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Mold continues to be prevalent in bathrooms today and is usually found in the shower. Not only is mold unappealing to look at, but it can also be a health hazard. Mold is a form of fungus that thrives in moist, humid environments which is why your bathroom is the perfect home for it. While not always the case, mold can be found in older homes and buildings that weren’t designed for ventilation. We’ll talk about everything you need to know about how to get rid of mold in shower areas of your home and prevent it from happening in the first place!
Identifying Mold in a Shower
Aside from leaving nasty stains and a musty odor, mold can cause allergies, and respiratory issues, as well as irritate your skin. For those with a compromised immune system or asthma, the risk is even greater. To protect your home and health, you need to know what to look for before learning how to get rid of mold in shower areas.
To identify mold in your shower:
- Search usual breeding grounds like tile corners, edges, behind the showerhead or faucets, and under the shower curtain or door. These areas are frequently exposed to moisture and are the most vulnerable.
- Keep an eye out for discoloration. One of the most popular types of mold discovered in bathrooms is black mold, also known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, which is usually different shades of black or green.
- Smell something musty? Could be mold that you can’t see just yet.
- Flaking or peeling paint and wallpaper that’s not in tip-top shape could indicate mold growth.
Identifying mold at the source is the first step and can do wonders for your bathroom space and health. If you are unsure if mold is thriving in your space, reach out to a professional to take a look and deal with the mold as needed.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Shower Areas
If you’ve figured out that there’s mold, here’s how to get rid of mold in shower areas. While there are different chemical products on the market, we also outline how to make your own mold and mildew remover. Whichever method you use to take care of your mold problem, wear the safety equipment and follow product instructions. Also, make sure that your workspace is well-ventilated and that you look at every nook and cranny in your shower. If you can’t get rid of mold completely, damage materials, or need to replace certain parts of your shower area, think about investing in professional cleaning services.
Removing Mold in Showers
Here are different solutions to how to get rid of mold in shower areas. Whichever you choose, wear safety goggles, gloves, and a mask, and make sure that the bathroom is well-ventilated.
Baking Soda and Water Paste:
- Make a paste with baking soda and water.
- Apply it to the shower surface that is mold-infested.
- Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to clean the area.
- Rinse the area with water to get rid of the paste.
- For stubborn mold, let the paste sit for 30 minutes before washing it away.
Hydrogen Peroxide in Water
- Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or use equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Apply the mixture onto the mold and let it sit for a while.
- Again, use a scrub brush or old toothbrush to scrub the area clean.
- Wash away the mixture with water and be cautious when using this method on colored surfaces.
White Vinegar and Water
- Mix water and white vinegar together.
- Apply the mixture to the mold-infested surface and let it sit there for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the mixture with water.
Specialized Mold Cleaning Products
- Thoroughly read through product instructions.
- Apply as recommended by the manufacturer to disrupt the cellular structure of the mold and facilitate removal.
- Remove as instructed on the product packaging.
This is how to get rid of mold in shower areas before calling in the professionals. Just remember not to use harsh chemicals that can stain or damage shower surfaces. For instance, bleach and abrasive cleaners can scratch and ruin surfaces. It is also a good practice to make sure that cleaning methods and solutions are safe for your bathroom and its materials.
Preventing Future Mold Growth
Yes, you’ve pretty much learned how to get rid of mold in shower areas but prevention is key! Maintaining dry, clean surfaces, managing humidity levels, and learning how to fix a running toilet or other leaky water sources can help prevent mold growth;
- Regular cleaning: regularly use gentle cleaning products around your bathroom and fix that leaky roof and plumbing issue as soon as you spot them
- Ventilation: keep your bathroom’s humidity under 60% by keeping windows open, and using a dehumidifier, air conditioner, or fan.
- Storage: avoid keeping wet clothes, fabric, or cleaning materials in the bathroom so that mold is not encouraged to grow where you’re storing them.
- Say yes to mold-resistant plaint or caulk: Learning how to caulk a shower or looking for new paint for the walls? Opt for mold-resistant caulk or paint.
- Frequent inspection: check for mold regularly in the bathroom, crawl spaces, attics, and basements.
To prevent future mold growth, keep these tips in mind. If the mold growth is out of your control afterward, call in professional mold cleaners to that your home and health are not compromised.
Bottom Line: How to Get Rid of Mold in Shower
Mold is dealt with every day and is caused by inadequate ventilation, humidity, and moisture in bathrooms. However, you can use mold-specific cleaning products, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or a white vinegar solution to get rid of mold in the shower. You can prevent mold by keeping your bathroom dry, well-ventilated, and clean! If these tips and methods don’t work, contact mold cleaning specialists to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
While we outlined how to get rid of mold in shower areas here, we recommend reading resources from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for in-depth information about mold.
Getting Rid of Mold in the Shower FAQs
What types of mold are most frequently seen in showers?
The most popular type of mold seen in showers is black mold or Stachybotrys Chartarum.
What are the long-term health effects of exposure to mold?
Long-term exposure to mold can lead to insomnia, memory loss, allergies, fatigue, and respiratory issues.
How much does expert mold removal cost, and what steps are involved?
Mold removal can cost anywhere from $10 to $25 per square foot and usually involve using a HEPA vacuum and specialized mold cleaner.
How should I maintain materials that are resistant to mold?
Clean caulk and other mold-resistant surfaces with products formulated for that specific surface.
What safety equipment should I put on before cleaning mold?
We advise wearing gloves, eye goggles, and a mask before using any of the methods in the How to Get Rid of Mold in Shower Areas section.
How does mold affect medical conditions?
Mold can be especially dangerous for those with weak immune systems or asthma.
What is the best way to stop mold growth in a shower?
The best technique to stop mold growth in the shower is to keep your bathroom clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
How can I stop mold from growing in shower caulk and grout?
While you have learned how to get rid of mold in shower areas, you can also keep your shower caulk and grout clean and dry to prevent growth.
If I live in a humid climate, how can I prevent mold in a shower?
Keep your bathroom well-ventilated and dry if you live in a humid climate.
If I live in a region with hard water, how can I avoid mold in the shower?
Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up and mold growth. So it is important to remove water stains from the bathroom door or other surfaces and any debris buildup to protect your bathroom and home.
If I live in a rental home, how can I avoid mold in the shower?
If you live in a rental home, immediately contact your landlord regarding mold before using any of our methods or calling in professional cleaners. If you get the go signal from your landlord use our methods on how to get rid of mold in shower areas or invest in a mold removal service.
How critical is it to test for mold after cleaning?
Mold testing is not required as mold’s effects can differ from person to person.
The post How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Shower and Bathroom appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.
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