Mold can grow in any warm, damp area, including a bathroom. Poor ventilation or leaking pipes can cause a mold problem or make it worse. If you have mold in your bathroom, you need to get it under control to improve indoor air quality and prevent it from continuing to grow. Here's some advice on how to get rid of it and keep it from coming back.
Use a Special Cleaner
You can buy special mold and mildew removers at big-box and home centers or online. These products usually contain chlorine bleach to kill mold plus cleaners and abrasives to help you wipe away dirt and soap scum too. Be sure the product you choose is safe for the surfaces you need to clean.
Use Bleach or Vinegar
You can kill mold with a mixture of bleach and water. Spray or wipe it on, wait 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. A mixture of vinegar and water used in the same way will also solve the problem and is easier on the environment, but you may need to apply it several times to clean away all visible mold. Be sure not to use bleach and vinegar at the same time because they can create toxic gas when mixed.
Use a Mold Removal Company
If you have a lot of mold in your bathroom or you're concerned that it may have gotten into or behind drywall, plywood, linoleum, or tile, consider using a mold removal company. These companies can find mold that you may miss and can test air quality to make sure your home is safe after the mold removal process is complete. Mold can be toxic and must be removed carefully to prevent creating a bigger health hazard.
Replace Damaged Materials
If mold has infiltrated a porous surface or started to grow over a large area, it may be best to replace the material or have someone replace it for you. Porous surfaces can be difficult to clean, and large areas of mold can be hard to eliminate. Make sure you resolve the leak, ventilation problem, and other issues that caused the spore growth and get rid of all mold to keep it from coming back.
Mold is unsightly and may be dangerous, so you need to remove it to keep your home clean and healthy. Whether you use a special cleaner, make your own from household chemicals, contact a professional or replace the infested materials, you need to take quick action. You and your family deserve a clean, mold-free home.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
