DIY Guide: How to Get Rid of Black Mold in the Bathroom?

Black mold is mostly found in the bathroom due to poor air circulation and excess moisture. It can grow on almost every surface, like bathroom tile grout, walls, wallpaper, ceiling, and around drains. It can cause various potential health risks, such as allergic reactions and severe respiratory issues.

Although toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) hasn't been proven to be more dangerous than common household molds, it's essential to eliminate them from your bathroom. The reason is that it could be an indication of a bigger problem. Now, the question that many homeowners ask themselves is- how to get rid of black mold in the bathroom. In this blog, we have discussed signs of black mold, safety procedures, and products to remove black mold.

Signs to Identify Mold Inside Your Bathroom

Here are some signs that indicate the presence of black mold in the bathroom:

Increased humidity level - Black mold's growth increases with higher humidity levels.

Musty smell - One of the common signs is the musty smell, which often indicates the presence of black mold.

Water damage or leaks - Black mold tends to thrive in areas exposed to water, particularly if those areas are not dried properly or are difficult to access for proper drying.

Water stains - The appearance of water stains on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces is most likely the result of black mold growth.

Respiratory and allergic issues - When people with respiratory issues such as asthma or allergic conditions are exposed to black mold, they may show grave symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.

Tip - Contact professionals if you encounter these signs and notice hidden mold growth for proper detection and safe removal.

Safety Considerations Before Starting to Remove Black Mold

Here are some safety precautions to take while removing black mold from the bathroom.

• Ensure to wear a mask, rubber gloves and eye protection to prevent allergic issues or triggering respiratory symptoms.

• Open doors and windows or turn on venting fans to improve ventilation while getting rid of mold.

• Refrain from inhaling dangerous fumes while using bleach to remove mold.

• If one type of cleaner doesn't work for your bathroom, rinse the affected area with water before trying a different cleaner.

Pro Tip - Ensure to avoid mixing bleach with other products that contain ammonia, vinegar or any acid.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold in the Bathroom?

Here are supplies and a step-by-step guide to removing black mold from different surfaces in the bathroom.

Supplies Required:-

• White vinegar / Household detergent

• A stiff brush

• Rod

• A cup

• Bleach or baking soda

• A gallon of hot water

• Non-abrasive brush/sponge

• Warm water

• Clean towel / Blow Dryer

• Soft cloth

Additional Materials

• Rubber Gloves (for safety measures)

• Safety goggles

• Safety Masks

Steps to Get Rid of Black Mold in the Bathroom

Here is the step-by-step guide to clean the black mold growth from the bathroom:

Tiles and Grout

Step #1: Wash and scrub the tiles and grout.

Step #2: Use either diluted household detergent with water or white vinegar to kill mold spores and decelerate potential regrowth.

Step #3: Clean the affected areas with the solution using a stiff brush.

Shower curtains

Step #1: Take off the shower curtain from the rod.

Step #2: Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach or baking soda with a gallon of hot water in a bathtub or a large basin. Once the solution is prepared, soak the shower curtain in it. Let it soak for an hour to loosen and kill the mold.

Step #3: Afterwards, use a brush to scrub the curtain, particularly in areas with visible mold.

Step #4: Rinse the curtain and hang it to dry completely. This helps in preventing the mold from reappearing due to residual moisture.

Step #5: Replace the shower curtain if the mold is persistent and recurrent. This is because consistent exposure to black mold can be dangerous.

Bathroom Walls

Step #1: Prepare a solution in a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. This is an effective proportion for removing mold.

Step #2: Use this solution to apply on moldy areas with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Ensure each moldy patch is well-soaked in the solution.

Step #3: Give the solution 15 minutes to rest. This will allow the moldy areas to absorb it properly, which will kill the mold at its roots.

Step #4: Thereafter, use warm water to rinse the area. Importantly, dry it fully with a clean towel or a blow dryer.

Sinks and Faucets

Step #1: Prepare a solution by mixing one portion of bleach or white vinegar with three portions of warm water. This solution helps in killing the mold and preventing its growth.

Step #2: Use a non-abrasive brush or soft cloth to apply this solution to moldy areas. For instance, scrub under the faucet and around the skin drain, as there could be hidden mold under the faucet.

Step #3: Let the solution rest for 15 minutes to loosen the mold structures. This will break down and kill the mold spores.

Step #4: Thereafter, rinse the sink and faucet with warm water to clean the remnants of the solution and the dead mold.

Step #5: Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry the sink and faucet.

Step #6: Think about replacing the faucet or sink sealant if the mold doesn't disappear completely.

Some Best Cleaning Products to Remove Black Mold

Here are some products that help in removing black mold in the bathroom:

Bleach

Bleach is a cleaning product used for removing mold in a bathroom. However, ensure to use it only in a proper ventilated area. It is important to keep the window open, or the exhaust fan turned on when working with bleach. It is advisable to use a ratio of 1:10 of bleach and water respectively. This proportion is efficient enough to remove mold from nonporous surfaces, such as sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers.

White Vinegar

White vinegar can also be a great choice to remove mold from the bathroom. Though it can be directly used on the shower head, toilet, or drain, it is advisable to dilute it to clean tile floors. Spray vinegar directly on the moldy area and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, wipe it with a sponge or a rag. If there's stubborn mold in the bathroom that won't disappear with wiping, use a bristle brush to scrub it off.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be the most effective mold killer when it's mixed with vinegar. Mix two portions of baking soda and one portion of white vinegar with one portion of water to make the paste.

However, the quantity of cleaning products depends on the size of the moldy area. Ensure to spread the thick paste on the moldy area and let it dry. After the paste has dried, scrub it thoroughly, wearing gloves. Repeat the procedure until the mold is completely removed.

When to Contact a Mold Professional?

Although DIY methods can be effective for removing mold from minor areas, it's best to contact a mold professional in any case:

• The mold area is widespread in more than 10 square feet.

• There is a presence of stubborn moldy odor that doesn't leave even after thorough cleaning.

• The bathroom has been flooded.

• The mold is recurrent even after repeated cycles of cleaning.

A professional or expert has the specialization to find hidden molds, identify the stubbornness of it and provide a comprehensive remediation plan to remove it from the roots.

Conclusion

Bathrooms could be a breeding ground for mold, particularly when you don't control the moisture effectively. Thus, ensure to keep the bathroom well-ventilated and dry for a mold free bathroom. Don't panic about seeing black mold in the bathroom because there are preventive measures to get rid of the mold. Use the right product and steps to remove it. Moreover, keep in mind to maintain your own safety.