Stay Dry Moisture in the air can encourage mold growth, which is why bathrooms are often prime real estate for the stuff. Do your best to keep your bathroom well-ventilated by running an exhaust fan during and for several minutes after each shower or bath, and leave the bathroom door open whenever you can.
The most common causes of bathroom mould are lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation, leaky toilets, sinks, and plumbing pipes, as well as damp cellulose materials. The high moisture content and heat in the bathroom environment can increase humidity.
Keep your bathroom well ventilated
Leave the door and any windows open as much as possible, especially after a bath or shower. Fit a ventilation fan to an outside wall or ceiling and make sure it's switched on whenever the bathroom is in use. Air conditioning or a dehumidifier can be used to keep humidity low.
If you have not already done so, ventilate the room immediately until the hygrometer shows an acceptable level. The perfect temperature for the bathroom is around 23 degrees. Ideally, you should always leave the heating on in the bathroom. A grout-free bathroom is a particularly effective way of preventing mould.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Solution: Bleach
Best For: killing mold on the surface of nonporous surfaces like tiles and sinks. One part bleach to two parts water added to a spray bottle. Spritz the hard surface areas with this solution and let dry. The mold should disappear within minutes.
In a 1/2 gallon power sprayer (see picture) pour in 1/2 cup of clorox, fill with water to the 1/2 gallon mark. Every Saturday morning, pump up the sprayer, put on your safety glasses, and start on the floor and work up around the walls leaving the top for last. Spray the door hinge area. Let drip dry.
If you're already dealing with grout stains and shower mold, or if you're planning a bathroom remodel to prevent those problems, acrylic shower walls that look like tile are the ideal solution. Unlike traditional tile and grout, water can't penetrate acrylic shower walls, helping to fully waterproof your bathing space.
Clean the toilet regularly and thoroughly, paying special attention to areas where mold is likely to grow. Check for and repair any leaks or cracks in the toilet or plumbing as soon as possible. Use a dehumidifier in the bathroom to reduce humidity levels. Keep the toilet bowl and tank as dry as possible.
Keeping your shower doors closed at all hours of the day locks in moist air and can lead to mold. After you shower, the interior space is at its wettest point. Try to keep the doors open for a half hour or so until the steam clears. If you have a fan in your bathroom, make sure to turn it on and let the air circulate.
Antimicrobial sprays like Microban can stop mold and mildew in their tracks, while also inhibiting the growth of other harmful bacteria. Concrobium Mold Control is another effective option, as its non-toxic formula can be sprayed directly onto walls, flooring, and other surfaces to prevent mold from taking hold.
Equipment Used in Mold Remediation
Air scrubbers play a crucial role and filter out mold spores from the air, ensuring a cleaner environment. HEPA vacuums are also vital, adeptly removing mold particles from surfaces. To detect hidden mold, we use moisture meters, pinpointing damp areas prone to mold growth.
Preventing Mold Growth with Vinegar
Store a spray bottle of vinegar in the bathroom and mist it over the shower stall after taking a shower, or add vinegar to your mopping solution to prevent mold growth on the floor.
You can also use Lysol® Disinfectant Spray to control and prevent the spread of mold and mildew, as well as its nasty odor. Simply pre-clean the surface, hold can 6” to 8” inches from surface and spray for 3 to 4 seconds until covered with mist. Let it stand for 3 minutes before allowing to air dry.
The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.
Vinegar typically performs best on mold when it is used undiluted in full strength. Simply transfer the white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar directly onto the mold. Do not rinse or scrub.
Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.
The best way to remove mould from bathroom ceilings is to use a simple solution of warm water with detergent or a homemade cleaning solution of diluted bleach or white vinegar. Before you start cleaning the area, be sure to wear a protective mask and gloves so that you don't touch or inhale the mould spores.