What Are The Black Spots
Black spots in the bathroom ceiling are mostly often black mold and mildew.
The Stachybotrys Chartarum species of mold is the one usually referred to as black mold. Black mold, like other types of mold, is commonly found in dark, humid areas of the home. It is distinguished by its distinct appearance, as it is darker than most molds.
Not only do they show up on ceilings, but you might also notice small black spots of mold and mildew growing in your shower room or an entire colony hiding behind your toilet.
Black mold is a type of microfungus that produces conidia in slime heads. It can be found in soil and grain, but its most commonly found in cellulose-rich building materials from damp or water-damaged structures, such as gypsum-based drywall and wallpaper.
However before concluding that the black spots are black mold, you might consider carrying out a mold test to confirm your assumptions.
Mold emits a distinct odor. It has a musty, earthy smell to it, and it may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. Mold appears hairy and has some color variations when examined closely.
What Kind Of Mold Grows On Bathroom Ceiling
Mold types that typically grow in bathrooms include Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys. The different types of mold look very similar, mostly dark brown or green, so it is quite difficult to tell the difference.However, among those varieties of mold, Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, is the most dangerous type that often appears in bathrooms. It looks very dark, almost black. Penicillium mold colors range from green, blue to yellow.Cladosporium fungus appears in olive green to brown and black, while Aspergillus is usually black on the surface and whiteish or yellowish underneath.
What Are Some Signs Of Mold Growth On The Ceiling
Mold stains are the most reliable sign that you have mold in your ceiling. But, even if they arent visible, there may still be some mold spores floating around your house. A musty smell could also be a sign of mold problems. To be entirely certain, you should have a professional inspect your ceiling to identify what type of mold is present and how much of it is growing.
You will need to investigate what exactly is causing excessive moisture in your bathroom or bedroom so you can solve this problem faster and prevent the spread of mold spores further throughout your home.
Read Also: How To Treat Exposure To Mold
Common Causes Of Ceiling Mold
Ceiling mold can produce a host of destructive effects in your home, depending on the root cause. If you notice any ceiling mold at all, it is best to work quickly to take care of the underlying problem before things get worse. But what causes ceiling mold?
The 7 most common causes of ceiling mold are:
- Increased humidity
- Adequate food sources
- Lack of airflow
You should understand the problem youre dealing with before trying to solve it. Every type of mold has its own solution, but identifying a specific reason for your ceilings current state will make solving this issue much easier and ensure future growth in that area is controlled as well.
What Not To Use Bleach
The goal of mold cleaning is not to kill mold, or even to disinfect a surface or material, but rather to remove mold from a surface. Think of mold more like dirt. If you had a wall with dirt on it, would you simply spray it with bleach and consider it cleaned? Of course not.
Bleach is a combination of chemicals used to kill bacteria and whiten clothes, floors, and walls. Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite which is toxic to bacteria, fish, and human beings. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency discourages the use of bleach and biocides for mold cleaning.3
Of course, there are more reasons to avoid bleach. Bleach is designed to kill bacteria, and will not completely remove a mold problem. Molds are fungi and they can, and will, grow back after bleaching.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Car Carpet
Killing Mold On Porous Surfaces
Killing mold on porous surfaces presents a challenge to DIY cleanup, as there is no way to tell just how deep the problem has penetrated the surface.
As in the case of a leaky roof or plumbing, it may be that the issue has penetrated completely through the host material.
If this is the case, throw up a white flag and call in a mold problem remediation professional.
If you have water leaks, no amount of cleaning will remove the issue if the root cause is not addressed, and this type of repair is beyond the scope of this article.
Surely, if your problem is limited to the outer layer of your porous surface, killing and cleaning mold spores is similar to the process used for non-porous surfaces.
Use vinegar, diluted bleach, or Hydrogen Peroxide. Just use lesser amounts. For better results, use a mold spray.
Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda is a known inhibitor of fungus and mold spores, making it an excellent cleaner for bathroom mold. Combine it with the disinfecting powers of hydrogen peroxide, and youâll be clearing off any traces of mold from your ceiling.
Similarly, you will need to dilute your solution with equal amounts of water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Use the spray as a powerful solution to clean mold off of any surface, including your ceilings. Best to leave the solution overnight to ensure that all mold colonies are killed off, and use a dampened cloth to remove any residue the next day.
