Bathroom mold is more than just an eyesore, it’s a potential health hazard. Discover how to inspect and clean small patches of growth as we explain how to get rid of mold in your bathroom.
For expert insights on bathroom mold removal, we spoke with Richard Reid of Universal Restoration of North Florida in Jacksonville.
Do a Thorough Mold Inspection
Getting rid of bathroom mold is easier than you might think. We’ll show you simple steps to clean it up.
Mold typically looks like fuzzy or slimy patches in various colors, including green, black, white, or gray, but moisture damage also needs to be inspected. Reid says, “The main signs of mold in a home include … visible discoloration or dark stains, water damage, and recent moisture issues…”
Carefully inspect every surface and corner, and look in these places where mold commonly grows:
- Shower curtains and liners: Check both sides and along the seams.
- Between tiles and grout lines: Focus on areas where water tends to sit.
- Around the bathtub or shower: Inspect the caulking, corners, faucets, and shower heads.
- Under the sink: Look for cracks or leaks in the pipes and drain areas.
- Toothbrush and accessories holders: Water dripping from toothbrushes or over-spray creates ideal conditions for mold growth.
- Walls and along baseboards: Check corners and wall joints for moisture buildup. It can hide behind wallpaper or on damaged surfaces.
- Ceilings: Don’t forget to look up during your inspections. Ceiling tiles are a common breeding ground for mold.
Pro Tip: The EPA recommends hiring professionals if the mold covers more than 10 square feet.
See Related:
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Here are the supplies you’ll need to remove mold. Having everything in one place will help the process go quickly:
- Safety gear: Mold can irritate your eyes, lungs, and skin. Wear a respirator mask, rubber gloves, and safety glasses to protect yourself.
- Cleaning solutions: Consider using hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, commercial anti-mold products, or a diluted bleach solution. Ensure you have plenty of good ventilation when using mold-cleaning solutions. Never mix cleaning products, as they can create dangerous fumes.
- Scrub brush or sponge: Use a brush with medium-stiff bristles for grout and textured surfaces or a durable sponge for smooth areas.
- Clean cloths or paper towels: Keep several lint-free cloths or absorbent paper towels handy for wiping surfaces completely dry.
Clean the Area
Cleaning mold is easiest when dealing with hard surfaces. Absorbent, porous surfaces like drywall and ceiling tiles should be replaced. Cleaning them won’t remove all the spores.
Follow these steps to remove mold in your bathroom:
- Apply a cleaning solution of your choice directly to moldy surfaces. For stubborn mold growth or stains, you may have to use a commercial anti-fungal cleaner.
- Let it sit on the moldy area. Depending on what you’re using, the waiting time can vary. (Always follow the instructions on the label.)
| Cleaning Solution | Wait Time |
| Antifungal sprays | 5-10 minutes |
| Bleach and water solution | 15-30 minutes |
| Hydrogen peroxide | 10 minutes |
| White vinegar | 1 hour |
- Scrub the area thoroughly: Use your brush or sponge to remove all visible mold. Work in small sections and use circular motions for best results.
- Rinse the surface: Rinse or use a clean, wet sponge to wipe away the cleaning solution.
- Dry completely: Use clean cloths or paper towels to dry the area thoroughly. Any remaining moisture can lead to new mold growth.
- Inspect the cleaned area: Ensure all the mold is gone. If any remains, you’ll need to repeat the process (or consult a pro).
See Related:
If you’re dealing with hard-to-reach bathroom mold, check out this video on how to get rid of it:
Replace Damaged Materials
For any material that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, like ceiling tiles, carpeting (more common in older homes), drywall, wood trim, damaged grout, caulking, or water-damaged insulation, you’ll need to budget for a replacement.
When replacing these items, consider installing mold-resistant alternatives:
- Greenboard or moisture-resistant drywall
- Mold-resistant grout and caulk
- Anti-microbial shower curtains
- Water-resistant vinyl or tile flooring
- Mold-resistant paint on walls and ceilings
See Related:
When to Call a Mold Remediation Pro
There are a few situations where you may need to call in a professional remediation service. The biggest factors are the size of affected areas, health issues, or if you think mold is growing where you can’t see it.
“The most important thing for homeowners to know about mold is how compromising it can be to your health,” warns Reid. “The longer it sits, the worse it gets. Always call a professional to check it out as soon as you notice anything suspicious.”
Call in the experts for:
- Large affected areas: If the mold covers more than 10 square feet, about the size of a small bedroom wall, it will require specialized equipment to remove. Professionals can also prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your home.
- Pre-existing health issue: If you have respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, or a compromised immune system, cleaning the mold yourself can be dangerous. Disturbing mold can release spores in the air, potentially triggering serious health effects in some people.
See Related: Health Risks of Mold in Your Home
- You suspect hidden mold: If you’re finding signs of mold in your home, like a musty odor, or if you’ve had previous water damage, you may have hidden mold. It can grow inside walls, under floors, or in other concealed spaces that may be difficult for you to reach.
Fear No Fungi
While battling bathroom mold isn’t the most glamorous home maintenance task, it’s absolutely worth the effort to protect your home and your health. With these tips and some elbow grease, you can keep your bathroom fresh, clean, and most importantly, mold-free.
Read More:
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Image Credit: Алексей Доненко / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
