Mold spores are always present in the air, but they only become a problem when they have a chance to grow and multiply. Mold loves damp, humid conditions, so the bathroom is often the perfect place for it to take hold. If you find mold growing in your shower, don't panic! With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies, you can get rid of it for good.
Mold is a health risk, especially to people with acute ailments, so it's important to clean it up as soon as you spot it. The good news is that mold is relatively easy to clean, as long as you take the necessary precautions. However, if you do not feel up to it, you can contact a professional for help.
When mold spores settle, they reproduce within 24 to 48 hours. Although people think they're the same, mold is not like mildew which forms on surfaces. It can penetrate porous materials and cause green or black stains or dark patches. If you see any of these signs, it's time to break out the cleaning supplies and get to work!
What Kind of Mold Do You Have in Your Bathroom?
There are three classes of molds.
- Allergenic: This causes an allergic reaction. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may have difficulty breathing when exposed to allergenic mold.
- Pathogenic: This kind of mold can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems or acute illnesses.
- Toxigenic: Some types of toxigenic mold produce toxins called mycotoxins that can cause sickness or even death if you're exposed to them. They're harmful to everyone.
The first step in cleaning mold is to identify what kind you have. However, it can be hard to tell since they all look pretty similar. All molds are fungi, but they come in many different colors including black and orange. If you're not sure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and assume it's toxigenic. That is exactly what the CDC recommends. Once you've done that, you can take the appropriate steps to clean it up. You can also have your mold tested by a professional if you're unsure.
10 Simple Steps to Get Rid of Mold in Your Shower
Once you've identified the mold, it's time to start cleaning. Although bleach is often used to clean mold, it's not always the best option. While it can take care of surface mold and mold stains, it can not get rid of mold that has soaked into the material. A mold-specific cleanser will help you eliminate the fungus in shower grout as well as black mold or orange mold in your shower.
If you do not want to use a commercial detergent, you can make a 1:1 solution using water and hydrogen peroxide or water and white vinegar to eliminate mold that has penetrated a surface.
What is required?
- Cleaning cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Paper towel or toilet paper
- Spray bottle
- Cleaner
- Scrub brush
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve an in-depth clean:
- Put on protective clothing including gloves, a mask, and eye protection. You don't want to get mold spores in your eyes or lungs.
- Open the bathroom window or door to ventilate the space.
- Spray the moldy area with the cleaning solution or detergent.
- Leave to soak for about 20 minutes to an hour.
- Place rolled paper towels on tub rims and in all cracks to ensure mold is soaked in cleanser.
- Scrub the area with a soft bristled brush to loosen the mold.
- Rinse the area with clean water.
- Scrub stained areas with bleach.
- Rinse and wipe.
- Spray the area with white vinegar and leave to dry.
The use of white vinegar helps to prevent mold from returning. If you have extensive mold growth, you may need to get professional help. Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. These will only trap the mold and make it harder to remove. Always replace old moldy caulk with mold-resistant options.
Cleaning a Moldy Showerhead
Mold can also grow on showerheads, especially if you have hard water. You'll know this is the case if you see orange or black stains around the rim. If your showerhead is detachable, take it off and soak it in a 1:1 water and vinegar solution overnight. In the morning, your showerhead should be as good as new. If it's not detachable, fill a plastic bag with the vinegar and water solution and attach it to the showerhead with a rubber band. Let it soak overnight. Your showerhead should be mold free in the morning.
How to Prevent Mold in Bathrooms And Showers
The best way to avoid a mold problem is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Open a window or use an exhaust fan whenever you take a shower or bath.
- Wipe down wet surfaces after you're done using them.
- Keep your bathroom clean and apply mold killing products.
- Maintain humidity at 50% or lower.
- Eliminate all sources of moisture like leaky pipes and clogged drains.
- Spray vinegar on shower walls often to avoid mold growth.
- Replace air filters often.
- Do not litter your floor with wet laundry.
Cleaning mold can be a challenge, but it's important to do it regularly to ensure a healthy home. By following these tips, you can prevent mold from growing in your bathroom or shower and keep your home healthy.
Are You Facing a Mold Problem? Contact The Experts!
If you think you may have a mold problem, the best thing to do is call a professional. The team at Titan Plumbing And Electric is experienced in mold removal and can help you get your home back to normal. We'll carry out a mold inspection to help you determine the extent of the problem and find the source. From there, we'll help you develop a plan to get rid of the mold and prevent it from coming back. We're here to help, so please don't hesitate to contact us today at (813) 680-2075!
