Cause Of Black Mold In Bathroom
The main reason black mold infests your bathroom is due to the humidity and plentiful supply of water. Such condition provides the perfect ground for mold development.
Water coming out from basin, bathtub, and shower will create wet surfaces that are claimed by black mold as the place for it to live in.
In addition to water supply, another cause of black mold infestation in the bathroom is related to the steam evaporation. If you like using warm or hot water in the shower, the chance of black mold growing in your bathroom increases.
The bathroom does not have well ventilation system compared to other rooms in the house. It also becomes the cause that can increase humidity from the steam and water circulation inside the bathroom.
Cleaning Tiles And Other Smooth Surfaces
To remove mould from smooth bathroom surfaces, including tiles or a basin, spray a cleaning solution onto the affected area and wait for it to soak in. There should be a visible coating, but try not to over-saturate the affected area.
Using a cloth or sponge, wipe the mould away, remembering to use a new side of the cloth when the first side becomes too saturated or dirty. You may need to use more than one cloth or sponge if you are cleaning a large area. If the mould isnt coming away, use a dedicated scrubbing brush.
Health Effects Of Black Mold
According to the EPA, various types of mold can cause health problems for some people. Those health problems are primarily in the form of allergies such as stuffy head, headache, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, etc. These ailments can be more severe in the young, the old, and those with other health issues. The CDC basically says the same thing that mold can cause health issues in some people, or no issues in other people.
According to the CDC, Stachybotrys black mold is unproven to cause serious medical issues beyond those mentioned above. In other words, symptoms of black mold are only proven to be similar to other molds. The CDC simply states that various types of mold may cause health symptoms, to consult with a doctor if symptoms persist, and that no color or type of mold belongs in a building.
You may be thinking: If all we know for sure is that mold causes allergies in some people, and maybe some serious health problems in a small percentage of other people, then whats the big deal?
Well, our answer to that is to imagine yourself as one of those people who are sensitive to mold. Constant allergies, constantly feeling sick, and miserable in your own home. Theres even a scientific name for it: Sick Building Syndrome . Mold, along with other problems such as radon, Chinese drywall, etc., can cause Sick Building Syndrome. Suffering through Sick Building Syndrome is a terrible way to live, and we wouldnt wish it upon our worst enemy!
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Final Word On Black Mold: Best Avoidedbut Not Deadly
As for black molds toxic reputation, those with immune suppression, asthma, or other respiratory problems are most at risk of feeling ill.
Its not likely that youll die from black mold poisoning because its just not that toxic. That said, you should act quickly if you find it in your home. The good news is its treatable, removable, and preventable.
Why Is There Mold Growing In My Bathroom
Mold migrates through the air outside and indoors as microscopic spores. It only needs a small amount of moisture to take hold, so the bathroom is a natural breeding ground for all kinds of fungi.
No matter how well you clean the house, its almost impossible to prevent spores from making themselves at home.
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How Does Black Mold Affect Your Health
The black mold itself is not what causes health concerns it’s the mycotoxins it produces. Mycotoxins can lead to many adverse health effects such as upper respiratory conditions, headaches, and a variety of other symptoms. Persons with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
Some other health effects that mycotoxins from Stachybotrys may cause are:
- Coughing
How Do You Get Rid Of Mould
At the first signs of mould, clean your shower thoroughly.
If the mould in your shower isnt black mould, you can clean it yourself. Start with an anti-fungal cleaner. Since mould is a fungus, you need a cleaner that kills the fungus. Bleach on its own or common shower cleaners might reduce the mould you can see, but they wont kill the fungus and its spores.
Vinegar is often effective against everyday mould. Be sure to rinse your shower surface between cleaners to avoid toxic fumes. Use bleach or other grout cleaners to remove stains left behind by the mould.
Be sure to wear a mask when cleaning mould from your shower or tub. Dont risk hazard to your lungs by breathing in mould spores or bleach fumes.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Black Mold Exposure
If you find black mold on your property, theres no need to panic. But black mold presents more health risks to sensitive groups like those with respiratory conditions or immune conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control , black mold spores can generate cold- or flu-like symptoms such as:
- Stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
So while black mold probably wont kill you, it can make you feel sick and should be removed as soon as possible.
What Is The Black Mold In The Bathroom
Black mold in the bathroom are fungi which dampen and humidify parts of our houses. One of the early signs of mold is the yellowish stains that are usually found on doors, ceilings, walls or wet and moistened areas. This later develops into a powdery and spongy patch known as mold.Black mold on a shower curtain is another way by which mold affects human beings, this mold grows on the shower curtain and its presence make us sick turn our homes to an unhealthy place.
