CATEGORY:
Mold Removal
Summary:
Mold is a common issue, particularly in the bathroom where warmth, moisture, and bacteria provide an ideal breeding ground. In this blog post, we're skipping the usual health warnings and diving straight into comprehensive, step-by-step instructions to tackle this unsightly menace. We cover a range of surfaces - from showers and tiles to exhaust vents and toilets - and provide specific techniques for each. With a toolkit including common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and bleach, as well as safety equipment, we've got you covered. Whether you're dealing with a minor surface issue or facing significant mold growth, we'll help you navigate the process safely and effectively.
Mold around the shower will affect everyone in your home. Skin, dirt, and grime, combined with a warm and humid environment, create a breeding ground for mold. The black stuff biting into the silicone of your shower is unsightly. This blog post will discuss how to remove mold in the shower AND other problem areas in the bathroom. You already know mold is dangerous, so we’ll skip the mold 101 and get right into the prevention process.
Here’s what you’ll need to kill bathroom mold:
Having both porous and non-porous surfaces in the bathroom makes it necessary to have an arsenal of mold busting tools. We’ll also discuss how different ingredients interact with certain surfaces.
Total Cost: $5-$2500
You’re probably wondering, “Why such a large price range?” You can clean with tools you already have at home for small mold jobs. Simple items like a mask, rubber gloves, and a strong cleaning solution. You can remove mold with paper towels, a toothbrush for grout, a sponge, or dry rags. The opposite end of the spectrum includes large mold jobs (usually due to neglect and vacant properties).
Don’t underestimate mold. If you're going to DIY, you’ll need a couple of items to protect your eyes, skin, and lungs.
Health Warning: Ask a professional to remediate any mold over 10 square feet. The larger the area of contamination, the greater the chance of harmful exposure. Safety first!
Best For: killing mold on the surface of nonporous surfaces like tiles and sinks.
Best For: With 4% acetic acid, Vinegar can kill black mold, penicillium, and chrysogenum, and is best used on nonporous surfaces. Vinegar cannot kill Aspergillus fumigatus mold.
Best For: Baking soda is non-toxic and safe for kids and pets. It kills black mold and absorbs moisture that attracts mold.
Health Warning: According to the EPA, you should NEVER mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.
Learn More About Mold Killers Here: What Kills Mold? The Top 10 Mold Killers
Here’s how to remove mold from painted drywall ceilings:
Here’s how to remove mold from tile ceilings:
When working with bleach overhead, make sure you cover your skin, protect your eye and wear a mask. Also, wearing old clothing, you don’t mind throwing out might be a good idea.
For removing mold from tile surfaces, bleach is a good call. The mixture is one part bleach to two parts water.
Add a solution of one part bleach to three parts water to a spray bottle.
Optional Step: Spray the area with straight vinegar for another layer of protection.
Bleach is a great surface cleaner for mold, but it won’t get deep into porous materials to kill the root of the mold. That's where the vinegar comes in. Vinegar is a mold killer. Spray it on and let it dry.
You can use a bleach solution to clean the plastic or metal covet over the fan.
Note: Surface cleaning the exhaust fan vent and removing the dust inside is about as deep as you can go without removing the motor. If the level of mold reaches the actual duct system, you may need to bring in professional help to clean the ductwork.
A bleach solution is perfect for non-porous surfaces such as toilets. Use a brush on the inside to scrub away any stains, and a sponge or rag around the exterior can take care of any surface mold.
Maintenance Tip: A cup of bleach to the tank once a week is a good follow-up.
If the inside of the tank is moldy, another solution for getting rid of mold in a toilet is to use vinegar and baking soda.
Bathrooms have all the ingredients for rapid and continual growth. High humidity, poor ventilation, and heat. With daily and weekly preventative steps, it’s possible to prevent mold from becoming a severe issue.
Note: If your fan is worn out, it might be time to replace it.
Earlier in this blog post; we showed you how to know when you can clean mold yourself vs. when to call a professional.
The truth is, regardless of the size, if you want someone else to clean the mold, there’s only one company you should call. Spaulding Decon’s mold remediation specialist are familiar with the common types of mold and the specific techniques needed to get rid of them.
The mold removal team at Spaulding Decon is trained, experienced, and we work with insurance providers. We have locations all over the US, so please click here to search for the location nearest you. Our job isn’t done until your bathroom is mold-free and ready for healthy habitation as normal.
House mold is a common concern for homeowners, as it can cause health problems and damage your home. There are 12 common types of mold found in houses, classified into three categories: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxic. Mold thrives in damp, dark environments and is often caused by water damage. In this article, we discuss the various types of mold, their effects on health, and the importance of professional mold removal services. Protect your home and your health by identifying and eliminating mold with the help of Spaulding Decon's expertise in biohazard cleanup and remediation.
Even if you don’t live in an area of high humidity, your property might be a convenient place for mold to take residence. Cold and damp months are especially suitable for mold growth, and the most affected areas are usually moist or warm pockets of your home. Most Florida residents are familiar with this. In order to be certain that you have a mold problem, look for these visual and odor cues.
Musty smells, discoloration, paint peeling or cracking, and the telltale black-colored stuff creeping up your wall. The dangers that can come with different types of mold that grow in your house are well known. Respiratory issues, allergies, and sometimes worse reactions can come from mold exposure...
