Mold is infamous for producing spores that, when inhaled, can cause anything from rashes to headaches to respiratory problems. At-risk groups such as the very young or old and people with compromised immune systems, mold sensitivities and allergies, or asthma can have serious reactions to mold.
How Dangerous Is Black Mold in Your House?
Many kinds—and colors—of mold exist. Stachybotrys, a is a BLACK MOLD and has a reputation for being particularly toxic, but it doesn’t matter what type of mold you’re dealing with—all molds found within the house bring with them the possibility of health risks and should be removed immediately.
The most likely places to find mold in the bathroom are in the tile grout, around drains, and on the walls or wallpaper. Keep reading to learn how to treat affected areas and prevent mold from growing in your bathroom in the future.
How to Get Rid of Mold
Fortunately, bathroom mold that you can see is very easy to clean.
To remove black mold from hard surfaces, follow these steps:
- Combine 1 part bleach with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spritz the affected area.
- Let the solution sit for 10 minutes. The mold should start to fade away on its own, but if areas of stubborn mold remain, use a coarse brush (for larger areas) or old toothbrush (for smaller areas) to scrub the mold away.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly with water afterward.
If you’d rather not use bleach, white vinegar or baking soda are good natural substitutes that kill black mold. Vinegar can be used just like the bleach.
To use baking soda:
- Mix it with small amounts of water to form a paste.
- Apply it to the mold, let it sit for 10 minutes, then use a brush to scrub it off. Other household cleaning products, including soap and bleach, will usually do the trick, too.
- Rinse off the paste.
If there’s evidence of mold growing on the drywall or subfloor behind bathroom tile—the tiles appear to be askew or they move when you touch them—you’ll need to hire a professional to clean and repair that area.