Mold growth is not only ugly, but it can also be dangerous to the health of many people and cause structural damage. Getting rid of mold isn’t the only thing you can do. There are also ways to make sure it doesn’t return.
Mold may not be welcome in a home, but it is an important part of nature because molds help break down organic matter. Some of the leaves, grass, and food scraps that are put in the compost pile because of mold. Mold spores are everywhere, and you may be breathing in some right now. It’s still important to keep mold from growing unchecked in places like the bathroom, where there is a lot of moisture.
Mold Growth Problems
When mold spores land on a wet surface, they start to feed on the surface and grow. If you have mold in your bathroom, the most well-known is black mold. There are many different kinds of mold that can grow in your bathroom (Stachybotrys chartarum). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that there is no link between black mold and pulmonary disease in infants. Black mold was once thought to cause lung problems in babies.
Mold, on the other hand, can hurt some people, especially the very young and the very old. In addition, people who have weak immune systems are more likely to get mold-related illnesses. To some people, certain types of mold make them sneeze or cough.
Some people who get mold spores in their eyes or on their skin have symptoms that look like allergies, like watery eyes, a running nose, and itchy eyes. People who are sensitive to mold can also get skin rashes. When things get bad, people might not be able to breathe, or mold might make their asthma worse. When someone comes into contact with mold, they may start to get sick right away, or they may not get sick until later.
Preventing Mold Growth in the Bathroom
Because mold spores are always around, you can’t get rid of all of it with typical household cleaners, but you can clean it up a lot. However, you can get rid of the moisture that mold needs to grow. When there’s still water, you need to fix all leaky faucets and pipes. Mold also likes to hide in places that aren’t obvious at first, like the base of a shower wall or where the tub meets the tile wall.
Mold can grow if the room isn’t kept as dry as possible. When you have a bathroom exhaust fan that vents outside, you can get rid of moist air and help dry the room. The Home Ventilating Institute gives advice on how to choose bath fans. After taking a shower, run the exhaust fan for about 30 minutes. This will help the fan do its job the best. Shower doors and walls, as well as the shelves in the shower, can be cleaned with a squeegee after each use.
For tile, apply grout sealer to the grout in the room every year. Many products come with applicator tips that let you roll the sealer over the grout and make it look better. Replace moldy caulk with silicone caulk that is mold- and mildew-proof. When it’s time to paint the bathroom, use a paint that is mold-proof. People who deal with mold that is bigger than 10 square feet should call in a professional. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification can give you a list of cleaning and restoration contractors in your area. If mold has spread to places you can’t see, like the back of wallpaper or inside a wall, you might need a professional to help you. Most mold problems that arise in homes can be fixed by the person who owns them.
It’s very easy for things to get into the walls and ceiling tiles. If there is a lot of mold damage, you won’t be able to clean it properly, so it’s best to get rid of and replace everything. Don’t try to hide mold on the walls with a new coat of paint. A: It won’t. The paint won’t stick well, and soon the spots will show through the paint again.
How to Clean Mold
Step 1: Wear the Right Clothing
Wear a respirator, long rubber gloves, and goggles. The gloves that go up to your elbow are the best. Make sure the space is well-ventilated before you do anything else in the room.
Step 2: Clean Walls and Ceilings
Mix 1 cup of detergent with 1 gallon of water. This is how you will clean your clothes. Use a detergent that doesn’t have ammonia in it. Pour it into the bottle. Spray the surface, let it dry for about 10 minutes, and then wipe it clean. Use a brush or cloth to clean the area. Rinse and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Clean Tile Grout
Mix about 1 1/4 cups of bleach with 1 gallon of water and then stir. Spray the mold with it. Afterwards, use a brush to scrub the grout (even an old toothbrush works). Rinse it off and let it dry.
Bleach and ammonia should never be mixed because the fumes they make can be dangerous. A commercial grout cleaner can be used as well.
