How to Remove Ugly Bathroom Ceiling Mold

People don’t often look up. But when they do, and they see splotches of mold and mildew on their bathroom ceiling, they are shocked. Questions immediately spring to mind.

Is that Normal?

• Is that really mold?
• Can I clean it up myself?
• Is it dangerous mold? Black mold?
• And how do I get rid of mold on my bathroom ceiling?

The battle against ceiling mold is a year-round challenge in the Cranford, NJ, area. Mold thrives in our humid summers and rainy seasons. But even in winter, shower humidity can get trapped when doors and windows are closed to keep out the cold. A confined, humid space causes mold to flourish!

At PuroClean Restoration Services, we get many calls and questions about removing mold from bathroom ceilings. To help you tackle this common issue, we’ve compiled a guide to address some frequently asked questions about bathroom ceiling mold.

Is it Normal to Have Mold on Bathroom Ceilings?

Mold spores love your bathroom’s humid environment. Steam and moisture from showers create a perfect breeding ground for mold, especially when the bathroom has poor ventilation. Since heat rises, bathroom ceilings collect excess moisture, leading to mold growth. Roof leaks, especially around the exhaust fan vent, can also be a potential source of moisture intrusion, leading to mold growth on bathroom ceilings.

Humidity affects more than just your ceilings. Check your bathroom walls, around your windows, trim and base moldings. Recognizing these conditions is crucial for effectively preventing and tackling mold.

Is That Mold?

Do you have black splotches on your bathroom ceiling? It might be mold, mildew, or both. These fungi thrive in similar conditions and often grow together.

Mold penetrates deeply, especially into porous areas. It comes in various colors—black, green, brown, yellow, magenta and brown—and emits a musty odor. Water damage often signals its presence. 

Frequently mistaken for mold, mildew appears as thin white or gray surface patches and is usually found on shower walls, windowsills or plants. It’s easier to clean as the roots do not travel as far as mold, but it’s no less concerning.

Pay attention to these signs. Mold likely lurks in hard-to-reach corners and cracks. Prompt action against mold is crucial for maintaining a healthy bathroom environment. Inspect regularly, clean thoroughly, and address moisture issues to halt future mold growth.

• You might also like: The Importance of Basement Humidity Levels

Can I Clean Up Mold Myself?

Yes, in certain circumstances, you can clean up mold yourself. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says homeowners can usually handle small-scale mold infestations (under 10 square feet). For instance, a small moldy area in a bathroom caused by high humidity could be the case.

How Do I Get Rid of Black Mold on a Bathroom Ceiling?

Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is less common in bathrooms but can still appear. It typically looks dark black or greenish-black and has a slimy texture when wet. If it dries out, it can appear powdery. It commonly grows on cellulose-rich materials like drywall, wood, and paper products. Stachybotyrys chartarum usually grows after a water loss, such as a broken pipe, water heater break or dishwasher line leak, that was not properly repaired.

Mold Testing

Hire a professional mold inspector for mold testing. This professional can explain the results compared to outside air testing (baseline). Then, they will create a protocol for a mold removal company.

Remember that no house has a zero mold spore count, but there are normal and acceptable levels of mold spores in a home. 

Things to Know Before You Start Removing Mold Spores

Ready to tackle that mold problem on your bathroom ceiling? You’ll need a spray bottle and a mold-killing cleaner. Also, get rubber gloves, goggles, a mask, and a brush.

First, make sure to wear your protective gear. Gloves and a mask are needed to prevent exposure to mold spores, and goggles will protect your eyes from splashes of cleaning solution.

Next, focus on improving ventilation in your bathroom. While you work, turn on the exhaust fan or open a window to keep the air circulating. Keep the bathroom door closed to the rest of the house to prevent the spread of mold spores. The moving air will help reduce the buildup of cleaning solution fumes, making the task safer and more pleasant.

