Tuesday, April 23, 2024

How To Reduce Mold In Bathroom

What Is A Popcorn Bathroom Ceiling

Mold in Bathroom | Prevent Mold in Shower by Lowering Bathroom Humidity

The spray-on texture of a popcorn ceiling can hide imperfections in previous repairs and paint jobs. The material also filters noise, so its often referred to as an acoustic ceiling.

However, humidity settles into the tiny nubs and angles that cover the surface. It doesnt take long for mold to develop in a bathrooms popcorn ceiling.

Read Also: How Long Does Mold Take To Form

How To Prevent Mold In Your Bathroom

Mold is an icky, smelly business. No one wants mold growing in the very room where they go to get clean, but unfortunately, the bathroom is commonplace for mold to grow. Here at MoldGone, we field tons of calls from homeowners asking for help removing mold from their bathrooms. You dont have to live with mold in your bathroom! Today were sharing a few mold prevention tips.

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.

Read Also: How Does Black Mold Make You Sick

How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Bathroom Mold

Learn how to remove and prevent mold from growing in your bathroom in the future.

Mold is infamous for producing spores that, when inhaled, can cause anything from rashes to headaches to respiratory problems. At-risk groups such as the very young or old and people with compromised immune systems, mold sensitivities and allergies, or asthma can have serious reactions to mold.

Dealing With A Moldy Bathroom Ceiling In Your Chicago Home We Can Help

10 Tips For Removing Mold and Mildew

Always think twice about a ceiling mold cleanup job. If the affected area measures more than 3 square feet or youre concerned about health issues, play it safe. Were here to help.

Our teams are industry-certified in all types of mold removal and remediation. We eliminate mold from popcorn ceilings in bathrooms, beamed ceilings in kitchens and vaulted ceilings in dining rooms.

For Chicagos trusted mold removal and remediation experts, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba: 773-647-1985

Why doesnt chlorine bleach kill mold on popcorn ceilings?

Chlorine bleach is only meant for use on non-porous materials. It kills surface mold, but it isnt effective against mold thats permeated a textured surface.

Why cant I paint over mold on a bathroom popcorn ceiling?

Painting over mold in a ceiling temporarily hides it, but it doesnt stop the mold from growing. Water-based paint makes the problem worse.

Why is mold in a bathrooms popcorn ceiling a health problem?

Mold growth produces mycotoxins. These dangerous substances enter the body through the lungs, eyes and mouth causing a variety of serious health issues.

Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Out Of Car Carpet

You May Like: How To Remove Mold From Attic Plywood Diy

Wipe Wet Surfaces Regularly

Wiping wet surfaces after use is a quick and easy way to prevent mould growth. Regularly clean the bath tub, the basin, the shower, the tiles and ceilings. Also, don’t forget about the silicone corners around showers and baths. Mould tends to grow on wet surfaces and objects, therefore it is important that you clean surfaces underneath bathroom items including shampoo bottles, beauty products and soaps. Clean each product in turn and wipe dry to prevent mould growth.

How To Get Rid Of Mould On Walls

When removing mould, make sure you wear protective goggles, rubber gloves and a face mask its not a glamorous job, so its important to do all you can to avoid exposing yourself to mould spores in the air. You should have a window open if possible to allow ventilation while cleaning.

PlumbNation, Suppliers of Plumbing and Heating products in the UK, has offered four cheap methods to Cosmopolitan on how to get rid of mould once and for all. .

White vinegar for heavily mouldy areas

According to the pros, mild white vinegar is a brilliant mould deterrent for “stubborn spores”. They say: Its acidity makes it inhospitable for mould to grow, and vinegar can clean up to 82 percent of mould species.

Simply spray the vinegar solution onto the affected areas and wipe the surface with warm water after an hour. Dry the surface thoroughly with a towel to prevent any mould regrowth. Keep a bottle of vinegar handy in the bathroom and spray onto mould-prone surfaces every few days. Vinegar ensures that mould will never grow again on the applied surfaces.

White vinegar can be picked up for as little as 29p from local supermarkets, such as Sainsburys and Asda.

Baking soda

Another cheap cleaning agent to remove mould is baking soda, say the experts.

They advised using one teaspoon of liquid soap, one cup of baking soda and enough water to form a paste. Then apply the paste to the affected areas and leave for an hour before wiping it away.

Hydrogen peroxide

Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Apartment

How Do I Stop Mould On My Ceiling

Try to allow additional natural light. Mold prefers to grow in dark conditions so keeping windows open to allow sunshine will help prevent the growth of mold colonies on your ceilings. If you cannot add natural light try adding additional lighting, which will also add heat and reduce the growth of mold.

What is the best way to remove mold from bathroom ceiling?

To clean mold from the ceiling, wash the affected area with a store-bought mold cleaner, or a mixture of dish soap and water. Let the area dry. Now its time to get out the big guns to kill the moldbleach. Mix one-quarter cup of bleach with one quart of water and apply the solution with a spray bottle or sponge.

Can you paint over mold on bathroom ceiling?

Painting in high humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms with a mold and mildew resistant paint primer prevents the re-occurrence. You should only paint over any mold or mildew that is non-toxic.

