Causes Of Black Mold In Toilet Tank And Bowl
Mold is a type of fungus, and some molds have a black color. But in many cases, people refer it to a specific mold called Stachybotrys chartarum .
Black mold likes to grow in wet, dark, and warm places, and the toilet is just a perfect breeding ground.
There are a few causes of black mold in your toilet:
1. You leave the toilet lid closed when not in use. Black mold tends to thrive in a dark place. If you forget to open the lid after each use, the fungus will grow in the bowl.
2. The toilet hasnt been used for a long time. You often see a black ring in the toilet bowl or black mold in the tank after a vacation. The stagnant water provides a good place for black mold to grow.
3. The water in the plumbing system has black mold. When you live in an old house, it is possible that the household plumbing system is rusted and has mold growing in the pipe. The water quality in some areas is also questionable.
4. The waste contains sugar. Black mold grows fast when it comes across sugar. If the waste of users hasnt been flushed completely, the black ring will form in the bowl quickly.
5. The washer in the tank is broken. The washer works to prevent water from going through. If you find black mold on the bottom of the toilet tank, there may be a leak that you havent noticed yet.
Black mold can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, even other serious symptoms, making it a thing you need to remove as soon as possible.
How To Kill Mold
Although there are many types of mold, and some aren’t as harmful as others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend eradicating all molds whenever you find them. The CDC suggests using a detergent/water solution or a solution of 1 cup of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water. Detergent and bleach kill mold, but they don’t prevent it from coming back, so you must do two things to keep it under control. The first is to create unfavorable conditions for its growth by lowering humidity, regulating temperature and providing ventilation. The second is to clean regularly.
Final Thoughts On How To Remove Black Mold From A Toilet
Although black mold in your toilet might be an alarming discovery at first, its actually relatively simple to remove it. With just a few products you already have on hand and some elbow grease, you can get rid of it in less than one hour.
Then, by being mindful of what caused it in the first place and investing in some preventative tablets, you can stop the black mold from returning. This will help keep you and your family healthy and your bathroom mold-free moving forward.
Read Also: How To Test For Mold In Ac Ducts
What To Do About Bathroom Mold
Maintaining a bathroom isnât easy. Bathrooms are constantly kept moist from regular usage, which can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew that can make your home look grimey and smell musty. Bathroom mold spores can also be harmful to your health when inhaled, so best to nip the problem in the bud.
In this guide, weâll be showing you tips and tricks to effectively clear your bathroom from mold and mildew. Weâll provide step-by-step instructions on how to get rid of bathroom mold, how to get rid of mold on bathroom walls, how to get rid of black mold in shower, and how to remove mold in bathroom sink drain.
Note: If you are allergic to bathroom mold, make sure to wear a mask and gloves while cleaning!
Ways To Remove Toilet Mold
Because toilets are made of glazed porcelain, removing mold from them is usually pretty easy. A word of caution NEVER use bleach to clean mold. Please read that post if you are considering a bleach cleaner in your toilet. Also, never use a pumice stone to scrub the inside of your toilet. This damages the porcelain.
Since mold can be hazardous to your health, you want to makesure that you are wearing a mask, eye protection, and gloves before using oneof these methods to remove mold from the toilet bowl or tank.
Read Also: How To Protect Yourself From Black Mold
Tips To Prevent Mold From Growing In The Toilet Toilet Tank And Walls
If you have a bathroom window, open it during showering.
Make sure that you are using your exhaust fans when you take a shower or bath and leaving them on for at least 30 minutes after you finish.
If your bathroom is prone to higher humidity, grab one of these recommended bathroom dehumidifiers and use it during and for an hour after you shower or take a bath.
Never leave waste sitting in the toilet.
Clean your toilet bowl once or twice weekly using a scrub brush and the EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate or Vinegar.
Add 1 cup of vinegar to the toilet tank a few times a week to help prevent the mold.
For toilets that are not used often, be sure to flush them every other day.
Fix any bathroom leaks immediately.
Is Mold Growing In The Toilet Dangerous
Whenever you find mold growing in your home it is best to remove it immediately as it is a potential health hazard and also spreads quickly to new places.
Limited exposure to small amounts is not dangerous for most people, however those with allergies, weak or compromised immune systems or those who are very vulnerable may become seriously ill after mold exposure.
This can cause allergies, respiratory problems, sore throat, runny nose, coughs, sinus congestion, headaches or asthma.
