Mold is among the many wonderful bathroom pests that thrive in saturated conditions, typical in the bathroom where moisture and dampness are often rampant. If not addressed correctly, mold can demolish your house, besides being a potential health hazard. However, if the incidents of mold are minor, then remediation can be DIY to save money on remediation if done safely and effectively. In this blog, we will discuss some effective DIY techniques for mold removal, let you know when the time is right to call in an expert and provide safety tips to help you eliminate mold without exacerbating your health.
Is DIY Mold Remediation Good For Bathrooms?
One can successfully consider DIY mold remediation, especially in small places like the bathroom. Bathroom mold mainly occurs on the tiles, grout, ceilings, and sometimes even walls. You can easily use common household items such as baking soda, vinegar, or borax for a minor infestation. On the other hand, professional assistance is needed for very large areas of infestation or behind-the-wall infestation. You can use the following remediation steps to clean up the mold infestation in your bathroom safely and independently.
Mold Removal versus Mold Remediation: What Is The Difference?
Many people indiscriminately use the terms “remediation” and “removal.” There is a very important distinction. Mold removal refers to removing mold from a given surface. However, this does not solve the potential underlying problem that led to the mold’s growth in the first place.
Mold remediation is a more extensive process. It involves identifying and fixing the source of moisture, treating the moldy areas, and restoring the affected space to prevent further growth. Remediation is the best option if you are looking to ensure the mold will not return since mold removal is often a temporary solution.
DIY Mold Remediation Solution
DIY mold remediation solutions can help tackle minor mold problems without professional intervention. Using common household items, you can effectively clean and disinfect affected areas. Always prioritize safety and ensure proper ventilation during the process.
Baking Soda
Natural, non-toxic baking soda is safe for families and pets. Mix one-quarter tablespoon baking soda with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the mold, scrub with a brush, and then rinse with water. Repeat as necessary, with the area thoroughly rinsed and dried afterward.
White distilled vinegar
Due to its mild acidity, this is another effective mold killer. Spray it on the moldy surface at full strength and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the area and rinse using water. It is perfect on tiles and other rigid surfaces, but it must not be applied to stone or metal mold-based fixtures, as it might damage the material.
Borax
Combine two tablespoons of borax with two cups of water and spray it on the infected area. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub, and then cleanse. Borax kills mold and prevents re-infestation by providing an alkaline surface.
Bathroom DIY Mold Remediation Steps
Mold loves moist areas, and the bathroom is near the top of its list. To guarantee removing all mold in your home quickly, use proper cleaning techniques with safe, organic cleaning solutions. Safety first. Mold spores can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues, so you must dress appropriately, including wearing safety goggles.
This is how you can remove mold from the bathroom:
Step 1: Find the Source of Moisture & Ventilate the area
Begin by identifying the root of the mold. If your bathroom has poor plumbing or ventilation, these issues must be resolved before you can properly remove the mold. Mold thrives on dampness, so eliminating this dampness is key to successful removal.
Ventilation prevents mold from returning because mold thrives in humid areas. Turn on an exhaust fan or open a window to allow the air to dry out while you clean.
Step 2: Identify the Type of Mold
First, identify the type of mold you are dealing with before you start. Common bathroom mold is nontoxic but will cause respiratory irritation. Black mold (Stachybotrys) is more dangerous and needs professional remediation due to the health risks, though simple DIY methods are good enough for typical bathroom molds.
Step 3: Apply the DIY Solution to Remedy Mold
For smaller, isolated stains, you can apply the following step to clean the area with your preferred cleaning solution:
Ceilings and Walls: Apply white vinegar or diluted bleach to the affected areas, such as the ceiling and walls, and let it dwell for 10–15 minutes. Scrape off with a soft-bristled brush.
Tiles and Grout: Grout lines are a favorite place for mold to grow. A good, easy fix for this is baking soda mixed with water. Apply it to the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with a toothbrush or bristle brush.
Floors and Fixtures: If it’s an unporous area like tiles or countertops, you can use hydrogen peroxide or a commercially available mold killer.
Step 4: Dry The Area Thoroughly
After cleaning, ensure that the bathroom is fully dry to prevent future mold growth. Moisture is the primary trigger for mold, so ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated and clean surfaces regularly.
When To Seek Professional Help?
While DIY methods come in very handy for some minor mold breakouts, there are times when professional intervention is necessary:
Extensive Mold Growth: If the mold covers a large area over 10 square feet and recurs frequently after you have attempted to clean it, the situation might require professional input. Remember that mold can grow behind walls and ceilings, especially if the source of moisture remains unabated.
Black Mold: If you suspect your bathroom mold is black mold or Stachybotrys, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Black mold can emit mycotoxins, which, when inhaled, are dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or respiratory problems.
Structural Damage: When mold has penetrated the drywall, wood, or insulation, remediation must involve professional intervention. Cleaning alone will not help; the mold has penetrated too deep into the material.
Conclusion
Because the spores cannot be eradicated, this method works best for very small bathrooms with minimal mold growth. Natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean the house normally, but know your limits. Professional assistance is required with extensive infestations, black mold, or mold in unreachable areas, and your home must remain safe and healthy.
Prevention is equally important as remediation. Clean and ventilate your bathroom regularly, and look for early signs of mold so you can find them early. This will keep your bathroom mold-free without constantly having to deep-clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bleach Clean Mold?
Since bleach is only effective against mold on non-porous, hard surfaces and does not do the trick for porous surfaces like drywall, you may consider using vinegar or borax, as they penetrate deeper, preventing regrowth.
What Can I Do To Keep Mold Out Of My Bathroom?
Firstly, a bathroom is meant to be kept as dry as possible. To begin with, there should be an exhaust fan in the bathroom, one squeegee on the shower wall after use, and no leaky faucets that encourage water accumulation. Regular cleaning with agents that kill mold, such as products or even household products like vinegar, is a measure that prevents any growth at the onset.
Is Black Mold A Good Candidate For Self-Cleaning?
With proper safety precautions, it is possible to clean very tiny patches of black mold on hard surfaces. However, black mold remediation often requires the expertise of a professional because it has very risky health implications.