If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, you can omit this ingredient from your mold cleaner, but you will not have a disinfectant that can clear mold stains and prevent mold growth from your bathroom ceilings.
Read Also: What Kind Of Sickness Can Black Mold Cause
Can Vinegar Kill Mould On The Bathroom Ceiling
White vinegar is the most popular choice of cleaning product because most people have it in their kitchen cabinets. And its not only good to use for mold but can also be used as a general cleaning product for stains and germs.
The acid inside white vinegar can kill 82% of mold types. Baking soda is another option that you can find in your kitchen cabinet. You might want to use this if you have pets or children, as its the safest option for them. Using hydrogen peroxide has many perks. Its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. But be careful when using it on a delicate surface as it can be too strong for its own good.
How To Get Rid Of Mold On Your Bathroom Ceiling
Its sometimes tough to completely get rid of mold. Often, cleaning it alone doesnt work because the mold can grow back around the ceiling, so in addition to cleaning the area where the mold spots are, killing it is usually the best way to go.
In rare cases, the only solution might be to completely replace the ceiling to prevent the mold spores from growing again!
Items youll need to start cleaning your bathroom ceilings mold issue:
- Cleaning detergent
Before you get started, its essential to remove any items from the bathroom that may reside on them, including:
- Remove bathroom rugs, towels, and underwear
- Close off all the available vents so that the mold spores will not be able to get to other parts of the house
- Open up a window, for proper airflow
Now we can begin the cleaning process. This part is relatively easy, as mold does not stick too hard to surfaces and comes off with ease.
With a soft-bristled brush, wash away the mold on your ceiling with a simple mix of detergent and water.
After doing this, wait for the area to dry for about 30-60 minutes.
Now, the mold should be visibly gone. But thats not all. Because although cleaned, mold spores are still present on your ceiling, even though you cant see them.
So the next step will be to kill these mold spores to prevent later growth of mold on your ceiling.
You May Like: How Do You Get Rid Of Mold In The Basement
How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Walls
Similar to cleaning mold from bathroom ceilings, you can clean mold off walls with soap and water or vinegar in a spray bottle. If you have scrubbable painted walls, you can apply the vinegar directly to the mold and scrub it away. Allow the area to dry, then cover it with a stain-blocking paint. If you have tiled bathroom walls, follow our cleaning instructions in the following section.
If the mold has infiltrated the drywall or spread across the entire wall, it will be difficult to remove it yourself. Hire a professional to remove the mold instead. Disturbing that much mold could pose a health hazard and cause it to spread to other areas of your home.
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Mold Spots Off Bathroom Ceiling
How Does Mold Develop On Brick Fireplaces Basement Walls Etc
One may think that mold wouldnt grow on brick, but given the right conditions, it can. Thats because mold needs three things to thrive:
- Organic materials
Any room that is not properly aired out basements, for example are breeding grounds for mold growth. If your bathroom contains something with brick, it could also become compromised. This is why you need to go over your home with a fine tooth comb when checking for mold.
Read Also: How To Stop Mold In The Basement
Is Bathroom Ceiling Mold Dangerous
Even though black mold on your bathroom ceiling will not kill you, it is definitely not safe for human health and the structure of a house.
If youve noticed black mold in your bathroom, it can be dangerous and thus, requires immediate removal by a specialist. This type of mold is typically found in the most humid areas like the shower, bathtub, toilet, and ceiling tiles in a bathroom.
If you come into direct contact with this kind of mold, you may experience black mold poisoning and any symptoms that come with it. Mold spores can produce mycotoxins that cause severe health issues and therefore, could be dangerous to humans. Some medical studies show that these toxigenic molds can lead to serious illnesses like pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss, however, this is rare.
You May Like: What To Use To Kill Black Mold On Wood
Preventing Mold In The Bathroom
How do you prevent mold? Can you? Unfortunately, some leaks may remain undetected for a long time, resulting in mold growth. Moisture is a key element in mold growth, so any leaks could leave you vulnerable.
The bathroom also has a high humidity area. Open the windows a bit after youve finished showering and turn on a ceiling fan to circulate air. This will keep daily moisture levels down. However, these efforts wont prevent mold from growing if there is a leak.
If, however, you catch those leaks quickly, you can alleviate the moisture so there isnt an issue later on. Some companies that specialize in repairing water damage will set up fans that suck up moisture and dry out the bathroom. This leaves your room moisture free so no mold can grow. The company also may apply an antifungal cleaner or treatment. Of course, you may still have to repair drywall or baseboards if they were damaged by a leak.
