How Does The Mould Grow In A Bathroom
It takes a very short period, i.e., for the mold to spread and the ceiling and floors to be blackened with fungus growth.
Multiple articles surfacing on the internet can help make your bathrooms fresh and clean. They suggest tons of treatments that can save our bathrooms from being a greenhouse for mold to grow.
The vents, or exhaust pipes or leakages, caters high level of humidity, and closed windows keep the moisture in the form of water vapor retained in the little cracks or openings in the bathroom.
Is Bathroom Ceiling Mold Removal A Diy Project
Removing mold can be a DIY project, but its a good idea to know when to call the pros. Our tips for mold removal help you know what to use, and what not to use. We can help you remove the mold safely, whether you choose to DIY or call the professionals. We want to help you get back to living your best life with a clean mold-free bathroom!
When Mold Becomes A Problem
If your bathroom has a musty smell and little black or white specks dot your ceiling or walls, there’s a chance that mold may also be growing behind your ceiling tiles or walls. Some molds release toxins, and hidden mold can lead to health problems, even in healthy people. When exposed to these toxins in high amounts you can suffer from symptoms including:
- Fatigue
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
What To Do After Removing The Mold
After doing the previous cleaning steps to remove mold from ceiling, itâs time to treat the ceiling further with the following steps to fully eliminate the formations and prevent them from forming on the surface again.
1. Treat and disinfect the ceiling
After cleaning the bathroom ceiling, you will need to exterminate any remaining traces of spores on the surface to make sure that a mold problem will never develop again. To do this, get a borate-based detergent solution and apply it to the affected area. Since this is a powerful solution, it should not be rinsed from the surface as it will help prevent any formation of mold from happening again in the future. Borates have incredible stain-removing properties that help lessen the likelihood of bathroom mould from forming on the ceiling.â
2. Control the Mold Conditions â
Getting rid of mold and treating your bathroom ceiling doesnât completely mean that you will never experience such cases from popping up again. Because mold spores thrive in an environment brought about by the bathroomâs moisture levels, having formations isnât entirely impossible from happening again. Thus, it is always best to make sure that moisture levels are minimized and controlled. You can do this by keeping tabs on these common problems:
Mold Removal From Fabric
Its easier than you might think for clothes to attract mold and mildew. A forgotten load of laundry in the washing machine, the pile of clothes at the bottom of a closet, or even the armchair in a humid room can all quickly become overrun with mold. However as long as you catch the problem early, your fabrics can still be saved.
Bleachable fabrics
If you can apply bleach to a fabric without worrying about discoloration, do it. Thats the fastest and most effective way of getting rid of mold. Many laundry bleaches can be used on white and colorfast fabrics, although you should always check the instructions, and never use bleach on wool or silk. Simply apply a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and let it absorb into the fabric for a few minutes before laundering as usual.
Non-bleachable fabrics
For fabrics that cant be bleached, use white vinegar instead. Either apply white vinegar to a cotton pad and place it on top of the stain for five minutes before laundering, or briefly soak in a solution of ¼ cup vinegar to one gallon water. Rinse through to remove the vinegar and launder as normal.
Upholstery
Related: All about cleaning fabrics
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Vinyl Boat Seats Of Mildew
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.
See The Stain Then The Mold Is Still There
About three months later the mold reappeared and seemed to have spread across a larger area of the bathroom ceiling. I realized that the ceiling was not stained but rather the mold was not fully removed. Apparently the Clorox bleach did not remove the mold but merely scraped the surface spores off leaving the roots behind. The ceiling did not need a paint job but needed for the mold to be removed completely.
When I saw the cathedral ceiling decorated in mold I was thinking of doing a complete bathroom makeover. I was trying to justify it but still was not happy about the presence of mold in my bathroom. Every time the bathroom would steam up, the moisture would gather on the splotches of mold and drip back into the shower stall. This did not sit well with me and I decided to give it one more shot to get rid of the mold.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Between Pavers
How To Clean Mold From Wood
Mold loves wooden surfaces. Whether its your window sills, flooring, wall framing, or furniture, the high cellulose content of wood provides mold with lots of food. Because wood is also very absorbent, its easy to create a perfect environment for mold with very little moisture. If you do find mold growing on wood in your house, heres how to get rid of it.
Youll need:
100-grit sandpaper
Method:
Step 1: Begin by vacuuming up as much of the mold as possible using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge the mold and make this easier. Remember to wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in mold spores while you do this.
Step 2: Add a teaspoon of soap to two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to combine and spray the mold and surrounding surface.
Step 3: Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the mold and mildew. Use paper towels to soak up any excess water.
