent humidity.
- Consider a grout-free shower system, to avoid moisture penetrating grout in the shower
Pro Tip: Mold will form wherever moisture remains standing in the bathroom. Controlling the moisture = controlling the problem!
Mold Removal
Also Check: How To Clean Mold From Boat Seats
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bathroom Walls
Bathroom mold is an unsightly and unhealthy problem that should be addressed as soon as you spot it. For mold on painted walls, try a natural remover. Learn more here.
Bathroom mold is an unsightly and unhealthy problem that should be addressed as soon as you spot it. The most common places to find mold are tile grout, caulk and painted or wallpapered walls.
Bathroom mold occurs primarily because mold loves damp, dark, isolated spaces, says Larry Vetter of Vetter Environmental Services in Smithtown, N.Y. Typically, a bathtub, shower, or entire bathroom remains damp enough for mold growth just from showering or bathing.
Chances are, if youre reading this, you already have a mold problem in your bathroom. In that case, there are some simple steps you can take to get rid of that mold.
How To Prevent Mold In The Bathroom
The best way to combat mold in the bathroom is to prevent it from growing. Eliminate excess moisture by running an exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after a shower. Squeegee shower walls daily after use to reduce water in the bathroom. Keep the floor dry and remove damp towels. Disinfecting the bathroom once a week is also a great way to prevent mold from becoming an issue. Follow our bathroom cleaning checklist to learn how.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board
How To Remove Mold From Shower Curtains
Shower curtains made from plastic or PEVA often stay damp for long periods of time and thus, are mold loves to grow there.
Luckily, it is reasonably easy to get rid of:
Method 1: Baking Soda + Vinegar
If you find that you still have some mold on your shower curtain, then you can try again. Because the curtain is made of plastic and blocks water, it may simply have been because the solution did not really get onto all parts of the curtain.
If you have tried this method a couple of times , then move onto the bleach method.
Read our guide on non-toxic shower curtains.
Method 2: Bleach
You may need to do this twice to make sure the curtain is fully clean.
Why Mold Develops On Grout
One of the most common places to find mold is between tiles, because the porous nature of grout is highly susceptible to microscopic growth. Whether part of a kitchen backsplash or bathroom detail, tiles usually see a ton of moisture. Rarely do we take the time to dry tiles or the grout between them completely after we cook or wash. If a damp room has inadequate ventilation and you don’t run a fan or dehumidifier, it quickly becomes the right environment for mold. Removing mold from the grout between tiles can be tedious, but it’s well worth it to avoid mold-related illnesses.
Also Check: Mold Pros
// Vacuum Up Dry Debris Like Hair & Dust
Things might get a little messy when you start cleaning your bathtub or shower so to minimize the mess, remove dust, debris and hair from inside the tub, shower and the bathroom floor before you start cleaning.
Dust tends to get muddy and cleaning wet hair from the floor is like cleaning glitter a huge headache! Save yourself some time by taking care of this upfront.
Bonus Tip: Grab a razor blade to easily remove hair that may be caught on the drain. Youll want to do this before cleaning to make sure water flows freely down the drain while cleaning.
Common Solutions For Ceiling Mold Growth
- Run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after a shower or bath.
- Paint the bathroom ceiling with a high sheen/gloss paint. Matte and other low sheen paints absorb much more moisture, which in turn leads to mold growth.
- Insulate the attic space above the bathroom to prevent excessively cold surfaces on the ceiling.
- Mold growth due to condensation can often indicate elevated mold spores throughout other areas of the homes. Mold testing can be a helpful technique for determining whether this has occurred.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold From Leather
How To Remove Mold From Shower Grout
Now, you might be wondering how toclean mold in shower grout naturally. Valid question seeing that everyonerecommends bleach. This is where there is no one size fits all shower moldcleaner so let me share my three methods.
For each of these methods you will need this electric scrub brush. Trust me. It cuts your cleaning time down by hours. You are welcome to put some elbow grease in there and use a scrub brush like this but be sure you have a lot of free time.
Make sure you are wearing gloves when you remove mold from shower grout.
Is Mold In Your Bathroom Making You Sick
For the most part, mold is harmless to a healthy person but some mold can make you sick and cause health issues, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or allergies to mold.
80 of the 1.5 million known species of mold are classified as allergenic, but if you are prone to allergies the chance of mold making you sick increases significantly. Allergic reactions to mold may include flu-like symptoms, coughing, mood changes, skin rashes, sinusitis, respiratory issues, dizziness, or fungal infections of the lungs.
Chances are, the mold in your bathroom is not negatively impacting your health but that doesnt mean you should simply let it be.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Canvas
Using The Cleaning Solution
Why Remove Mold From Grout
Molds Have existed for millions of years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but that fact doesn’t make mold safe to have around. A good rule of thumb is if you see or smell mold, remove it.
As a fungus, mold thrives in moist spaces and can grow both inside and outside. The experienced cleaning professionals at ServiceMaster Clean constantly see mold in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements and even garages so we have the tips you need to get rid of it safely and effectively.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Mildew Out Of Vinyl Boat Seats
Removing Mold From Bathtub
Soap scum, grime, bacteria and dead skin cells are often gathered at the bottom of a bathtub. This creates the optimal conditions for mold to grow since its provided with an abundance of nutrients and moisture.
But bathing in a moldy bathtub isnt ideal, so were here to remove it. For the bathtub, we like to use borax because you can leave it in the tub until the next time you use it.
Tools And Protective Gear For Mold Removal
When working with mold and cleaning agents its important to have the proper safety equipment. Aside from rubber gloves it may be necessary to invest in rubber boots, plastic goggles and even a mouth and nose mask. This is to ensure you dont breath in any hazardous chemicals as well as mold spores. Its best to use a stiff brush to clean the black mold in your bathtub and any porous items used in the cleaning process like a rag should be thrown out when cleaning is completed.
Read Also: How To Clean Black Mold On Shower Grout
What Is The Best Bathtub Mold Cleaner
One of the best bathtub mold cleaners is Lysol Power Free Bathroom Cleaner. This product uses the power of hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach to clean and disinfect. Just for insurance youll have to put on gloves and protective gear when cleaning and the bubbles will clean dirt and fungus from your tub. This product also takes care of 99.9% of bacteria and bathroom viruses.
As previously stated, never mix ammonia and bleach together as this combination can produce hazardous fumes. Its also advisable to open any windows and doors in the room youre cleaning to avoid inhaling as much bleach as possible. Never touch bathtub mold with your hands and always use rubber gloves when dealing with cleaning agents. As always, when working in a bathroom setting, wear rubber soled shoes or boots to avoid slipping and falling.
