Eliminating Mold in the Bathroom, as Recommended by Professionals
Bathroom mold can be a pesky sight, making your space look untidy and potentially causing health issues for those with respiratory problems or allergies. With the ability to sneakily spread behind walls, under flooring, and above the ceiling, a little mold patch can lead to structural damage and pricey repairs. So, it's essential to get rid of this grower to halt its advance and long-term harm.
As Hector Stewart, CEO of Baltimore HCS Home Cleaning Services, explains, "Mold won't just chill in your bathroom; it can slither to other areas of the house and begin tearing up a new habitat there." That's why taking care of mold in your bathroom is a worthwhile fight.
When eliminating mold in your bathroom (or home in general), always prioritize safety. Keep protective gear on hand and don't shy away from bringing in the pros if needed. As Stewart puts it, "Preserving your home's beautiful materials and finishes is worth the effort."
Here's some expert advice on how to keep mold at bay and remedy it when it occurs.
When to Summon the Professionals
After assessing the extent of your mold problem, mold removal may call for the assistance of experts. According to Robert Weitz of RTK Environmental Group, if the mold-infested area measure over 10 square feet, professional mold remediation is recommended by the EPA. The only way to truly understand the gravity of your mold issue is to schedule a professional mold test.
"If the mold is embedded in sheetrock, it's impossible to blast it away with bleach," Weitz explains. In such cases, the infected areas must be cut out and replaced by the pros. Professionals can safely handle large-scale mold, contain mold spores during removal, and treat the area using industrial-strength fungicides.
Don't hesitate to request help when you're hit by persistent musty odors or allergy symptoms. Dealing with mold is crucial for both your home's health and your own.
Safety First When Taking on Mold
Be efficient and thorough when taking down mold. "For a proper cleanup, all contamination must go, including the colony, roots, dead mold particles, mycotoxins, and bacteria," says Michael Rubino, a council-certified mold remediator. "Any remaining roots could keep growing, which is why you have to treat mold like a weed."
Before embarking on your mold-hunting mission, pay attention to safety considerations. Slip on rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and an N-95 mask. Fan things up and open windows to ensure ample ventilation, and take breaks frequently to dodge fumes. Never combine bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, as the fusion could whip up potentially toxic fumes.
Strategy for Slaying Mold on Bathroom Surfaces and Fixtures
Stewart relies on bleach for zapping mold on non-porous surfaces such as tile, porcelain, and glass. However, additional supplies and more natural cleaners can also be helpful for lasting success. Follow these guidelines to wield your arsenal effectively.
Materials on Deck:
- Bleach
- HEPA vacuum cleaner
- Nylon bristle brush (or old toothbrush)
- Portable fan
- Rubber gloves
- N-95 mask or respirator
- Safety goggles
- Sponges, rags, or microfiber cloths
- Cotton balls or paper towels
- Bucket or spray bottle
Safety First:
Always test solutions on a small area to make sure they won't offend the underlying surface. For tough infestations, you might need to repeat treatments or try a combination, such as using vinegar before scrubbing with baking soda.
Step 1: Wet and Vac the Moldy Area
Get your HEPA vacuum cleaner in on the action, sweeping the affected area to keep mold spores from shooting into the air.
Step 2: Spread the Bleach
Mix bleach and warm water in a 1:10 ratio and pour the solution into your spray bottle or bucket. Apply the solution to moldy areas with a sponge, cloth, or brush, ensuring it completely covers the mold.
Step 3: Take a Break
Let the bleach solution settle on the surface for 5-10 minutes. This giver the bleach a chance to squash those mold spores.
Step 4: Scrub, Rinse, and Dry
Dust off the mold colonies using a nylon bristle brush or old toothbrush. Rinse the treated surface with clean water to ditch the bleach and the dislodged mold. Dry the area completely to prevent moldy reprisals.
Alternative Cleaners:
If you'd rather skip the bleach, alternatives include:
- Vinegar: Its mild acidity can kill 80% of mold species. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and give the moldy area a spritzing. Allow it to sit for about an hour, then scrub, rinse, and dry.
- Baking Soda: Mix this anti-fungal mild abrasive with water to make a paste. Apply the paste on caulk or grout, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Dust the area with a brush, rinse with warm water, and wipe dry.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This milder substitute to bleach kills mold spores with its anti-fungal and antiviral properties. Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, saturate the moldy area, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub, rinse, and dry. Note that hydrogen peroxide could have a mild bleaching effect, so use it cautiously with fabrics or items susceptible to discoloration.
- Tea Tree Oil: This potent essential oil boasts powerful anti-fungal properties and can tackle stubborn mold. Mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil per one cup of water in a spray bottle and shake well. Leave the solution on the moldy area for an hour, and wipe dry without rinsing. The tea tree oil will continue to stifle mold growth, with a pleasant aroma as a bonus.
Repeat the process using your preferred cleaning agent multiple times for optimal mold obliteration.
When Mold Insists on Hanging Around
Be on alert for mold that refuses to quitch. If you suspect deep-seated mold contamination or an underlying issue, additional remediation might be necessary or it may be time to consult a professional or replace the affected material.
Don't give mold a fighting chance in your bathroom. Keep on top of its development, and your bathroom will remain a clean and health haven.
- Hector Stewart, CEO of Baltimore HCS Home Cleaning Services, suggests, "For a proper cleanup, all contamination must go, including the colony, roots, dead mold particles, mycotoxins, and bacteria."
- "If the mold-infested area measure over 10 square feet, professional mold remediation is recommended by the EPA according to Robert Weitz of RTK Environmental Group," states Weitz.
- Martha Stewart, as quoted by The Washington Post, advises, "In bathrooms, clean and organize regularly to prevent mold from growing."
- To simplify bathroom cleaning and organization, consider these tips from Martha Stewart: "Keep cabinets and drawers neatly organized with storage solutions; wiping down surfaces regularly is essential for mold prevention; utilize a squeegee after showering to reduce moisture and prevent mold spotting."
