Cleaning your shower sometimes is on the bottom of the list. You enter your bathroom and smell something earthy or musty. Then you find out you got some black mold in your shower. Black mold not only gives unpleasant sight and smell but a health risk as well. Don’t stress yourself once you find yourself in this kind of situation. Take proper steps to prevent mold growth from getting serious. Read on to learn some tips on how to get rid of black mold in the shower.
Why does black mold form?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp areas with poor ventilation. These conditions are often found in your shower. Due to excessive moisture, oxygen, food, and the right temperature, black mold in your shower will surely grow and proliferate. When that happens, stubborn mold will start to release microscopic spores which are dangerous to your health.
Black mold usually refers to Stachybotrys chartarum and has been tagged as “toxic mold or toxic black mold”. It usually appears as silky, dark green, or black splotches. Moreover, black mold can build up especially if your bathroom suffers from water damage.
How to identify black mold in my shower?
There are different ways on how to identify black mold. This is important so you can determine how to remove the mold in the bathroom. The following are some signs of mold forming:
- A constant musty or earthy smell, even when your bathroom looks totally dry and clean. You might have hidden leaks or water damage.
- Your shower walls or tiles look dark and muddy with a slimy, damp, and slight furry appearance. You might also see black stains that stretch along with some areas in your shower which indicate larger growths of mold.
- If moisture has got into the walls, you might notice crumbling plaster, blistered paint or cracked tiles, off-colored walls, or warped walls. A sign that mold is growing.
- If the floor feels soft and spongy, you may have moisture underneath-perhaps under tiling. This is also an indication that mold is forming.
How To Get Rid of Black Mold In The Shower
Cleaning mold yourself is easy but can be tough at times. If black mold is severe and widespread, you can hire a professional. If you choose to remove the black mold yourself, make sure to take the appropriate safety precautions. What you need to wear for protection:
- gloves(latex)
- goggles
- protective mask, preferably a dust mask
- long sleeves/ pants
- Close off the area with the black mold since spores can freely flow through the air. The mold spores can spread to other areas of your home. Consider taping paper or plastic over vents and setting up a fan for ventilation.
- Use soap, water, and a sponge or brush to scrub the mold from surfaces. Remove any items that have molds, such as old towels or toiletries.
- To totally eliminate black mold and disinfect, you can use the following solutions:
Hydrogen peroxide: In a spray bottle, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide then spritz the moldy surface completely. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the area to get rid of mold and mold stains.
White vinegar: Undiluted vinegar should be left to sit on the mold for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with water.
Baking soda: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with small amounts of water to form a paste. Apply it to the mold and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then use a sponge or brush to scrub it off.
*Bleach can also work but make sure to dilute it. You should use this with caution since it can burn your skin and irritate your eyes.
4. Open the area up and ventilate it as much as possible. Avoid staying in the area until fumes from your disinfectant have diminished.
Prevent Black Mold
Cleaning is easy but prevention is much easier and safer. You can do the following to keep the black mold (any type of mold) away:
- Remove the dampness and keep your shower dry. This means cleaning any remaining water after the shower, fixing pipes or leaking taps, wiping off water from the wall and floor.
- Let natural light into the bathroom if possible. Natural light kills any type of mold and other harmful microorganisms.
- Increase ventilation in your shower as much as possible. You can use a fan for 30 minutes to eliminate moisture after your bath. Installing an exhaust fan is a big help in reducing dampness and odor in your bathroom.
- Wash your shower curtains and liners often. You can also choose curtains, liners, or rags that are mold or mildew-resistant.
- Spray the affected areas in your bathroom with white vinegar to remove black mold and any remaining spores.
Seek Professional Help!
DIY tips can help you on how to get rid of black mold in the shower. However, black mold not only destroys your home but damages your health as well so completely eradicating it including spores is really important. Our professional experts at Superior Restoration are always ready to lend you a hand to keep mold growth at bay.
Please give us a ring today for comprehensive black mold treatment Water Damage Ontario. We perform thorough mold remediation services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