How to Remove Mold from a Bathroom Ceiling 

Once you’ve suited up and prepped your bathroom, it’s time to remove mold from bathroom walls and ceiling. Here’s the how-to on DIY mold removal:

1. Apply an Antimicrobial Cleaning Solution:

To kill mold spores, add a product containing hydrogen peroxide to the spray bottle. Spray the affected area generously and let the solution sit for a few minutes. (Be sure to test the area first, as hydrogen peroxide may cause discoloration).

2. Scrub the Area:

Gently scrub the mold with a soft scrub brush or cloth to remove it from the surface. Make sure to reach all the nooks and crannies where mold might be hiding.

3.  Repeat and Dry:

Reapply the solution to make sure that you have gotten all of the mold spores. Remember that the spores are microscopic. The mold you actually see (a colony of spores that have flourished and grown together) is just part of the picture.

Then, dry the area thoroughly.

4. Preventive Measures:

If you still see staining, use stain-blocking paint. Next, consider applying mold-resistant paint to prevent future mold growth. These products create a barrier that mold cannot penetrate.

If the ceiling needs replacing, use purple or green sheetrock. It has extra protection against moisture compared to ordinary sheetrock. Paint the ceiling with mold-resistant paint. Note that the glossier the paint, the easier it is to wipe away mold.

About Using Bleach 

When it comes to mold removal, it’s important to choose the right cleaning solution for the job. While a diluted bleach solution can kill mold on hard, non-porous surfaces like tiles, bathtubs, and countertops, it has limitations. Mold grows on porous surfaces like soap scum, dirt, paint and wood trim.  

Bleach discolors surface mold and disinfects the area, but it cannot penetrate all surfaces to kill the mold at its root. A special cleaning solution is required to fully remove mold and its spores. Also, bleach can be harsh and produce harmful fumes, so good ventilation and protective gear are required.

How to Prevent Future Mold Growth

Controlling excess humidity is key to avoiding mold regrowth. To reduce moisture, run your bathroom vent fan. Or, open a window or keep the door slightly open while showering. Improving air circulation and ventilation will help keep your bathroom dry and prevent mold. Run your bathroom exhaust fan or keep the window (unless it is more humid outside than in your bathroom) open for at least 20 minutes after using the shower.   

Address the underlying issues. For example, unclog your bathroom fan. Regularly cleaning and maintaining bathroom vents will also help prevent mold.

The Role of Bathroom Exhaust Fans in Mold Prevention

Do you have an exhaust fan? Does it work properly? Do you remember to turn it on?

Bathrooms need proper ventilation to avoid moisture buildup. The solution? A well-functioning exhaust fan. Run it during and 20 minutes after showers to eliminate excess humidity.

No bathroom fan? Open windows help, but they’re not enough. Consider professional installation of a correctly sized fan, vented outside. Electricians can determine the ideal size based on your bathroom’s cubic footage.

Renters, note that if a fan isn’t an option, leave the windows open for at least 20 minutes after the shower. 

Read More: Bathroom Exhaust Tips for Mold Prevention – The Mold Series

When to Call the Pros for Mold Removal

For large areas of mold (areas over 10 square feet), it’s wise to consider hiring a professional mold remediation company. Mold can spread quickly and penetrate materials, making it hard to get rid of without special equipment and expertise.

If you suspect toxic black mold, professional testing may be necessary. Spotting harmful molds is key to protecting your health. A correct diagnosis ensures effective removal. Don’t overlook health risks. Act quickly for a safer environment.

Your Trustworthy, Local Mold Remediation Company

PuroClean Restoration Services is a locally owned mold removal and remediation company and has worked with commercial and residential clients since 2010. We serve customers in Cranford, OH, Westfield, Elizabeth, Summit, Edison, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Kenilworth, Linden, Union and nearby areas.

If you see signs of bathroom mold, contact PuroClean Restoration Services. We can help! Our team can handle mold projects of any size and offers complete solutions to keep your home safe and mold-free. Don’t let mold compromise your health and home! Call us today at (908) 577-9120.