Have you spotted any pesky black spots in the corners of the shower, bathroom ceiling, and tiles?
These might seem harmless at first, but they are telltale signs of mold which is pretty commonplace in bathrooms that are poorly ventilated and not well-maintained.
They’re not always a cause for immediate alarm, but mold does have health impacts and can cause damage to your bathroom.
But don’t worry— this guide helps you identify, remove, and prevent bathroom mold. Read on.
Mold and mildew are often why your bathroom might have a persistent musty odor. Mold thrives in damp, humid environments and they feed off leftover hair, soap scum, and even high moisture presence in the air.
Common areas where you’ll often spot bathroom mold include:
- Shower and curtain liners
- Grout and caulk
- Walls and ceilings
- Under sinks and toilets
- Light switches
- Bathroom fresheners
- Bidets
- Crevices, nooks, and crannies
Remember, mold isn’t just unsightly as they do have impacts on people with high sensitivities, allergies, and pre-existing respiratory issues.
They may not pose immediate health hazards but if left unaddressed in the long run, they can be harmful.
Bathroom Mold Can Appear In Various Forms
Bathroom mold can appear in various forms, like black spots (the most common), green/brown patches, pink/orange, or in a powdery white form that’s fuzzy in texture.
Most bathroom mold is completely harmless but the “most dangerous” among these types is black mold or Stachybotrys. It releases mycotoxins that can trigger serious symptoms and increase the likelihood of experiencing headaches and nausea.
However, not all black mold is dangerous or Stachybotrys. Other types can appear in black. So you’ll need to call the professionals to identify which species is invading your bathroom accurately.
Here are, however, possible signs and conditions that favor potentially hazardous bathroom mold:
- Dark and slimy patches
- Heavy musty or earthy odor
- Water damage or leak
- Poor ventilation
- Unexplained respiratory problems, allergies, or headaches
WARNING: If you suspect dangerous mold in the bathroom, do not disturb it, as it can release spores into the air. Call a professional to take a look.
7 Ways To Remove Bathroom Mold Using Readily-Available Materials And Ingredients
Here are 7 ways to remove bathroom mold. Always wear gloves, eye goggles, and facemasks when handling potentially corrosive substances, like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and industrial-strength cleaning solutions.
1. Let Fresh Air In Through Proper Ventilation
The easiest way to prevent or remove bathroom mold is to let the air in. Open bathroom doors and windows wherever possible, especially during, and after a bath or shower.
If you have one, make sure the exhaust fan is running. If you don’t have an exhaust fan, consider investing in a box fan to keep the air circulating and dry out the dampness in the bathroom.
2. Clean With Vinegar For Non-Porous Surfaces
This method is not recommended for in-between tiles or grout, as these are porous surfaces. But, they can still work as a preliminary mold-cleaning technique.
Mix a water-vinegar solution in a spray bottle (equal parts for ingredients and distilled white vinegar are preferred). Spray in generous amounts on the surfaces with mold. Leave the solution to sit for about an hour, then scrub and rinse with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.
3. Clean With Baking Soda
Here are the steps to cleaning mold with a baking soda-water solution:
- Mix a spoonful of baking soda with water in a bowl. Transfer the contents into a spray bottle with a funnel.
- Spray on the affected areas with mold, ensuring every inch is covered.
- Scrub off the mold using a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Rinse with clean, distilled water. Tap water should do fine, but just be mindful of hard water stains.
Another method is through a baking soda paste. Create a baking soda paste by adding a small amount of water to about a spoonful of baking soda (or however much you need to clean the mold).
Apply them onto the moldy areas, gently scrub, and rinse with clean water.
4. Remove Bathroom Mold With A Bleach Solution
For mold that’s stubborn or widespread, you can go with a bleach solution. But make sure to handle it with care, as bleach can be irritating. Wear protective eye goggles and rubber gloves when handling this corrosive cleaning agent.
To clean mold with bleach, mix about a ⅓ cup of bleach with ⅔ cup of warm water. Transfer into a clean spray bottle. Spray onto the mold, then gently scrub with a clean rag or microfiber cloth before rinsing away.
5. Clean With Hydrogen Peroxide
WARNING: Mix small amounts of these ingredients first to avoid potentially harmful chemical reactions. Always wear protective eye goggles and rubber gloves before mixing the cleaning solutions indicated in this guide.
Bleach cleaning alternatives are available if you don’t want cleaning with a highly-corrosive substance. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative.
1. Mix about ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of dish soap (Castile soap is recommended, but dish soap will do).
2. Then, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Pour clean water until you get the desired cleaning consistency.
3. Prepare a cleaning brush then dip it into the solution. Scrub gently onto the moldy areas.
4. Remember, cleaning brushes are preferred, but if you don’t have one ready a microfiber cloth will do.
6. Apply Commercial Mold Removers
Extensive mold in bathrooms is fairly common in old houses where proper ventilation may not necessarily be present. DIY solutions might not cut it, in this case, so you might need to invest in mold removers.
Popular options in the market include Concrobium Mold Control and Mold Armor Mold Blocker. Use these as per the instructions on the bottle or label.
7. Prevent Mold By Cleaning The Bathroom After Each Use
Prevention is 100x better than trying to fix an already-persistent bathroom mold issue. A great tip would be to clean the shower after every use. Heck, clean the bathroom as frequently as needed. Here are further tips:
- Wipe off the moisture using a squeegee to prevent water from pooling and the bathroom from becoming a breeding ground for mold.
- Wipe down any remaining moisture with a clean rag, towel, or microfiber cloth. Focus on countertops, sinks, and common bathroom fixtures
- Avoid hanging wet towels in the bathroom as these could increase humidity levels. Leave them to dry instead in a warm, dry place.
- Hire professionals to inspect the plumbing at least every 6 months. Mold thrives in damp places, so fixing leaky faucets or other plumbing issues as soon as they arise can prevent moisture from building up.
Conclusion On Removing Bathroom Mold
Bathroom mold is a common nuisance, but there are ways to remove it using readily-available cleaning solutions. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, bleach, and proper ventilation are good to start with, but professional mold removing solutions can go a long way.
Remember, consistently cleaning and being proactive on potential mold issues are key to preventing mold growth and ensuring a safe, clean, and hygienic bathroom.
Liked this guide? Check out our article: Bleach Vs Vinegar: Which Is Better At Cleaning?