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Is It Bad To Drink From A Moldy Water Bottle
Accidentally drink from a moldy water bottle? You may be wondering what happens if you drink something with mold in it. Such things happen all the time. Mold growth in food & fluids is a common biological process. Swallowing a few bites isnt a big deal. Stomach acid is strong to kill pathogens. Some may cause nausea, cramping & diarrhea. If your immune system is not strong & suffer unrelenting vomiting or diarrhea consult with a doctor or go to the emergency.
Remove Black Mold In Bathroom Sink Drain
Black mold can also be found in bathroom sink drain. If you notice small patches in black, dark green or gray colors in the sink drain or drain pipe, mold removal steps should be done immediately.
To remove black mold in the drain, you can scrub it using a brush or a piece of cloth. Rub all parts in the structure thoroughly, including the grate that is possible to be infected by black mold as well.
If you have difficulty in reaching small parts of the drain, you can take it apart for a while and fix it back after the cleaning is done.
To optimize your cleaning, you can use some additional mold-killing agents such as vinegar, bleach, and fungicide that can help you get rid of black mold in the bathroom drain.
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Is It Dangerous To Clean Black Mold
Cautions need to be taken when cleaning black mold in the home. Few tools & resources are needed to ensure that they are safe during the process. Minimal exposure to black mold can lead to health issues for your family. Black mold can cause Respiratory irritation, Headaches, Sneezing, Skin disorders, Chronic coughing, Chronic fatigue and so on.
What Are Black Mold Health Symptoms
We all know mold isnt welcomed in the home, but did you know too that breathing in the presence of mold can harm your health? There are over 2,000 different species of mold and the most dangerous of all is called Stachybotrys Chartarum, also known as black mold or the invisible killer.
Why is black mold so dangerous? Black mold releases toxic spores that linger in the air and attack your respiratory health. The potency of these toxic spores has proved to be the most detrimental to human health.
Black mold often appears as slimy and greenish-black. If its water source runs out, black mold can also appear as dry and powdery. Black mold is also dangerous because its sometimes difficult to distinguish from other species of mold.
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How To Remove Black Mold From The Shower
Cleaning mold requires killing the fungus completely so that it doesnt continue to grow even after youve removed the surface growth. To do that, you need a household cleaner that disinfects and has the capacity to kill fungus such as mold. If you want a commercial disinfectant, we recommend RMR-141 Mold Killer. Alternatively, you can use a diluted bleach solution .
Spray the disinfectant or bleach solution on the hard surfaces and allow to sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a rag or stiff brush, rinse with clean water, and allow to air dry. Repeat if necessary.
If mold has grown on the shower curtain, you can either clean it, or throw it away and buy a new curtain. To clean a small amount of mold, spray the curtain with disinfectant spray and scrub with a brush or rag. You can also wash the curtain in the washing machine using bleach. But the easiest way to ensure theres no more mold on your shower curtain is to replace it.
Although cleaning black mold from a shower is generally not a dangerous task, you should wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect your skin from contact with the cleaning chemicals and the mold. We also recommend wearing an N-95 mask to avoid inhaling any mold spores. If the mold is widespread and appears difficult to clean, we recommend contacting a contractor or mold remediation specialist to remove the mold and re-caulk the shower.
Dealing With Mold Growing In Your Chicago Bathroom We Can Help
As the citys most experienced black mold removal company, we know the fungus can take hold anywhere. When it happens in your bathroom, follow our guidelines, but always be careful.
If you decide the cleanup job is too big or risky, please dont take any chances. We offer certified mold remediation services across Chicago and the suburbs, so give us a call.
You can always trust ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba to help you keep your home fresh, clean and healthy.
Give us a call for help with black mold removal: 773-647-1985
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Can You Get Sick From Shower Mold
The possibility of mycotoxin production is very low when compared to other dangers that mold can present.
According to the CDC, these fungi can have a wide range of effects on different types of people. For example, it acts as a very severe irritant for people with a sensitivity to it. They will experience symptoms like a stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin, and wheezing.
Individuals who have an allergy to mold will also experience some negative side effects. Their reactions will often be heightened, and they will likely experience fever and shortness of breath.
Other pre-existing conditions can also amplify a persons reaction to fungi growth in the shower. For example, a person with immune suppression might be at a higher risk of developing an infection. Or, a person with a chronic respiratory disease like COPD or asthma may experience more severe symptoms.
