How to Remove Mold in your Bathroom

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Bathroom mold is one of the most common problems in any house. However, it is also easy to get rid of mold. Mold occurs mainly because of dampness in a room, especially if they are isolated and dark. The main cause of moisture is lack of ventilation. Mold indicates its presence with its musty smell and isn’t always obvious. It can also become a health hazard if left untreated.

Bathroom mold is hard to find at a first glance. To find out if there is mold in the bathroom, periodic checks of hidden areas, like under the sink, behind shower and bath fixtures, exhaust fans and basements underneath the bathroom should be thoroughly checked. Sometimes, mold that in any other room can also affect the bathroom. Improper ventilation could be the major reason for this uncalled-for guest and this should be prevented. There are a few ways to prevent mold from returning.

·         Use the bathroom ventilation fan while you take a shower. Keep it on for 30 minutes once you are done. Installing an exhaust fan could be a brilliant idea

·         Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier, it sure helps a lot

·         Use mildew resistant shower curtains

·         Ensure that you wash the bathroom rugs often, else these can be your worst nightmare

·         Avoid keeping shampoo or shower gel bottles, toys and loofah in the shower as they provide corners for mildew to grow and hide

Common causes of bathroom mold

The most common cause for bathroom mold is poor ventilation. If moisture lingers for a long time after the bathroom is used for a shower, mold creeps in. Washbasins, bathtubs and leaky pipes add to the increase in mold. Rugs, wallpaper, grout are also places where mold occurs frequently and damage occurs.

What you need? Equipment and supplies

There are several ways to clean mold. Some of the homemade solutions are vinegar, baking soda and bleach.

·         Add plain white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray on the mold without diluting it with water. After an hour’s time, wipe the mold and the air the room dry.

·         Another method is to mix borax with a gallon of water and spray on the moldy areas. Use a brush to clear rub on the mold and wipe with a sponge and let it dry. If concerned about contamination, spry a little vinegar and this can prevent the mold from returning.

·         Clear ammonia can be sprayed on the affected area and thoroughly scoured with a brush can remove mold and spores if any. Leave it for an hour or two as the smell of ammonia is strong and unpleasant. Wipe off after a few hours.

·         Mix a Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar and spray on the area after doing a spot test. If the peroxide works, it will cause the surface to fade.

While cleaning mold it is better to take precautions like wearing old clothes, gloves and a facemask so that the fumes are not inhaled directly.

What you need

Warm water

Bleach, Baking soda, vinegar, Borax

Sponges

Cloths

How to remove mold in shower and tub

Mold in the shower occurs due to the constant running water and steam which washes off soaps and oil scum, creating a food source for mold to catch on. In order to prevent mold from catching on to your shower or bathtub, cleaning is necessary with a good cleaning product regularly. After cleaning, ensure that the shower and the tub dry well and keep of any moisture. Use plastic inserts to prevent further growth of mold. The inserts can be easily cleaned by taking them out periodically. Your sense of cleanliness is a nail in the coffin for mold.

Checkout the resplendent bathroom decor by Pickering, United Kingdom-based Evergreen Trees & Shrubs.

How to remove mold from walls and tiles

Due to the formation of excessive moisture and humidity in the bathroom, it becomes easy for mold to attach to the walls and tiles. One more striking fact, the soap splashed on the walls while you take shower, if left unwashed, allows the growth of mold. However, it can be easily cleaned and cleared away after scrubbing, washing and wiping with a cloth. Bleach is very useful in clearing mold stains. The grout needs a good scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

How to remove mold from bathroom sink

Mold attaches itself to sinks for the same reason as in bathtubs and in showers. Grime and food remains offer nourishment to this enemy, while constantly running water adds to the abundance of moisture. Clean your sinks on alternate days to prevent mold from sneaking into your house unexpectedly.

Preventing mold

There are several ways of preventing mold. 

First of all, it would be better to minimize the storing of a lot of objects in the bathroom. Empty bottles, soaps and other beauty products too can lead to the growth of mold especially because these bottles are frequently used and are kept on wet surfaces. These items can be stored in the bathroom separately on a higher shelf. When cleaning the bathrooms these objects should be removed and cleaned separately. Once a month the bathroom should be cleaned with an anti-fungal solution.

Second, the bathroom must be cleaned regularly and aired. A humidifier or exhaust fan can be used to minimize the recurrence of mold. If an exhaust fan cannot be attached the windows can be opened for a few hours to let the bathroom dry completely. Another solution is to spray vinegar once a month and this will prevent mold from recurring. The vinegar need not be washed away and it can be let to dry on its own.

Drying wet surfaces in the bathroom is the best solution to prevent mold. Reducing moisture and humidity levels in the bathroom will help keep the bathroom dry at all times. Wet clothes should not be hung in the bathroom at any time as your filthy enemy loves moisture and ensures these clothes smell even worse.

You may read Winning the battle against damp walls to know more.

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