Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments. A common problem in bathrooms, mold can cause serious health problems if left unchecked. This is worse in people with low immunity and acute ailments. There are thousands of mold types and they move around in the space around us. When they settle, they are able to reproduce in 24 to 48 hours. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to clean mold in showers.
While mildew stick to surfaces, mold are able to penetrate porous matter. You know you have mold if you see black or green growth on the edges of tiles and caulking. You may also see them as dark spots on your walls. Mold can also cause a musty smell. If you have mold in your shower, it is important to take action immediately to clean it.
Bienvenu Brothers is a full-service plumbing company that has been proudly serving our clients for over 50 years. We’re here to help with all your plumbing needs, including mold removal. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Read on to find tips on how to clean mold in showers.
What Kind of Mold Do You Have in Your Bathroom?
There are three different classifications of mold:
- Pathogenic: These are types of mold that can cause serious health problems in people with weak immune systems and acute diseases.
- Allergenic: These types of mold can cause allergic reactions and asthma-like symptoms in some people.
- Toxigenic: These molds produce toxins that can be harmful to all humans.
It is hard to tell one mold type from another. Black mold in your bathroom can be Aspergillus or Alternaria. These are common household molds. The black mold may also be Stachybotrys which is regarded as the most toxic black mold.
To find out what type of mold you have in your home, you need to have it tested. However, the CDC suggests regarding all mold as dangerous. You should get rid of and clean any mold as fast as possible.
8 Steps to Rid Your Shower of Mold
If you want to eliminate black and orange mold from your shower and mold from your shower grout, use a mold-specific cleanser. Although bleach is sometimes recommended as a way to clean mold, it does not completely eliminate all types of the fungus. It may successfully remove surface mold and mold stains but it doesn’t eliminate mold that has soaked into surfaces.
If you opt not to make use of a commercial detergent, you can make a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water or white vinegar and water to eliminate deep-seated mold.
Here’s what you require:
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning cloth
- Spray bottle
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Cleaner
- Scrub brush with tough bristles
- Toilet paper/paper towel
Follow these steps to carry out a detailed cleaning.
Step 1: Spray the detergent or cleaning solution on the moldy area.
Step 2: Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes to 1 hour so it can break down the mold.
Step 3: Use rolled paper towel on tub rim and cracks so the cleanser soaks on the mold.
Step 4: Use the scrub brush with tough bristles to remove any stubborn mold.
Step 5: Rinse the area with clean water.
Step 6: Scrub all stained places with bleach.
Step 7: Rinse and wipe as necessary until all the mold is gone.
Step 8: Spray the area with white vinegar and leave it to dry.
The eight steps above is a preventive measure to avoid the growth of mold in your shower in the future. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that inhibits the growth of mold and prevents it from returning.
If you have a serious mold problem, it is best to contact a professional remediator. They will have the proper equipment and experience to get rid of all traces of the fungus in your home. You should not handle significant mold growth on your own as it can be harmful to your health.
Bienvenu Brothers offers mold remediation services. We will come to your home and assess the extent of the problem. We will develop a plan to rid your home of all traces of mold and help you prevent it from returning in the future. Contact us today to get started.
You should never caulk or paint over mold in an attempt to hide it. This will only make the problem worse as mold needs moisture to grow. If you find mold in your home, take action right away to clean it and prevent it from returning. Replace old caulk affected by mold with new mold-resistant caulking.
Remove Mold From Shower Head
Over time, mineral deposits settle on your shower head. Sometimes mold can build up on your shower head as well. If you have mold on your shower head, we’ll show you a way to clean the little nozzle holes.
Get a plastic bag and place a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water in it. Place the bag over the shower head so the vinegar can soak into the shower head and loosen any mineral or mold build-up. Tie it with rubber bands. Leave it there to soak overnight. The next morning, take the bag off and you should find your shower head clean and free of mold.
How to Prevent Mold in Showers And Bathrooms
When it comes to mold elimination, prevention is key. The best way to avoid mold in your shower or bathroom is by keeping it clean and dry.
Here are some tips to help you keep your shower and bathroom free of mold:
- Use an exhaust fan or open a window while you shower. This will help ventilate the bathroom and remove any moisture that can lead to mold growth.
- Frequently clean your bathroom with mold-killing products.
- Spray vinegar on shower walls frequently as this will help prevent mold growth.
- Always keep things dry and repair all leaks and all sources of moisture.
- Regularly clean your bathroom, including the shower, sink, toilet, and floors. This will help remove any dirt or grime that can lead to mold growth.
- Retain humidifiers at 50% or lower.
- Replace air filters regularly.
- Keep wet laundry off the floor.
Reach Out To Us For Help With Cleaning Mold In Showers
Bathroom mold is a common problem in bathrooms because of the high humidity levels. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it’s important to take action as soon as you see it. If you have a bathroom mold problem or any other plumbing issues, Bienvenu Brothers can help. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, from mold remediation to leak detection and repair. Contact us today at (504) 835-7783 to schedule a consultation.