Step 4: To kill the roots, add 1 tablespoon of borax to a cup of water and use a soft-bristled brush to apply the solution to the area. Allow it to absorb into the wood.
Step 5: Run a fan or dehumidifier in the room to quickly dry the wood.
Step 6: If the mold is very stubborn, use 100-grit sandpaper to remove the affected area.
Pro Tip: Is the wood still stained? This is usually a result of mildew the discoloration mold leaves behind. While bleach doesnt kill mildew, it can help remove the stains. Try scrubbing a small area with a dilute bleach solution.
After You Clean The Mold
It is important to realize that the fact that your ceiling looks clean after you clean it doesn’t mean that lingering mold spores won’t survive. You will need to treat the ceiling after you have cleaned it and take steps to correct the problems in your bathroom that contributed to mold growth in the first place.
Read Also: What Causes Mold On Ceilings
Find The Source Of The Mold
Mold on the ceiling doesnt randomly arrive without a reason it enjoys a comfortable, humid and moist environment. In order to avoid pulling out the ladder and gathering mold-removing mixes and sprays for a second time after cleaning it, you’ll need to find the source that is making such a nice space for the mold.
A high humidity level can create wet stains on the ceiling, perfect for mold to spread quickly. And its not just about mold: When you have high humidity levels in a home, bedbugs and dust mites will find it comfortable as well, and they will thrive.
Two Simple Methods To Remove Mould From Walls And Ceilings
Having mould growing on your walls and ceilings is not only unsightly, but unhealthy and unwelcoming! It only takes an inch of your wall for mould to make it its home and steadily grow before you find an entire top corner of your home blackened with fungus.
There could be one or more reasons behind the mould buildup in your home such as leakages, condensation or high humidity levels. These are the main causes of mould in the home which can be decreased by increasing the ventilation in your house. This means leaving your windows opened for longer periods and even keeping your front door or kitchen door open for a little while during the day. Nevertheless, if you do have mould growing on your walls and ceilings, fear not because it does not mean you have to start making renovation plans just yet. There are many methods you can use to remove mould and were giving you two of the best, most reliable and easiest ones to choose from.
Read Also: How To Clean Mold From Boat Seats
How Can I Prevent A Mold In The Bathroom Ceiling
As with most problems, the wisest option is to invest in prevention. An ounce of proactive thought will go a long way and can save you a massive headache and financial liability down the line.
Because bathrooms, similar to basements, have high levels of humidity, they are particularly prone to nasty mold. The most basic preventative move you can take is to promote proper ventilation with fans, open windows, or dehumidifiers. Remove excess water from surfaces after you shower, and let towels air dry in your bedroom or outside to decrease humidity.
But thats not all you can do!
One of the best proactive moves you can make is choosing mildew-resistant paint for your bathroom ceiling and walls. This specialty paint can be found in spray-on canisters, making it easy to apply to popcorn ceilings.
Containing FDA-approved anti-microbial components, this type of paint is incredibly effective at preventing mold from growing. Make sure you never apply it over pre-existing mold, though, as this will not solve the problem long-term.
What Causes Black Mold On A Bathroom Ceiling
Mold on the ceiling is caused by moisture that has no where to go. Mold loves moisture. Steam from hot showers and bathtubs rises to the ceiling, and without proper ventilation it can settle there. If the moisture remains too long, mold spores begin to grow. In addition to being unsightly, mold can also cause health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritationor skin irritation. And even more alarming, serious lung infections can occur in people with weak immune systems.
Is black mold deadly? Find out common mold myths.
Recommended Reading: Cleaning Mold Off Boat Seats
Bonus: How To Prevent Mold In The Laundry Room
Depending on where you wash your clothes, you might also have an additional room to take care of. If you have a separate room for laundry, the possibility of mold developing in there is practically the same as in the bathroom. With that in mind, you should check this room as regularly as all the others.
In the laundry room situation, you should take the same precautions to prevent mold from growing. Start with the basics make sure your windows are open regularly and fans turned on. If there is a need for them, add dehumidifiers to keep the level of humidity under control.
Floor covers can also be a base for mold to grow on, therefore it is very important to clean them regularly and to keep them dry. If you have carpets, ensure that there are no wet spots or actual signs of mold.
Regularly check behind your washing machine to make sure everything is leak-free, and keep your washer slightly away from the wall so that there is plenty of space for air to flow and keep the wall dry. Check if your dryer exhaust pipe is well connected and properly sealed. If not, the hot, humid air from the dryer will seep out and wreak havoc. While you are at it, dont forget to check the inside of the washing machine as well.
