We often see mold in damp and warm places, but bathroom mold is an unsightly and unhealthy problem that you need to address soon. The bathroom black mold is dangerous for both younger and older people, and sometimes it will cause serious infections too. The bathroom is highly prone to water-related problems like mold, and there are hundreds of ways available to get rid of mold. This article will give you a good amount of information on mold and the methods to avoid mold in the bathroom.
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How does the black mold form?
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The mold is a fungus that is most commonly seen in the bathroom as it will be warm and also where there is very little airflow. If your bathroom has excessive moisture or condensation built after a shower or bath, then the bathroom black mold will form.
Other reasons for getting mold in the bathroom is as follows-
- Lack of ventilation in the bathroom
- Leaking pipes
- Poor insulation
- Irregular cleaning
- Humidity
- Wet surfaces
Black mold is usually observed in places like inside the walls, above the ceilings, under the floors, near the windows, and especially the seal between the window and the frame.
If your bathroom has black mold, then you have to remove it using any chemicals or moisture absorbers in the affected area. If you haven’t taken any action on the black mold for a longer time, then there is a chance that you have to do a bathroom remodel. In certain rare cases, you can suspect the black mold, but can’t see it.
If you don’t know how to identify bathroom black mold, then it can be easily found by these signs-
- Even though your bathroom is completely clean and dry, you will get a damp smell and this is a sign of mold forming
- If your bathroom wall or tiles look muddy and brown, with a damp looking appearance, then the mold is forming
- Damaged walls like crumbled plaster, blistered paint, off-colored walls, and also cracked tiles are also a symbol that the moisture has got into the walls and the mold is growing
- If the bathroom’s floor feels soft and spongy, then moisture is forming under the floor
Methods to get rid of bathroom black mold:
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Bleach
Chlorine bleach is one of the best options for removing bathroom black mold and there are certain bleaches that are especially available for removing bathroom mold. You can spray the bleach directly onto the mold; let it sit for 30 minutes. Scrub it with a stiff brush and wash it with warm water.
Vinegar
If you are looking for a natural way to get rid of black mold, then distilled vinegar will work well. Spray the mold area with white vinegar, wait for 30 minutes, and scrub it with a brush. Spray the vinegar again and let it sit for another 30 minutes, and finally wash it with water.
Borax
If you have black mold on painted walls in the bathroom, then you can try borax and water. To get effective results, you can add vinegar.
- Combine 2 tbsp. of vinegar with 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a bowl, and add hot water
- Mix it well and pour it into a spray bottle
- Apply it to the painted walls
- Scrub thoroughly and wipe it clearly, then spray again and let it sit for another 10 minutes
- Before it gets done drying, wash it with water
Baking soda
Baking soda is a good natural substitute to remove black mold. Mix a small amount of baking soda in water and form a paste. Apply it to the area which is affected by mold, and scrub it off. If you wash it with soap and water, then it will give effective results.
Get the help of a professional
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All these above-mentioned steps will work only if your bathroom is affected by a minor amount of mold. If it has spread to a larger area or if anyone in your family has health issues because of the mold, then you need to ask for help from a professional.
The professional will help you to get rid of mold under the floor, and they’ll have wide experience in removing mold from ceilings. If you are not able to clean the mold by yourself, then without having a second thought you can call a professional.
Things to consider while removing mold:
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If you are removing mold by yourself, then you need to follow all these steps to be protected from the mold-
- Wear old clothes and shoes that you can throw away after cleaning the mold
- Also, wear N-95 or P-100 or other kinds of respirators and along with that, you need to wear goggles and gloves
- You should have enough air ventilation while working in the room and if you are using any fan, throw it away as there will be spores that are difficult to clean
- Once the mold is disposed of, wrap it up and tape it, to safely throw it in the garbage
Does bathroom black mold cause illness?
When the mold grows beyond the limit, then it will release toxins that are hazardous to human health. The neurotoxin in the mold is called trichothecene mycotoxins which causes dizziness, confusion, hallucination, numbness, and other negative health effects.
If you get exposed to the mold for a prolonged time, then it may lead to asthma or any other respiratory issues. The extreme symptoms include bleeding in the lungs, swelling of the lungs, nasal passage damage, and other serious issues. The health problems caused by mold are serious and sometimes can be a little scary.
Bottom Line:
If you spot any bathroom black mold, then you have to act immediately to keep your family safe, and to prevent it from spreading further. If you let the mold grow too extensively, then it will cost a lot of money to remove it. In extreme cases, it would be a great idea to ask for a professional to come and clean it.
Also read: Get Your Favorite Ideas for Remodeling Kitchen On Budget