Bathroom Mold Prevention And Remediation
After you learn how to remove mold, youll want to prevent mold in the future. The key to stopping most mold is to control dampness. The worst infestations usually occur in damp crawlspaces, in attics and walls where water has leaked in from the outside, and in basements with poor foundation drainage. Stopping leaks, ensuring good ventilation in attics, keeping crawlspaces dry and routing water away from the foundation are the best defenses on how to get rid of mold.
Almost every home gets mold, and that means theres a need for mold remediation. Well show you how to remove major mold infestations.
Mildewcide in paint is usually effective for controlling surface mold in damp rooms like bathrooms and outside in shady areas. Many paints already have mildewcide in them. Check with your paint dealer to be sure of mold removal products. You can add mildewcide, although you might void the paint warranty.
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How Dangerous Is Black Mold In Your House
Many kindsand colorsof mold exist. Stachybotrys, a black mold, has a reputation for being particularly toxic, but it doesnt matter what type of mold youre dealing withall molds found within the house bring with them the possibility of health risks and should be removed immediately.
The most likely places to find mold in the bathroom are in the tile grout, around drains, and on the walls or wallpaper. Keep reading to learn how to treat affected areas and prevent mold from growing in your bathroom in the future.
Dealing With Poor Ventilation And High Humidity
Since humidity is actually the main cause of mold, the first thing to be concerned about is ventilation. If you dont already have bathroom fans, now is the time to get and install them. Keep your fan on for up to 30 minutes after each shower. Opening the door and windows will do the same trick if, for any reason, you cannot afford this investment right away.
We have already mentioned that keeping the bathroom door closed while showering can increase the chances of mold growth in your bathroom. In case you still do not want to shower with the bathroom door open, or it is too cold to open a window, you should opt for a strong and effective exhaust fan that will compensate for this. Mechanical exhaust is crucial in controlling and expelling excess humidity caused by showers.
Of course, leaving the window open will not help you if you live in a humid climate. If this is the case, you will have to rely on dehumidifiers to prevent mold. They are often inexpensive and freestanding, which lowers the installation costs. It is very important to keep in mind that mold needs as little as 55% humidity to grow, so do make sure that your dehumidifier is set right or you may still have a problem.
Did you know?
Only 13% of bathrooms we have tested didnt have presence of mold?! Find out more exciting mold stats and facts inside our mold statistics page.
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How To Clean And Get Rid Of Mold In Bathrooms
What is mold? And why is it in your bathroom? Mold and mildew are enemies that constantly need to be kept under control. And our experts are here to help get your bathroom mold problem under control.
The presence of mold can cause health problems, including coughing, skin and eye irritation, and serious lung infections in people that have breathing problems or other chronic illnesses. Some level of mold is always around in your house, due to the outside mold spores coming and going. But if you discover mold in areas with moisture, warmth and darkness like your shower there are things you can do to keep that shower mold under control. Lets investigate ways to control and prevent mold in bathrooms.
Related: Bathroom Cleaning 101: What You Need to Know
Different Types Of Bathroom Mold
Before we talk treatment, lets look at what you might be dealing with.
There are several different types of mold that tend to form in bathrooms:
- Stachybotrys chartarum
- Aspergillus
- Talaromycosis
- Cladosporium
These molds vary in terms of both commonality and risk, with black mold being both the least common and the most dangerousthough no type of bathroom mold is considered to be rare.
There are some traits that separate these various types of moldespecially when it comes to their colorbut testing to see what kind you have can be expensive, and rather pointless too. Experts recommend that you always treat and get rid of mold in a bathroom without waiting to find out what kind youre dealing with. And fortunately, the same methods can usually be used regardless of mold variety.
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Removing Mold From Silicone Caulking
To eliminate mold from silicone caulking, remove the caulking and replace it with a fresh bead of caulking. Yes, this is more difficult than merely cleaning it, but it is the greatest method to ensure that it does not return.
Remove any sources of humidity that are needing the caulking to become It .
Another approach is to remove the mold from the caulking. This is only suggested if the molds size and growth are relatively limited. Anything smaller than five or six inches in length can be cleansed and then watched to see whether the mold returns. If it reappears, Id remove the silicone caulking and replace it with new caulking.
Some modern caulking products are mold resistant or have been treated with a chemical that kills mold. Also, if you are unsure about performing the task yourself, contact a local contractor with experience in mold removal and/or working with mold. They will frequently be aware of how to control the problem, repair it, and resolve the underlying issue.
Tip 9 Cover Up The Mess
Bathroom ceilings are often painted in light colors, so probably white, beige, neutrals, or pastels. So even after youve removed the mold, your bathroom ceiling may still be stained. Double-check to ensure all the mold is gone before you remove the visible evidence. Youll have to sand off the stains, apply chemical treatments, or paint over those unsightly marks.
Painting is the most common option, especially because bathroom ceilings are rarely made of wood. This is why you have to double-check that all the mold is gone. Otherwise, the mold spores will be trapped beneath the paint and may continue to grow, eventually poking through.
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How To Keep Mold From Returning
No matter how diligent you are about removing visible mold, if you don’t address the underlying issue, it will come back. Where theres mold, theres moisture, says Larry Zarker, CEO of the Building Performance Institute, which trains and certifies professionals who specialize in creating healthy, safe and efficient homes. Here are some common mold hangouts in homes, along with ways to eliminate their moisture source.