Additionally, be prudent in cleaning any dust and excess laundry lint which may be collecting around the dryer area, and behind the machines. This is prime food for mold.
Removing Mold From Tile Stone Concrete And Cement
Use the homemade bleach-based mold remover on hard surfaces. Spray the bleach-based mold remover until the area is saturated but not dripping wet. Scrub it with a rag, scouring pad, or brush and wipe away the residue. Lightly respray the area, wait 15 minutes, and then wipe the area with a fresh cloth dampened with water. Let the area dry overnight and inspect it the next day. Repeat if needed.
Read Also: Clean Mold Off Boat Seats
What Works Best On Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling Mold
While we suggest using a bleach and water solution, there are other options that may be preferable, especially if you are particularly sensitive to bleach.
A common mold-fighting powerhouse is distilled vinegar. You can use white vinegar on its own or dilute it with water for a less intense smell. Additionally, undiluted hydrogen peroxide may be effective, as would a solution of baking soda and water.
No matter what route you go, it is likely that you can create a DIY solution from common household products you already have. Save yourself a trip to the store and some cash by taking a whack at a DIY anti-fungal solution first.
How To Get Rid Of Mould In Bathroom Ceiling
Go over the space two or three times to ensure you.Here are 6 diy bathroom updates that will help you banish mould for good.Here are some of the ways that you can try to treat it.How to get rid of black mold in bathroom ceiling.
How to stop mould in your bathroom.Identify the black mold signs.If the water is coming through the roof then you must repair the roof before cleaning the mold.If you cannot cure the problem by reducing the levels of condensation either by ventilating or using the heating, there is another solution.
If you do not repair the roof, the mold will simply return.step 2, ensure proper ventilation and air circulation.If you used baking soda and water, give the ceiling one last spray before drying the ceiling to prevent the mould from returning.If youâre having trouble with mould on silicone sealants around the shower, you may need to remove and replace the silicone as the mould cannot be removed from the silicone once it has penetrated within.Installing an exhaust fan will remove the steam that.
It is also safe to use around children and animals.Itâs an increasingly popular option, especially in rented housing or hotels, as itâs easy to install and a stylish addition.Itâs such a significant step for doing this early way.Mold is a serious nuisance, and when it grows on your bathroom ceiling, it can cause health issues and even permanent damage to the ceiling.
You May Like: Remove Mold From Canvas
How To Remove Mold From Bathroom Ceilings
- Pin
- Working Time: 30 mins – 2 hrs
- Total Time: 30 mins – 2 hrs
- Skill Level: Beginner
Bathroomsespecially shower stallsare a perfect breeding ground for mold. They are humid, often dark with poor air circulation, and there is food readily available from soap scum and body soil. What can begin as a tiny mold colony creeping along a grout seam can grow into a moldy ceiling.
Before you begin, it is important to determine what type of mold is growing on the bathroom ceiling. Molds are classified into three categories:
- Allergenic molds can require removal by a professional, but most allergenic molds can be removed with home disinfecting products.
- Pathogenic molds can be controlled with disinfectants but large colonies require professional removal.
- Toxic molds are the most harmful and require a professional to kill the mold and dispose of any affected materials.
Once you have discovered and identified the mold, it must be removed. If the mold infestation is deemed to be toxic or covers 10 or more square feet, then a professional should handle the removal. Local public health departments can offer advice on mold testing and refer you to an expert mold remover.
If you catch the mold growth while it is a small colony, it can usually be removed safely with home methods. Once it is gone, take steps to reduce humidity and improve air circulation in the bathroom to prevent regrowth.
Removing Mold From Wallpaper
Use the natural mold remover spray on finished, painted, or wallpapered surfaces. Spray the area well, then immediately scrub it with a clean cloth or brush to remove the surface layer of mold. Then lightly respray the area, using only enough to dampen the spot you dont want it dripping. Wait 10 minutes and wipe it with a clean, fresh cloth. Let it dry overnight without rinsing the remaining acetic acid from the vinegar will work overnight to finish killing mold you cant see.
Don’t Miss: Cleaning Mold Off Plastic
What Can I Do To Prevent Mold In My Bathroom Ceiling
When it comes to mold problems, humidity is your number one enemy. So, your target would be to keep the bathroom humidity to a minimum. Keeping the shower door closed after taking a shower traps the water vapors inside.
Keep the door open after showers to let the vapors get out. Also, turn on the fan for at least 15 minutes to drive out the moisture. Do not keep wet towels inside the bathroom as they add to the already high level of humidity inside the bathroom.