Recommended Reading: What Does Mold Removal Cost

First Things First: Find The Source

How to REMOVE Mold from Your Bathroom Walls, Grout and Silicone QUICKLY- Twin Plumbing

Its vital to identify the source of moisture before you remove mold from the ceiling. If you fail to identify the source, then you are setting yourself up for failure as the mold is likely to return.

If you have a leaking roof, its possible that water can drip down the walls or through a crack in a ceiling and cause mold to form on the ceiling. However, mold growth on ceilings is more likely to happen in bathrooms, where humidity levels are high. Mold growth on the ceiling can be caused by prolonged plumbing leaks or high humidity.

If there is no obvious source of water, then the issue may be related to poor ventilation, insulation damage, or loose roof tiles.

Keep in mind, mold can be dangerous, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Therefore, it is imperative that every person takes proper precautions when they suspect mold. Wear an N-95 mask, gloves, and safety goggles/eye protection when searching for the source or when performing any mold remediation.

Recommended Reading: Is Mold Removal Covered By Homeowners Insurance

Turn On Bathroom Lights

Molds thrive in dark areas in the bathroom. If you find that your bathroom quickly gets moldy, also check if the moldy areas are the ones that arent well-lit.

You may want to leave the lights on for quite some time, even after you shower, if thats the case.

Also remember to use LED lights to save on electricity. You can also opt to buy a timer that automatically switches the lights off after a few hours.

The GE Timer Switch is a push-button countdown timer switch. This digital timer has preset options ranging from five minutes to four hours. I used devices like this throughout my smart home. The automation just makes like simpler.

Tip : Use Mold Resistant Grout

Some types of grout are resistant to mold and mildew growth. If youre building a new bathroom space, applying grout to the area, or regrouting an existing bathroom, consider opting for mold-resistant grout.

Specifically, you should look for single-component grout or epoxy grout if youre looking to prevent mold.

Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Mold Off Walls

How To Prevent Mould And How To Protect Yourself From Mould

Whether youve managed to get rid of the mould lurking in your home , or you just want to protect your home as much as you can, heres some tips from Asthma + Lung UK.

  • Regularly open windows and doors so air can move around.
  • Try to avoid drying clothes indoors. If you have nowhere else to dry them, open a window if you can.
  • Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom or open a window when cooking or after a shower. If you have a window in your bathroom, close the bathroom door and leave the window open to prevent moisture from moving around the property.
  • Close the door of the room youre in if youre cooking or showering to prevent condensation in other rooms
  • Consider opening your windows for 10 minutes when you wake up. This gets some air flow into the house while also allowing the rest of the day for the house to warm back up again.
  • Try to keep your home at a good background temperature so it never gets too cold it is advised all rooms are at least 15 degrees.
  • For more information, advice and support, you can call the Asthma + Lung UK helpline on 0300 222 5800, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

    How To Remove Mould

    10 Tips For Removing Mold and Mildew

    As soon as you spot black mould anywhere in the bathroom act fast to remove it and stop it from spreading. You could use white vinegar or bleach but, for a serious outbreak of mould, a dedicated commercial mould removal product is a better solution. These are sprayed or wiped on, left to work, then rinsed off. Use these carefully and always cover your clothes and hair, especially if using sprays on ceilings. Keep the room well ventilated while you use them.

    Wear rubber gloves as the stronger mould removal products can harm the skin. Strip away any sealant or grout which is mouldy, clean the area with a removal product or bleach then re-grout any tiles and re-seal when totally dry.

    As the old saying goes, prevention is easier than cureso its always best to protect your bathroom from mould in the first place. However, if its already there, you should now have a fair idea of what to do about it.

    Regularly cleaning down surfaces, like shower enclosure glass, will help keep mould at bay in your bathroom

    Recommended Reading: Can You Get Mold Out Of Wood Furniture

    Removing & Preventing Bathroom Mold

    First and foremost, mold must be removed from the surfaces of your bathroom. If you can see traces or smell the musty odor of mold, it should be completely cleaned from all surfaces. There are many commercial cleaning products that can effectively remove and kill mold on surfaces. You can also use a cup of standard household bleach diluted within a gallon or more of water to clean mold from your bathroom walls, floors, ceiling and other surfaces.

    Once the mold is removed, prevention is key to stopping mold in your bathrooms. Controlling moisture or air humidity is vital to your success. While there is no way to remove all moisture from your bathroom, allowing water to evaporate quickly is essential. There are a few ways to do this:

    How To Prevent Mold And Mildew In The Bathroom

    Few rooms in the home see as much moisture and humidity as the bathroom. The first step to preventing mold and mildew is making sure your bathroom stays well-ventilated. An exhaust fan will help circulate the air and remove moisture more quickly. These additional actions will help keep your bathroom fresh and mold-free.

  • Spread towels out after use so that they dry more quickly.

  • Minimize containers left in the shower for cleaning ease and better circulation.

  • Wipe down the shower with a clean towel or squeegee after its last daily use.

  • Choose shower curtains that dry and clean easily to help avoid soap residue, which fosters mold.

  • If you’re dealing with a mildewed shower curtain made of durable fabric, follow these steps for cleaning it.