Baking Soda And Warm Water
Baking soda attacks mold by soaking up the moisture and using its texture to pull the spores up when you wash the baking soda off with a clean cloth.
Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a tablespoon or two of baking soda. Spray it onto the surface and scrub it off. If this doesnt work, let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing it off.
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Mold Off Refrigerator Seals
Clean And Remove From Drywall Ceiling
Finally, you can clean a drywall ceiling by using soft materials like towels or sponges. This material is like wood in that it is porous and somewhat fragile. You need to work in a well-ventilated area and make sure that there is plenty of light and air moving in the room.
It can also help you to aim a fan at the ceiling to prevent water from the cleaning job from soaking into the drywall. At the same time, however, you can benefit from running an air purifier to absorb mold spores that are released into the air. Recommended article: How to remove black mold from drywall
Meet Zep Mold Stain & Mildew Stain Remover
I dont usually promote products when writing an article but Zep Mold Stain Remover at just $1.98 deserves honorable mention. This bottle is made up of a solution that kills the mold and removes the stains. I sprayed ZEP all over the infected area on the bathroom ceiling and then scrubbed with a long handle scrub brush and the mold disappeared. True, I should have worn a mask when spraying heavy amounts all over the bathroom ceiling but this product works like magic. As a matter of fact, I was very nervous when the ZEP began dripping on the walls that it would ruin the paint color. There was no paint discoloration so it is safe to use on any surface. The dual formula of killing the mold and getting rid of the stain was all I needed and best of all it only cost $1.98.
Don’t Miss: Is Mold Removal Covered By Homeowners Insurance
Can I Just Get Into The Wall And Use Bleach To Clean It
It may be tempting to get into the wall and spray everything with bleach by yourself. However, if you have never done this before, it is better to call someone licensed to deal with mold. This is especially true if you have never gone into the wall and dont know how to detect how extensive the mold damage is. Leaving the eradication of mold to professionals will save not only your health but also your sanity. A professional team will have all the protective gear, detection tools and methods necessary to get rid of all the mold in your home.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Clean Mold
The Dangers Of Black Mold
Usual green and white mold may have no effect on you. Or, they may cause coughs and wheezing, and exasperate asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Those who have significantly suppressed immune systems may be infected by a mold directly. New research has found that young children who are exposed to mold may be more likely to develop asthma.
However, black mold may carry more significant risks, if it is a species of stachybotrys, a toxigenic mold. According to the CDC, toxigenic molds are not, themselves, toxic. Instead, they produce toxins that may have negative health effects. Its rare, but possible, that the toxins stachyobotrys produces may cause serious health conditions, including bleeding in your lungs, or memory loss.
Researchers arent sure of the relationship between toxigenic molds and these serious health problems, and many studies are being conducted to figure out just what impact mold might have on people in general. In the meantime, you should clean up mold that grows in your home.
If you have very dark green or black mold on your bathroom ceiling, professional mold management is necessary. The ceiling drywall and the tile grout will be infected with mold spores and will still look unsightly after you kill the mold with a disinfectant or an acid. The best long-term solution is to remove the infected drywall or grout and replace it. Tile is generally a less porous material and can usually be salvaged.
Read Also: How To Get Mold Off Refrigerator Seal
Hi Since March 30 Weve Noticed Some Weird Staining Occurring On The Walls And Ceiling Throughout Our Apartment They All Start Out As Clear Then Some Changes Colors I Reached Out To Our Property Management On March 30 And Again On May 7 Because Now My Entire House Is Sick And Showing Symptoms Associated With Mold Exposure My Landlord Had Yet To Come Out To Determine If It Is Mold Im Growing Frustrated For Obvious Reasons And I Have Been Searching The Web For Insight Into What This Staining Might Be I Cant Get Anyone To Come Out Because That Process Needs To Be Initiated By Our Landlord Which Has Been Unresponsive To This Point My Question Isbased On Pictures Could This Be Either Ghosting Condensation Or Mold
This type of staining is typically due to heavy condensation. You see it most often in a bathroom. It can also occur in rooms with high humidity and poor ventilation. The condensation is leaching out chemicals/contaminants from the paint. Ghosting causes perfectly straight lines which correlate to the underlying framing. Examples of ghosting.