If you become unwell after exposure to mold, see your GP or Health Practitioner.
Also Check: Can Home Insurance Cover Mold
Black Mold In The Toilet
With a couple of different types of black mold, some varieties will only exist on porous surfaces. Hence, you wont see them on the smooth surfaces of porcelain toilets.
Applying bleach will temporarily remove black mold from your toilet. You will discover that it will resurface after some time. The reason is that the spores reproducing this mold genus floats in the air and can replicate effortlessly in a damp, dark, closed toilet system.
You can easily spot black mold inside and under a toilet tank. Black discoloration shows the likeliness that black mold is growing in your toilet tank.
Mold Under The Toilet Rim
The shade and humidity in the underside of the toilet bowl are an ideal place for mold fungus to thrive. Even when using a disinfectant, you may still find it difficult to clean the brown or black discolorations under the rim. It could be that the tank is feeding mineral deposits or organisms into the bowl.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Natural Stone Shower
If Its Growing In The Toilet Tank
Mold which is growing in the toilet water tank may be due to the following causes
- Infrequent flushing if the toilet in question is not used very often this can lead to mold or mildew. The water turns stagnant and mold spores enter and feed on nutrients and algae which tend to be present in the water supply. Also, the stagnant water will gradually lose the effectiveness of the chlorine which helps prevent mold formation and the temperature may warm to room temperature, making it even more attractive for mold to make a home.
- Contaminated water supply see above.
- Infrequent cleaning most people do not think to clean here often, if ever, and so there may be mineral deposits on the sides which can gather and feed any mold spores that manage to get in. It is also dark which mold loves.
Why Is There Black Stuff In Toilet After Flushing
If you notice black stuff after flushing your toilet it means that either the pipes that supply water to your house have some rust or leaks. The leaks and rust harbor black mold that is then transferred to your toilet tank.
At the same time, black stuff could indicate an issue with the water itself. The water may be dirty, with mineral deposits or some unidentified residue that is black.
Also Check: How To Treat Surface Mold On Drywall
How To Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom
Your first step before removing black mold from your bathroom is to test the mold to make sure its not the toxic version, Stachybotrys chartarum. To test the mold, get help from a professional mold remediator or use a home mold testing kit like a DIY Mold Test. Only professionals should safely remove this type of mold due to increased risk of lung irritation, skin issues, and more. However, most bathroom mold isnt toxic and you can remove it with store-bought cleaners or home remedies. Remove black mold from your bathroom in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Spray an antifungal cleaner, like one by Clorox, onto the mold. This cleaner uses a specific formula to kill types of fungus such as mildew and mold. Then scrub the mold away with a sponge or toothbrush.
Step 2: After cleaning the area, use a mixture of equal parts water and bleach in a spray bottle and apply it to any remaining stains to lift them. Let it soak for a few minutes and then use a toothbrush to scrub the stains until they are clean.
Step 3: To prevent mold from returning, spray distilled vinegar onto the surface of your shower to kill mold spores and slow down any regrowth. Let the vinegar dry before going on to the next step.
Step 4: Fully dry any remaining wet surfaces with a clean cloth towel. Ventilate the bathroom.
Ways To Treat Mold In Your Toilet Tank And Bowl
Have you ever lifted the top of your toilet tank to find its covered in mold? Is your toilet bowl in the same condition? Mold can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and is not very particular about what it grows on. Different types of mold grow in different places, but most molds follow the same living needs. Mold needs a food source, optimal temperature, and moisture to continue living and thriving. This makes your bathroom the perfect place for mold growth. No wonder why your toilet tank and bowl have been taken over by our little fungus friend!
Also Check: How To Cut Crown Molding Corners
Keep It Cool And Dry Whenever Possible
Mold likes damp and humid climates, so the bathroom is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Remove all wet towels and clothing from the bathroom and allow these to dry completely. Do not store damp items in the bathroom and make sure to hang out the bathroom floor mat or towel to dry in between showers. Make an effort to remove excess water whenever possible.
Dont overlook the shower curtain as an incubator for mold wipe down the shower walls with a squeegee or spread open shower curtains fully to deter mold spores growth. As an extra line of protection, invest in a mold-resistant shower curtain.
Common Causes Of Bathroom Mold
- Lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation
- Leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes
- Damp cellulose materials such as rugs, paper products, wood, wallpaper, grout, drywall, and fabric
So how do you know if you have a mold problem? Matt Cinelli, owner/operator of AERC Removals in North Attleboro, Mass., says, If you can see it or smell it, youve got it.
