Those ugly spots in your shower might simply be soap scum that just needs a thorough cleaning, or they could actually be black mold. A growing concern in many homes is mold growth in the shower. Black mold thrives in moist conditions, and the shower’s frequent use and wet surfaces make it a perfect breeding ground for microbial growth. Mold in the shower can become a significant issue because it can cause respiratory problems and irritate already sensitive skin.
It’s important to address mold concerns as soon as you become aware of or suspect growth. Once it begins to grow, mold spores can spread quickly. It’s also important to remove bathroom mold in a way that won’t cause further damage to any bathroom tile. It’s best to reach out to a trained PuroClean professional to handle the situation. However, if the mold affects an area smaller than ten square feet and you choose to deal with it yourself, keep reading this blog for some surefire tips to treat mold in your shower and keep your family and home safe.
What Causes Mold in Showers?
There are many reasons why shower walls become infested with mold, but there are some common culprits. Poor ventilation in the shower area, which helps trap moisture, can leave an environment where mold can grow. A good exhaust fan or bathroom fan can help with ventilation and black mold prevention.
Some other causes of common household molds are leaks, wet clothes, or condensation. Water leaking behind or around bathroom walls or windows can damage wood frame construction, allowing mold spores to feed on organic materials like wood.
Having proper ventilation in your bathroom and maintaining the cleanliness of the room are great ways to help prevent future mold growth. But, even the best efforts can’t fully prevent bathroom mold, so what do you do if you find mold on your tile and shower walls?
Methods of Remediating Bathroom Mold Growth in Showers or Bathtubs
Mold is ubiquitous – it exists all around us all the time. All it needs is the proper combination of moisture, heat, and a food source to begin growing and causing problems. Though mold can never be completely removed from a home, there are certain methods you can take to remediate the issue and protect your home and health.
If you notice or suspect black mold growth in your shower, it is important to act quickly. Failure to remove any build-up will result in not only further damage but dangerous health risks for those living in your home.
Because of the dangers presented by mold, we recommend that you reach out to a trained PuroClean professional to handle your mold problem. If the bathroom mold affects an area smaller than ten square feet, you may attempt to get rid of the mold yourself, being sure to take proper precautions. Be sure to wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment, including rubber gloves, goggles/protective eyewear, and N-95 masks, and use any of the home remedies detailed below. Keep in mind that these are ‘at-home remedies’ and not necessarily what our trained PuroClean specialists would do for your mold problem.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a fantastic product to use to help get rid of mold growth. However, the chemicals in ammonia can be dangerous and should never be breathed in; make sure you open the bathroom window and any other nearby windows and set up fans to circulate air out before trying this mold removal method. Leave the bathroom door open as well. And, be sure to wear your N-95 mask along with the rest of your PPE.
To use ammonia to remove mold from the shower, mix equal parts warm water and household ammonia. Add the cleaning solution to a spray bottle and spray directly on the mold. Spray evenly around the entire shower, but focus on the black mold-affected areas. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes while you grab some fresh air.
Using a sponge or scrub brush, wipe the mixture and gently scrub until the stains disappear. The scrubbing will help with removing the mold stains instantaneously. When you finish scrubbing, use a dry cloth to remove excess moisture instead of letting it air dry. This will let you see the impact of your work. Use a normal cleaning solution afterward to clear your shower areas of the chemicals.
If you still see surface mold after following this process, repeat all the steps. Be aware that even if you see no more mold, there is always a possibility of it hiding behind the shower caulk. If the mold returns soon after this process, you will need to try another method to handle your mold problem.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is the safest option for removing mold stains and killing mold in showers because it is free of harsh chemicals; you can find white vinegar at your grocery store, or you might already have it in your pantry.
Spray vinegar directly on the moldy grout and shower tiles, and let it sit for about an hour. After the time has passed, give it a little elbow grease by scrubbing the mold with a scrub brush or cloth. Rinse everything down with fresh water to remove black mold.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is not as strong as ammonia, but it should still work if the area has not been affected too severely by the mold. It should never be mixed with ammonia because this could cause toxic fumes to form.
As with ammonia, make sure any windows are open before using hydrogen peroxide around your bathroom and be careful to avoid breathing it in.
To use this solution to clean bathroom mold growth, put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the tile grout, soaking the caulk. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes before wiping it clean with a brush or towel. Dry the wet surfaces with a towel instead of letting them air dry.
Call Your Local Mold Remediation Experts at PuroClean 24/7!
The mold in your shower can create dangerous health risks for you, your home, and your family. For this reason, it is important that any mold problems in the bathroom are handled with care. The best thing you can do now is to take steps to prevent mold growth.
Taking the necessary steps to prevent mold growth is vital but isn’t guaranteed to keep your home mold free. At PuroClean, our professionals are trained to provide mold remediation in any room of your house. Reach out to your local PuroClean 24/7 for assistance!
