How to Clean and Prevent Black Mold in the Bathroom?

It is a fact that the most toxic form of mold is Black mold. Approximately 47% of residential buildings in the US have visible mold or mold odor. 21% of asthma cases are attributable to dampness and mold.

Did you know that the average person spends more than three hours daily in their bathroom? The bathroom is one of the most common places vulnerable to mold growth. In fact, every sixth bathroom in the US has Stachybotrys, a toxic black mold.

What Causes Mold in the Bathroom?

Mold thrives in damp, dark, and humid environments. Hot showers, water in the toilet, and constant sink use make the bathroom relatively more humid than any other room in the house. Moreover, bathrooms lack proper ventilation. All these conditions make bathrooms an ideal place for mold growth.

Some common areas of the bathroom where mold can grow include the curtains, bathroom tiles, shower, under sinks, and around the toilet’s base.

Is Black Mold Dangerous?

Black mold not only looks unsightly but also affects one’s overall well-being. It can be very dangerous, especially if you have allergies or asthma or you are sensitive to mold spores. It can lead to coughing, runny nose, sore throat, etc.

In worst cases, it can also lead to lung diseases, such as asthma – people with weak immune systems are more prone to allergic reactions and chronic lung diseases. That is why if you find any signs of black mold, such as a musty odor and visible black mold, you should take immediate action for bathroom mold removal.

Safety Measures For Mold Cleaning in Your Bathroom

Black mold is known to be very hazardous to human health. Mold can be in the air, indoors or outdoors. When inhaled, it can cause respiratory problems. Therefore, it is important to take the right precautions before engaging in mold cleaning in your bathroom.

Below is the list of safety gear that one should put on during mold cleaning:

• Gloves
• Mask
• Goggles

Also, add ventilation to your bathroom. This can help to minimize the concentration of mold spores in the air. If the problem is very bad or if you have health problems due to mold allergies, then it is advisable to call a mold remediation contractor.

Remember, your health should be at the top of your priority list.

How to Clean Black Mold From Different Bathroom Surfaces?

Fortunately, black mold is easy to spot. However, you will need a systematic approach and tools to remove black mold from different bathroom surfaces. So, here we will discuss how you can get rid of mold in the bathroom:

Tiles and Grouta	Using a brush or a scrubber, scrub the tiles and the grout. Now, apply a solution of detergent, white vinegar, and water to the tiles and grout. Take a hard brush and scrub the tiles and grout once again. Clean the tiles and the grout with warm water to eliminate any remaining residue.
Shower	Begin with the antifungal cleanser. Using a sponge or toothbrush, apply it to the affected area and wash it off with water. If the mold is severe, you may need to apply the cleanser more than once to remove it effectively. After cleaning the visible mold, wash the shower with a water-bleach solution to remove mold stains; let it stay on for 3-5 minutes. You can use white vinegar to clean your shower. This can also help prevent or at least slow the process of mold growth. When you are done cleaning the black mold in the shower, dry the area properly with a tower.
Shower Curtains	Take the shower curtain down and let it soak in 1 cup of bleach or baking soda mixed with hot water for at least an hour. Now, wash the curtain with a soft brush. Ensure that no space is left. Wash the curtain well and let it dry. If the mold is persistent, consider changing the curtain.
Bathroom Walls	Begin with making a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Use this solution to the affected area and allow it to sit for approximately 15 minutes. Now, wash the affected area with warm water. After washing, dry it properly using a clean towel or a blow dryer.
Bathroom Ceiling	Create a solution of bleach and water in the ratio of 1:10. Then, using a sponge, apply the solution to the affected ceiling area and let it sit for 15 minutes. The solution will get into the pores of the mold and eradicate it completely. Ensure that you do not drop any cleaning agent on yourself. To reach the ceiling, one should use a step ladder or a long-handled brush. Mold on the ceiling should be washed off using a sponge or cloth and warm water. Finally, use a clean cloth to wipe off the ceiling to ensure that no moisture remains.
Sinks and Faucets	Create a cleaning solution by adding bleach or white vinegar to warm water in a proportion of 1:3. Using a soft brush, use this solution to the mold on sinks and faucets. Clean off the mold, particularly around the faucet and sink drain areas. Wait for about 15-20 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate and remove the mold spores efficiently. Finally, wash the sink and faucets with hot water to eliminate residue and dead mold. Wipe the sink and faucets with an absorbent towel to avoid water stains and mold growth,
Toilets	To clean the surface, use a solution of one part bleach and three parts water. Apply the solution to the toilet with a toilet brush. Now clean the base, the interior, the bottom, and around the rim to eliminate mold. Let the solution remain on the affected area for 10-15 minutes to allow it to disintegrate the mold spores. Now wash the toilet again and then flush it to wash off the solution and the dead mold. Finally, dry the toilet.
Toilet Tank	Pour ½ cup bleach into the tank and let it sit for 10 minutes. Now scrub the tank with a brush and then flush the toilet. Do this many times until the mold is gone. Last, wash the tank with water to wash any remaining deposits.

How to Prevent Future Mold Growth in Bathrooms?

Black mold in the bathroom can regrow due to the presence of constant moisture. However, you can take some preventative measures to prevent future mold growth. So, here are a few tips you can use to prevent bathroom mold:

• Add Ventilation to your bathroom
• Dry towels, shower curtains, and bathmats
• Pay attention to cracked tile and wet drywall
• Use a Dehumidifier
• Use a Squeegee
• Fix all leaks
• Use the best paint for the bathroom
• Place your bath supplies on a cabinet or soap dish
• Wash rugs, towels, and curtains regularly
• Use mold-killing products for cleaning
• Regularly clean your bathroom
• Wipe off wet surfaces immediately

When to Call Professionals?

While most mold problems can be solved using home remedies, some cases require Mold professional inspection specialists in NJ. Here’s when you should consider calling in experts:

• Extensive Mold Infestation: If the mold area is more than 10 square feet or has gone through the walls, ceiling, or floor, it is advisable to hire a professional. Mold specialists have the equipment and knowledge to eliminate large mold growths without causing further damage.
• Recurring Mold Problems: If you have attempted to get rid of the mold several times and it grows back, then this may mean that there is a more serious problem, such as leaking or dampness in the structure. A professional can diagnose the problem and find a way to eradicate it, hence avoiding a reoccurrence.
• Health Concerns: If anyone in the house has respiratory problems, allergies, or a weakened immune system, it is advised to hire a professional mold removal service. Mold spores are dangerous, and professionals who work with them wear protective clothing and use appropriate tools.
• Complex Cleanup: If the mold has affected the HVAC systems, insulation, or any other hard-to-clean areas, then it is advisable to hire the services of a professional mold remediation company. Experts can safely clean and restore these complex systems without spreading mold spores.
• Property Damage Assessment: If the mold has caused severe damage to the property, a professional should be called to evaluate the extent of the damage and advise on the right repair procedures. They can also assist with paperwork in cases of insurance claims.

Above & Beyond has a team of over 20 Micro CMI-certified experts who have gained expertise in mold inspection and removal services in New Jersey. We have state-of-the-art tools and equipment that can help you easily remove mold from your bathroom.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us to get rid of bathroom mold today!