Mold and mildew are not only unsightly, but they can also be dangerous to your health. If you’ve noticed bathroom mold, then there’s a good chance that the humidity levels are too high. Read more to learn what causes high bathroom humidity levels and how to eliminate bathroom mold and mildew.
What Is Mold & Why Is It Dangerous?
Mold is a type of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. It’s often found in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Mold can also be found on food, like bread and fruits.
Mold needs three things to grow: oxygen, warmth, and moisture. When these three things are present, mold can grow on just about any surface, including wood, paper, carpet, and food.
You must know how dangerous mold is. Mold can cause various health problems, including sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be susceptible to mold. If you have mold growth in your home, cleaning it up as soon as possible is essential to prevent health problems.
How to Tell if You Have Bathroom Mold
A few telltale signs can indicate that you have mold in your bathroom. Mold can cause severe respiratory problems, so it’s important to nip it in the bud as soon as possible. Mold detection is as follows:
- The first step is to check for visible mold growth. It can be tricky in a bathroom as mold likes to grow in dark, damp places. Take a close look underneath the sink, in the corners of the room, and any other dark or humid areas. If you see any green, black, or brown growth, that’s a strong indication that you have mold.
- Another sign of mold is its distinguishable odor. If your bathroom has a persistent musty scent, then it’s likely coming from mold.
- If you see or smell mold, the next step is to identify the moisture source causing it. Oftentimes, this is a water leak. Check under the sink and in the shower for any signs of water damage. The presence of discoloration, warping, or other damage can indicate a leak. Read our blog on the 9 common household leaks to look out for.
- Once you’ve identified the source of the moisture, the next step is to fix it. The sooner, the better. If the source of the moisture is something like a humidifier, you’ll need to ensure it’s properly maintained.
How to Get Rid of Mold In the Bathroom
If you’ve noticed mold growing on your bathroom walls or ceilings, it’s essential to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are various ways to eliminate mold, depending on what cleaning products you use.
Using Bleach
Cleaning a moldy bathroom can be tricky, but chlorine bleach is an excellent solution for mold on tiled walls. Moldy grout can be sprayed directly with a cleaner as long as it doesn’t have colored grout. Let the cleaner containing bleach sit for at least 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse with warm water afterward.
Vinegar & Baking Soda
Give the moldy area a 30-minute soak in vinegar, then scrub with a brush. Spray again and let sit for an additional 30 minutes. Finally, rinse with warm water.
Mix a cleaning paste with baking soda and water to make things more accessible. Spread it over the moldy grout, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub away with a brush. Rinse with water, and you’re done.
Vinegar & Borax
If you’ve got mold on your painted or wallpapered walls, don’t worry – it’s easy to get rid of with a natural solution of Borax, white vinegar, and hot water. Just combine the ingredients in a bowl, pour into a spray bottle, and liberally apply to the affected areas. Scrub thoroughly and wipe clean, then spray again and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping dry. Your walls will be good as new in no time.
4 Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Clean of Mold & Mildew
Your bathroom has one of the highest humidity levels in your home, which makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold. Preventing mold from growing in your bathroom is possible by taking a few simple steps.
Mold loves dirt and grime, so clean your bathroom regularly. Wipe down surfaces, scrub the tub and shower, and mop the floor. Here’s an additional 4four ways to prevent future mold growth in your home.
1. Use Fans
When bathing or showering, ventilate the bathroom with a fan to get rid of mold in the shower.
2. Fix Leaks
Leaky pipes and fixtures commonly cause mold growth, so fix any leaks as soon as possible. Read our blog on how to fix a leaky pipe.
3. Keep Humidity In Check
Keeping the air in your bathroom dry and preventing mold in the bathroom is as easy as using a dehumidifier.
4. Use Mold-Resistant Products
When remodeling or updating your bathroom, choose mold-resistant materials like tile, grout, and caulk.
Eliminate Mold & Mildew with CJ Plumbing & Heating
You must take immediate action when dealing with bathroom mold and mildew. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it’s essential to call a professional like CJ Plumbing & Heating to remove it safely. We have the experience and training to get the job done right, so you can rest assured that your bathroom will be mold-free in no time.
At CJ Plumbing & Heating, we pride ourselves for being a family-owned and operated plumbing company with over 30 years of experience throughout Chicagoland – Deerfield, Evanston, Lake Forest, Mundelein, Riverwoods, Skokie, Wilmette, and much more.
We are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and COVID-19 compliant. Our customers are also informed of every step throughout the plumbing process and receive documented procedure reports when the job is finished.
Call 847-491-9828 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a service appointment.