How Does Black Mold Form
The main reason behind the formation of black mold is moisture, which can be caused by several things, such as, water leakage, lack of proper ventilation, flooding, irregular maintenance, humidifiers, condensation, clogged-up gutters, damp clothes, humid basements, or even water accumulation around the foundation of your house.
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Remove Mold From Shower Head
Shower heads inevitably build up with mineral deposits and sometimes mold. If youre wondering how to clean all those small nozzle holes, heres a trick.
Put a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water in a plastic bag. Place the bag over your shower head and seal it shut with rubber bands. Let your shower soak in the solution overnight. The next morning your shower head will be like-new and, best of all, mold free.
Why Do I Have Mold In My Shower
Its very common for mold to be found in the shower. There is lots of water and humidity in the bathroom which mold just adores.
Frequently running water in the shower creates wet surfaces and puddles of water. If you dont dry this moisture out quickly it can easily lead to mold growth.
On top of this, when the water in the bathroom does dry out it evaporates into the air and increases the humidity. Steam from the shower or a hot bath also makes the bathroom more humid. Since bathrooms are often not well ventilated the humidity tends to hang around and wet surfaces take a long time to dry out. Enter mold.
Another reason mold grows in theshower is because grime from body oils and soap scum which is washed off andonto the shower or tub create a food source for mold to feed on.
Basically, if mold were to have achoice vacation destination it would be the shower. Soooo inviting.
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How Do I Know That Mold Has Infected The Shower
The presence of black mold and mold, in general, can be detected by your sense of smell. Black mold produces damp, strong, and unpleasant odors which are easy to notice.
If you smell such odors while using the shower but it seems difficult to find the cause. There is a possibility that the black mold has been growing inside your shower.
Black mold can also be recognized by its appearance. The mold that has developed in the shower may come out along with water when it is used to rinse the soap.
Be aware of gray or black small scum that you notice while taking a bath. The scum of black mold can be easily distinguished from natural foam or scum of soap.
What Does Black Mold Look Like In Bathroom
Black mold in the bathroom has the muddy and spongy appearance and can be found on the bathroom floors, walls, ceilings, or shower stalls.
Colonies of ants can also detect the presence of black mold. If you find the colony of small ants gathering in one spot of your bathroom, check the spot in case black mold has infected it.
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How Can I Identify Mould In My Bathroom
There are various ways of identifying mould in your bathroom. Remember, mould forms from the inside out, so if you can see it, the issue may already be severe and will need fixing as soon as possible. Below are tell-tale signs of mould forming in your bathroom:
- Smell: A constant damp smell, even when your bathroom looks completely dry and clean, is a sign of mould forming. This can be down a hidden leak in a pipe or a build-up of moisture.
- Dark Appearance: If your wall or tiles look brown and muddy with a damp and slimy looking appearance, this could be black mould growing.
- Damaged Walls: Crumbling plaster, off-coloured walls, blistered paint or cracked tiles, or warped walls may mean that moisture has got into the walls, causing mould to grow.
- Unstable Floors: If your flooring feels soft and spongy – perhaps under tiling – you may have moisture underneath, result in mould forming.
How To Clean The Black Mold From My Water Bottle
To help the environment, drinking from a reusable water bottle is a great idea to use less plastics. If you arent cleaning water bottles the correct way, you could have bacteria & expose yourself to mildew. Check water bottles & parts for mildew. If water bottles have signs of mildew buildup, then sanitize them before using them again. Mix 1 tsp of bleach with 4 cups of water & soak the bottle for five to six hours. Rinse with hot water & dry thoroughly.
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How To Treat Black Mold Poisoning
Black mold, scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys atra or Stachybotrys chartarum, is typically black or dark green and often linked to serious health problems.
In fact, exposure to black mold can lead to black mold poisoning, or stachybotryotoxicosis a condition thats dangerous, particularly for young children and the elderly.
Even though black mold poisoning typically affects horses, cows, and pigs, humans can become infected if they inhale or ingest the spores.
Symptoms of stachybotryotoxicosis include skin rashes , throat and sinus irritation, burning eyes, and a decrease in the production of white blood cells.
Remove Black Mold On Bathroom Wall
If the infestation of black mold on the bathroom wall is no larger than 10 square feet, you can easily remove it by doing some simple steps below.
Please note that the above steps will only work for the small area of the infected wall that is less than 10 square feet.
If black mold infects bathroom wall in a larger area, it is better for you to call professional inspectors to remove the mold and help you get rid of this dangerous organism. They will use negative air pressure to destroy the mold.
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