  • Wash using a solution of ½ cup liquid disinfectant to one gallon of hot water.

  • Rinse with a mixture of one cup lemon juice and one cup salt to a gallon of hot water.

  • Wash with detergent and bleach .

  • Rinse with water.

  • Buff Stickland

    Recommended Reading: How To Diagnose Mold Toxicity

    Install And Use An Exhaust Fan

    Remember, mold thrives in humid, dark, and poor air circulation conditions. Thus, your first line of defense against the bathrooms enemy No.1 will be to keep your bathrooms humidity level low. You do this by ensuring there is sufficient ventilation in the bathroom.

    The Home Ventilating Institute recommends at least 8 air changes per hour and the International Residential Code specifies a minimum fan rating of 50 CFM and 20 CFM . You can check out my article on How Bathroom Exhaust Fans Are Rated if you are unsure what is meant by CFM.

    Related article: Are Bathroom Fans Necessary

    Installing an exhaust fan is by far the best way to keep the bathroom humidity in check. Turn the fan on before taking a shower and keep it running for at least 30 minutes after you are done taking a shower. A timer switch will make this much easier.

    Preventing Black Mold In Your Bathroom

    How to Prevent Mold on Shower Curtain Liner | Reduce Bathroom Shower Mildew Resistant Antimicrobial

    Bathroom mold can turn up almost anywhere: by a window, in the tile grout, in your showers door track, or on the walls. Follow our tips to help prevent black mold in your bathroom:

  • Ventilate regularly: Fresh air is key. Open the bathroom window fully at least a couple of times a day for a few minutes. Air the whole room briefly but thoroughly, especially straight after showering. Its not enough to just crack a window for a while anyway, this is also a way to save conserve energy used to heat the room. Proper ventilation is very important if you want to prevent bathroom mold. If you dont have a window in your bathroom or shower, no problem: Just make sure to leave the bathroom door open. Maybe theres a window nearby which you can open too. A bathroom ventilator that keeps running after youve turned out the light will also help air your bathroom.
  • Dehumidifiers: A dehumidifier extracts moisture from the atmosphere. You can install one in your bathroom to help prevent mold from taking hold. It doesnt have to be one of those electric units, of course you can get smaller, ambient dehumidifiers from the drugstore
  • Open your shower door: To prevent black mold in the shower, open the shower door so that your shower cabin can dry properly. If you have a shower curtain, dont leave it all bunched up it has to be able to dry, too.
  • You May Like: How Do You Clean Mold Off Of Concrete

    How To Prevent Bathroom Mold From Taking Over

    Damp, moist areas are a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This is especially common in bathrooms that are typically small, confined and full of moisture. Mold on your walls, tubs and shower is not only unattractive, it can lead to more serious issues for your family and home. However, with a strategic plan of attack, you can stop bathroom mold and maintain a clean, healthy bathroom for your family and guests.

    How To Clean Mold And Mildew

    Prevention is the best cure for mold and mildew! Keeping areas reasonably dry and with proper airflow will help prevent mold and mildew. One of the first signs of mildew is pink slime. If you see this the area is not being taken care of properly and needs to be cleaned. To try to avoid the pink slime keep the areas dry as much as possible and clean as needed.If you have mold or mildew growing in your shower, you can clean it off using different homemade solutions or buying products. You can make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water to apply to hard-to-remove mold and mildew. Also, spraying vinegar onto it and scrubbing it with a rag or soft toothbrush can get rid of the small black dots of mold. Youll need to make sure that you have a fan that works, along with following our other steps to prevent the mold and mildew from coming back. Always take safety precautions when it comes to removing mold and mildew in your home.

    Recommended Reading: Is Mold Usually Covered By Homeowners Insurance

    How Do You Prevent Mold Permanently

    Unfortunately, theres no way that you can prevent mold permanently, especially not in a shower. Because showers are constantly exposed to moisture and water, fighting mold is an ongoing process.

    If you use the tips above, however, you will be able to fight mold effectively. Because you are fighting the mold after every shower, you wont have to worry about mold building up over time.

    How To Clean Mold And Mildew From Fabric

    10 Tips on How to Prevent Mould (Mold) in Showers and Bathrooms ...

    Avoid sending mold spores into the air and throughout the house by first taking fabric and upholstery outside when possible. Brush off as much of the mildew as possible. Then, treat fabric or upholstered pieces individually as follows.

    Moldy or mildewy fabric should be laundered in chlorine bleach and hot water. If chlorine bleach is not a safe option for the material, soak it in oxygen bleach and hot water for a half-hour, then wash as directed. Take it outside to dry in the sun if possible.

    Upholstery that you can’t take outside should be vacuumed first. Replace the vacuum bag or take the canister outside to clean. Then mix one cup of ammonia with one cup of cool water. Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the stains with the ammonia solution. Blot until all the liquid is absorbed. Repeat the process until the stain disappears. To remove the resulting ammonia solution, sponge the area with cold water and blot. Dry thoroughly with a fan or hair dryer set on cool.

    Recommended Reading: How Do I Get Rid Of Bathroom Mold

    Popular Articles
    Related news