Read Also: Is Mold Removal Covered By Insurance
Dont Want To Use Chemicals Heres How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Your Bathroom Naturally
If synthetic chemicals arent an option for your family or pets, you can use effective natural methods to get rid of bathroom mold. Hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and baking soda are three nontoxic products that can remove mold in shower areas effectively. Hydrogen peroxide is naturally antifungal and antibacterial, which makes it perfect for treating mold. Baking soda also kills mold and absorbs moisture that facilitates mold growth.
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide and another part water into a water bottle and spray the solution onto the mold. Or, mix one tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle of water. Spray either of these solutions and let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub away the stain and rinse it with water. To prevent future mold growth, spray the area with undiluted vinegar and let it air dry. Vinegar is a powerful natural acid that can kill over 80% of mold spores.
Note: Although vinegar, peroxide, and baking soda are effective at mold removal and prevention separately, dont mix them all together because this creates a bubbly mess thats potentially toxic.
Black Mold/spots In Toilet Bowl& Rimhow To Get Rid
In the bowl, black stains are usually found under the rim, below the waterline or at the base/bottom.
Mold forming at the water line can be an indication that you rarely use the toilet, your tank is infested with mold and its time for a thorough clean up.
When mold grows below the water line and more around the base of the toilet bowl, it could mean you have a broken water seal that needs immediate attention from the plumber. The broken seal means the area is experiencing a leak underneath or from the water inlet.
A leak then means a damp area and a conducive environment for the growth and development of mold. You have to replace the wax ring to stop the leak then clean the area to get rid of the mold.
Following are the steps to clean mold in the bowl
Required Items & Cleaners
Vinegar & Baking Soda Method
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold In Bathroom Tub
Best Way To Remove Mold From Your Toilet Bowl
The best method for removing black mold from the bowl is using bleach removers. First, flush the toilet and pour a cup of bleach into the bowl when the water begins to return. Next, using a scrubber, begin to scrub around the toilet bowl and edges of the seat. Continue scrubbing, re-dipping the brush in the bleach water when needed, until it is gone. Allow for that to settle in the bowl for 30 minutes or so. Finally, using a clean sponge or cloth, wipe down the lid and edges of the toilet to fully remove the bleach. Flush the toilet a few times to flush the bleach solution.
Is Mold In Your Toilet A Sign Of Diabetes
It has not been scientifically proven that mold in the toilet is a sign of diabetes however it is often suggested that there might be a link. A study conducted by Doug A. Kaufman did actually find a connection between toilet mold and diabetes.
He concluded that this is because mold is so attracted to sugar and therefore the presence of mold may indicate high levels of glucose in the urine which the body has failed to break down. This can be the case when people are either untreated or under-treated for their condition.
If you have mold and either suspect or know you have diabetes, you should see your GP, Doctor or Health Physician to discuss your health further.
You May Like: What Does Mold Sickness Feel Like
How To Prevent Black Mold From Growing In Your Toilet Tank
A toilet tank is the perfect breeding ground for black mold dark and damp.
Unfortunately, this means that the usual recommendations for keeping mold at bay keeping the area dry and well-lit cant really be implemented.
If your toilet tank is prone to growing black mold, the best way to prevent this from happening is to spray a bleach solution on the inside of your tank once every week or two.
Ive been doing this since I first discovered black mold in my toilet tank, and I have never had another instance of black mold in my tank.
References:
Why Is Mold Growing In The Toilet Bowl Only
- Organic surfaces such as the tanks walls andhard water deposits help supply mold with a nutrient source.
- What you put in the toilet can increase thelikelihood of mold growth. The PH of urine and body chemicals found in yourpoop can all effect whether or not a toilet bowl grows mold. In fact, there isa really interesting diabetes and mold connection. Mold LOVES sugar. It is oneof its preferred foods. When a person has diabetes that is uncontrolled or notadequately controlled, the body reacts to its decreased ability to processglucose by essentially dumping it via urine and sweat. That glucose-richfluid serves as food for mold spores inside the toilet bowl.
- You could have black mold in the water supplyfrom the pipes or tank. If this is the case the mold will re-establish itselfevery time you flush the toilet. Rust on the pipes can also cause condensationwhich leads to black mold.
- There could be cracks in the ceramic of yourtoilet. These cracks give black mold a place to stick, grow and flourish.
Read Also: Can Black Mold Cause Cancer In Humans