Health Risk Of Black Mold
Mold is gross to look at but what is the real risk? It turns out that mildew and mold growth in the bathroom does not pose a serious health crisis unless the mold spores begin to spreadthrough the rest of the house.
Some types of mold become a danger when allowed to spread on surfaces with cellulose, which is found in wood and wood-derived materials such as paper and fiberboard.
If the mold penetrates the walls, floorboards, and rafters, the toxic mold may develop.
In bathrooms, the mold is more likely to cause minor respiratory issues in some individuals. Potential symptoms include:
- Itchy eyes
- Rashes
- Skin irritation
During a severe reaction, you may also find it difficult to take deep breaths. If you detect these signs, remove mold and consider having your property inspected for the spread of moldthrough other areas.
While mold is rarely a danger, remove it before it has the chance to spread. It can easily travel through air ducts and settle in rooms throughout the house.
Also Check: Can You Sue Your Landlord For Black Mold
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What Kind Of Mold Is In Your Bathroom
Molds come in three different classifications:
- Allergenic: Causes an allergic reaction or asthma-like symptoms.
- Pathogenic: Harmful to people with acute illness or compromised immunity.
- Toxigenic: Dangerous or even deadly to everyone.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell different kinds of mold apart. Black mold in showers could be Stachybotrys the most toxic black mold but it could be Alternaria or Aspergillus, two common household molds.
You can have your mold tested to determine what variety it is, but the CDC recommends treating all molds as harmful. Its best to remove and clean any mold as quickly as possible.
Ways To Learn How To Get Rid Of Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
Even when youve made sure to adhere to the recommendations above, a mold colony could grow on the ceiling in your bathroom. At first glance, this is totally harmful, and it also brings great damage to health .
For that reason, it is best to take action quickly. We show you some simple and quick tricks to get rid of mold from the bathroom ceiling.
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Turn On The Exhaust Fan
Turn the exhaust fan on during your bath/shower and then also run it for 10-15 minutes after. This gives the fan enough time to try to dry out the room and get rid of the moisture.
If you dont have an exhaust fan, it is very important to think about investing in one. Call a professional to install one for you. This is especially necessary for states that have humidity issues, like we do in Texas.
Using Toilet Paper To Clean Mold Say What
Yes! Toilet paper can help clean mold! You use it to soak up the moisture and keep the vinegar on it so it doesnt have a chance to grow! If you have an area on the bathtub or shower that continues to see mold, try the following
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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.
Five Ways To Prevent Mold From Growing In The Bathroom
Moisture in the bathroom is often a problem, especially in winter Condensation on walls, ceilings and toilets can lead to mold growth
The bathroom is by definition the wettest environment in any home . There is always water circulating there, in particular when we take a bath or shower . And it is at those times when condensation moisture tends to concentrate most on tiles, mirror glass, the ceiling and other surfaces.
Moisture by condensation occurs when the water vapor contained in the air becomes liquid when it comes into contact with a cooler surface. A typical example is that of windows in winter: as the temperature of the glass is lower than inside the house, drops of water accumulate on the glass.
Something similar happens when we shower. As the steam comes into contact with the walls and other surfaces of the bathroom , the water vapor condenses and, in a liquid state, appears on the mirror, the tiles, the screen , the toilet, the sink, the bidet and other objects.
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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.
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.
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Tip 5 Use A Mold Spray
Ceiling mold thats caused by bathroom humidity is easier to deal with. Its mostly at the edges and covers a small space. But if the mold was triggered by a leak, the damage is probably on both sides of the ceiling. Meaning theres probably more unseen damage on the upper side of the ceiling cavity. You may have to remove and replace all your ceiling panels.
If its a mild case of bathroom ceiling mold, you can use home remedies like borax, tea tree oil, baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Ordinarily, spraying a concoction on the mold will kill it off. After spraying, scrub the sprayed area with a scouring pad and re-spray. Many mold sprays are toxic, so ensure the bathroom is well ventilated before you begin.
Mixing certain cleaning materials can be toxic e.g. ammonia and bleach. Plus, while ammonia and bleach are effective, they can damage the ceiling itself, so try something milder first. 2 cups of hot water mixed with ¼ cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of borax is a good option. Scrape off any surface paint before spraying your anti-mold mix. Let it dry naturally and dont rinse it off.
How To Clean A Moldy Bath Mat
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Keep bath mats sanitary and looking like new by cleaning them regularly to prevent stains, smells and unsightly mold from growing. Prevention and maintenance are key in deterring harmful mold growth from occurring in the first place. Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp environments in the home, especially in areas such as bathtubs, on shower curtains and bath mats. Avoid leaving damp bath mats on the floor. Instead, regularly wash and dry them to prevent mold from growing.
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How To Remove Mold From Inside Walls
The inside of your walls is a great environment for mold, but a terrible one for you to find and clean. Often homeowners dont realize there is mold inside their walls until its causing a major problem. Warning signs include an earthy, musty odor in the home, allergy symptoms that clear up when you leave the property, and stains or dampness on the wall itself. If mold does get inside your walls, youll probably need a pro to handle it. At the very least, the drywall has to come down in order to properly access and treat the mold and prevent it from coming back. You can mitigate the damage by looking out for the warning signs, and reducing the humidity in your property.
Black Mold Is Being Resistant Even Though You Clean It
Even though you clean the black mold, it can be resistant and wont come off the silicone in the shower . In this case, you have no alternative but to use bleach, in some form. Here is a good hack to clean stubborn mold using bleach and baking soda . Since you are using bleach, make sure to wear a mask because of the fumes.
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