How to Clean Mold on Bathroom Walls

Mold can rot the surfaces it grows on, and certain strains, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold, can cause health problems. If you have a black-colored mold problem, it’s best to call in a professional for help.

If you have a smaller amount of mold, however, there are several ways you can remove it yourself. For example, distilled white vinegar can be used as a mold cleaner and is inexpensive.

1. Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective, inexpensive household cleaner that is particularly suited to cleaning walls. Its acidic nature kills most mold species, and unlike bleach, it does not release dangerous fumes.

Pour undiluted white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle, and spray the moldy areas directly, completely saturating them. Allow it to sit for an hour, then wipe the surfaces clean. Repeat the treatment as needed until the area is free of mold growth and has dried completely.

Note that vinegar is not effective against the more resistant, invasive varieties of mold. It can be mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil (derived from the Australian plant Melaleuca Alternifolia) to help it penetrate and kill more spores.

This mixture can also be used to scrub surface mold off non-porous materials, such as drywall or painted surfaces. However, it is not suitable for removing the more stubborn forms of mold that grow behind drywall and in insulation.

2. Bleach

In a short amount of time, bleach can wipe away black mold stains from non-porous surfaces, such as painted walls. However, bleach can not penetrate the porous materials such as drywall to reach and kill the mold hyphae underneath the surface. As a result, black mould will continue to regrow as long as the hyphae survive.

Bleach is a harsh, corrosive chemical that can damage the surfaces it comes into contact with and can produce dangerous fumes when mixed with ammonia. There are safer alternatives such as borax and vinegar that can effectively clean the same surfaces without causing damage or producing toxic fumes.

The best way to prevent mold from growing in your bathroom is to remove the source of moisture, such as a leak or high humidity. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth or towel after each use and keep an exhaust fan running to eliminate any lingering moisture in the air.

3. Borax

Sodium borate, commonly known as Borax, is an effective cleaner for mold on surfaces. Like chlorine bleach, it kills the spores of many mold types, though it is more caustic and may cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation. Mix Borax with water in a spray bottle and apply it generously to the mold growth on walls and other surfaces. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush and rinsing well.

Alternatively, pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it onto the areas of the wall with mold growth. It will fizz and begin to remove the mold spores from the surface of the wall.

Oxygen bleach cleans the mold from the inside of the drywall, but it is not a good choice for wood, because it will damage or dissolve the material. It also works more slowly than vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Wear a dust mask and protective clothing when using any of these solutions, especially on the ceiling.

4. Baking soda

Baking soda is effective at killing mold and absorbing mildew smells. It’s also safe to use and readily available. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with water until it forms a paste and apply to the surface. Scrub as needed and rinse when dry. If the mold appears to be growing on drywall or wood, it will have to be removed and replaced, which is a job best left to a professional.

Like vinegar, baking soda will kill mold on hard non-porous surfaces. But it won’t be as effective on wood or drywall. Borax is a good alternative because it has an alkaline pH level higher than what mold is able to tolerate, creating an unfavorable environment and killing the mold. Ammonia is a harsh chemical that will kill mold on porous surfaces but it can be irritating to skin and lung if inhaled. It is also caustic, burning on contact and produces unpleasant fumes.



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