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Let’s Get Rid of This Mold!
Close up shot. (Photo credit: nils.rohwer)
Getting rid of shower mold can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry, Tradewinds Imports is here to show you just how to do it! In this post, you will learn several simple actions that you can take to stop mold in the beginning stages and advice on how to handle full-blow molded restrooms!
Here’s an example of caulking that has begun to mold. (Photo credit: Editor B)
What Are We Up Against
Mold is a fungus that grows and results in discoloration and a fuzzy appearance. It can be found on food, walls, showers, furniture, floors, and other areas. Ideally, this fungi grows in warm, damp, and humid conditions.
Is my Family in Danger?
Some individuals with weak immune systems may be at a higher risk of health affects related to mold exposure. There are a few molds that can cause infection in healthy humans but most of the danger lies with those who are already sick. The biggest problem related to mold is allergies and asthma. Some types of mold can produce chemicals called “mycotoxins” that can cause illness in animals and people. Unfortunately, scientific evidence on mold is still very limited at this time.
Causes of Mold
Mold can be found inside of your house for several reasons. First of all, mold requires nutrients, water, oxygen, and favorable temperatures. They can be present in a wide variety of materials in your house including wood, paper, fabrics, paint, adhesives, and tile grout. Interestingly, most molds cannot grow in extreme temperatures.
Hot showers can cause high-levels of moisture! (Photo credit: Amy Loves Yah)
Causes include:
- Lack of air filtration.
- High-levels of moisture possibly due to water leaks, clogged drains, or non-functioning extractor fan.
- Temperatures between 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Most molds cannot grow below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above 100 degrees will kill mold spores! We do not suggest heating your home to 100 degrees! Whew!
Should I Use Bleach
NO, do not use bleach! We often hear people suggest bleach as a simple and effective method for getting rid of mold! Not true! Bleach will kill and decolorize mold but it does not remove the mold spores! It is important to remember that dead mold can still cause allergic reactions. Therefore, you must kill AND remove it!
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Center for Disease Controls (CDC) agree that bleach should not be used to clean up mold!
Getting Rid of Small Spots
If you find mold on furnishings, boxes, or shower curtains, your best bet is to discard these items. After all you can replace that $10 curtain with a mold resistant liner that will help you prevent the problem in the future. You can send these items to the landfill but we suggest wrapping contaminated items in heavy plastic to help protect those who handle it.
For areas less than 10 feet, you can probably handle this yourself!
- First, start off by scraping walls, grout, ceilings, floors, and baseboards of large accumulations of mold.
- Next, wash the area with soapy water and scrub, scrub, scrub!
- Rinse and allow the area to dry before repainting any areas.
WARNING: Do not do this yourself if you have severe allergies, asthma, or a weak immune system. Contact with these areas is not advised!
When this is all complete, re-inspect the affected area to make sure that you removed all of the mold from your shower. Remember to look at hard to find areas including carpet padding, corners, and the areas where your shower meets the floor!
Extreme Cases
Mold has eaten into the frame of this house. Yikes! (Photo credit: Angela Schmeidel Randall)
For areas over 10 feet, we recommend that you contact a qualified mold remediation contractor. Keeping a building completely free of mold requires efficient air filtration. Completely ridding a building of mold is very rare and is usually only accomplished in hospital operating rooms and manufacturing “clean rooms.” Thus, being 100% mold-free is very difficult to accomplish!
Take a second to look at our amazing selection of high-quality bathroom showers. Tradewinds Imports offer full showers, enclosures, shower doors, & much more!
How You Know it’s gone
Mold clean-up is complete when there is no visible mold remaining and there is no dust or dirt that could contain large amounts of mold. This problem should not come back as long as you address the moisture problem! Remember that mold spores are virtually everywhere! They will come in from outside but they won’t be able to grow unless water is present!
Keep it From Coming Back
Make sure your extractor fan is functioning properly. (Photo credit: thirteenthbat)
Here are some tips to keep that mold from returning:
- Determine what caused the moisture problem in the first place. Otherwise, it will come back!
- Moisture control & air filtration are the keys!
- Make sure that your extractor fan is effectively removing moisture from your restroom. Don’t forget to use your fan when you’re taking a steamy shower!
- Fix any leaky pipes, faucets, or drains. If you need to replace your faucet, take a look at our inventory of water-tight faucets!
Follow these quick guidelines to protect you and your family from mold related issues!
Mold and Mildew Prevention:
- How to Determine CFM Size for a Bathroom Exhaust Fan
- Does an Extractor Fan Have to Run to the Outside?
- MDF or Wood in the Bathroom
- What’s the Best Material for a Bathroom Vanity
About This Post
Cheryl khan is an interior designer and freelancer. She is absolutely terrified of mold, occasionally having nightmares of a molded shower tub chasing her through her dreams.
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