Bathroom Mold Removal Tips
Mold outbreaks can trigger allergies, asthma and even pulmonary infections in some people. It’s important to act quickly when discovering a mold outbreak.
Whether the outbreak is in the form of a single spot or an entire surface area, you may be able to handle it at home with household products.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to remove mold and mildew from surfaces throughout your home. Apply a small amount to the affected area, wait for it to bubble and scrub until it is completely removed. You can also mix equal parts water and baking soda into a paste and apply to surfaces for a similar effect.
This cleaning solution will not produce the harmful fumes that bleach can, so it is safer to use around children and pets. However, prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide fumes can still irritate your eyes, skin and lungs.
Although it is an effective surface cleaner, hydrogen peroxide will not kill the mycotoxins that some mould varieties contain. This means that it will only remove what is visible and may require further treatment or replacement of the surface material.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is an inexpensive option for killing mold and mildew. Distilled white vinegar is high in acetic acid and can kill mold spores quickly. Vinegar can also be used to scrub hard-to-reach stains and corners of your bathroom. Just make sure to wear rubber gloves, a mask and goggles to avoid any skin irritation or breathing problems from prolonged exposure to the fumes.
Vinegar should be applied to the moldy areas and allowed to soak for about 15 minutes before scrubbing. You may need to reapply the solution and scrub again if stubborn stains remain. The acidic properties of vinegar can cause damage to certain surfaces, so it should not be used on natural stone, waxed wood or cast iron.
If your mold problem is too large to handle yourself, it’s always a good idea to call in a professional. The Cinch Home Services team can protect your bathroom systems with a home warranty plan and provide maintenance for any issues that arise.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild, natural cleaner that can be mixed with water to make a paste that kills mold and other fungi. It is a better option than bleach for those who are sensitive to chemicals and it works well on non-porous surfaces like tile. It can also be used as a replacement for white vinegar on porous materials, such as drywall and subflooring.
HomeSteady notes that baking soda works on mold by exposing it to an alkaline environment that the spores cannot survive in. It also dries out the surface and prevents future growth by absorbing moisture.
Zumper adds that this method is safe for pets and people, and it contains no harmful chemicals. It is inexpensive and odorless, and can be left on the surface overnight. Tea tree oil is another natural antifungal that can be added to the mixture. It is a little more expensive than the other solutions but has a more pleasant smell.
Bleach
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can be used to remove mold from porous surfaces like grout. Use a 1:10 bleach to water solution and scrub with a toothbrush or scrub brush. Be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when working with bleach.
While bleach is effective at killing mold spores, it can also be harmful to your skin and lungs. Bleach should be used only when needed, and always diluted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bleach can discolor the surface of walls, so if you need to clean your bathroom walls, you should use a stain-blocking paint afterwards. A borax solution can also be used to remove mold from walls. Mix 1 cup of borax with one gallon of water, and pour into a spray bottle for small applications. You can also saturate a rag or sponge with this solution and wipe the affected areas. Be sure to scrub the area well to make sure all traces of mold are removed.
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