Those black spots in your bathroom shower aren’t just unattractive, they might be a sign you have mold – and that could pose a health risk to you and your family. Mold, like mildew, thrives in moist, humid areas. But unlike mildew, mold can grow quickly on porous surfaces.
There are several types of mold that lurk in bathrooms. Allergenic molds are the most common and tend to cause allergic reactions or asthma-like symptoms, especially for people who have respiratory issues. Pathogenic and toxigenic molds are much less common and cause more serious health problems.
Since it can be extremely difficult to know which type of mold might be growing in your bathroom, we (along with the CDC) recommend removing all mold as soon as you see it. Luckily, with the steps below, it’s easy to rid your bathroom of mold (and mildew, too), and keep it at bay, so your home is healthy.
Below is a safe, quick, and inexpensive way to eliminate mold from your bathroom shower, tub, and anywhere else it’s growing. In fact, you may already have everything you need in your cabinets and cupboards to start cleaning.
How to rid your bathroom shower mold
It’s perfectly fine to use cleaning products specifically designed to treat mold. In fact, there are plenty of excellent mold removers and cleansers available at your local home improvement store. Here’s something important to remember: Bleach, while excellent at removing stains caused by mold, cannot kill mold. So, most bathroom cleaners with bleach won’t do the trick.
Here’s a tried-and-true cleaner that is a safe, inexpensive, and very effective mold remover for your shower and bath.
What you’ll need
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottle
- Scrub brush*
- Paper towels
- White vinegar
- Bleach cleaning solution
- Bathroom cleaner
Directions
First mix one-part vinegar to two-parts water in a spray bottle.
Next, clean the shower, bathtub, walls and other areas where you see mold growth with your chosen bathroom cleaner. Let the product sit on the area for at least 30 minutes.
Scrub the areas with mold vigorously with the brush, making sure to get all black spots. *Remember to avoid using a steel brush, as this can damage the surface of your bathtub and shower area.
Now, rinse the areas and wipe down with paper towels. Let dry. If you still see black areas after this step, go ahead and scrub the area again with a bleach cleaning solution.
Lastly, spray with white vinegar and let dry. The vinegar will act as a preventive tool so that mold has a difficult time growing back.
We recommend following this cleaning regimen once every month to keep the mold away. However, if you see mold growing again, it’s time to call or contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter.
Mold and mildew in your bathroom isn’t just smelly and unsightly, it can also lead to health issues if not treated. Luckily, mold and mildew growth is also easy to control and eliminate.
One of the best ways to tackle mold and mildew growth in your home is to not let it happen in the first place. But sometimes that’s easier said than done – especially in the humid summer months.
Here are eight ways to keep mold and mildew at bay.
Avoid leaks. One of the top causes of mold in the bathroom are from leaks from faucets or showerheads. Even a small leak can lead to mildew and mold growth. As soon as you detect a leak, locate the source and get it repaired. While you may be able handle a small leak repair on your own, it’s best to contact a plumber if the leak is major.
Use proper ventilation. Your bathroom should be equipped with a fan or ventilation system to reduce moisture caused from steam and heat. Always use your bathroom’s fan after bathing or showering and keep it turned on until all the humidity and any dampness is gone. If you’re concerned you don’t have adequate ventilation in your bathroom, it’s time to get a professional opinion.
Do a grout check. Look regularly at the grout surrounding your bathtub and shower, sinks and toilets. It’s a good idea to check the grout around tilework as well. Grout should completely seal spaces. If it doesn’t and there are open spots or holes, use grout sealer to fill in those places. This will keep bacteria and mold from growing.
Replace old shower liners. Shower liners are one of the most common sources for mold and mildew, however, liners are inexpensive enough that you could ideally replace them every few months. An alternative is to wash them thoroughly every week.
It’s also a good idea to wash shower curtains, rugs and linens on a regular basis as well. Or, purchase a mildew and mold resistant shower curtain and liner.
Wipe down the shower. Have a sponge on hand, as well as some shower and bathtub cleaner, when you shower, so that afterwards, you can quickly spray and wipe down the tile and grout. You can keep the spray bottle in the shower, stored with your other bath and shower products.
Do a major bathroom clean regularly. While wiping your bathtub and shower often can help with day-to-day mold management, make sure to schedule time to thoroughly clean your bathroom at least once a week. Use a heavy-duty cleaning solution for the shower and bathtub, and take this time to inspect the bathroom for mold, and for leaks as well.
Control the humidity. To reduce mold and mildew, homes should remain below 50% humidity at all times. Invest in a dehumidifier if needed.
Store away soaps and shampoos. Mold and mildew can hide on bottles of shampoos, soap containers, toys, and almost anything else that stays in the shower or the bathtub. Make sure to wash and dry all bottles after showering, or better yet, keep them stored in a dry area within easy access when you’re showering. Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.