If you discover a large area of mold growth along a bathroom wall, call a professional for safe removal. A mold problem in a bathroom usually stems from excess moisture, so removing the source of the problem is an important step in getting rid of the problem for good.
Mold grows in a variety of places, but is most often found up high near the ceiling, down low along baseboards or in tight corners and on bathtub edges. If a mold spot is not cleaned thoroughly, it can return to the same area or spread to other parts of the house. Fortunately, many cleaning products can remove mildew and mold from most nonporous surfaces. Before starting a cleanup project, choose a non-toxic cleaner that will not damage the surface you are trying to clean. A natural alternative to bleach, such as white vinegar or baking soda, can also kill mold spores.
When choosing a cleaning Bathroom Mold Removal product, read labels carefully and follow the directions on the label. To avoid getting the cleaning solution in your eyes, nose or mouth, wear rubber gloves and a face mask. For larger projects, such as a whole bathroom, consider wearing a dust mask to prevent spreading the mold spores to other rooms in the home.
It is recommended that you use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture in the air in your home, especially if there are a lot of mold spots on walls and other surfaces. This will help prevent a new batch of spores from growing after you remove the existing ones.
You can use a commercial antifungal cleaner to remove mold from surfaces like tile and porcelain. The cleaner will need to remain on the surface for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing with a nylon-bristled brush and rinsing. This method is more time consuming than simply using a cleaning spray, but can be more effective if the problem persists.
Alternatively, you can use hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach to clean mildew and mold off of showers, tubs and sinks. Mix the cleaner or water into a spray bottle and saturate the mold growth with it. If the spray does not work, scrubbing the affected areas with a nylon-bristled toothbrush can help. After scrubbing, rinse the surfaces well with fresh water.
For painted walls, there are several different types of products to choose from. One of the most common is a commercial paint that contains fungicides to prevent mold and mildew. Another option is to try a combination of borax, white vinegar and water to scrub walls. The borax helps kill the mold spores and the vinegar and water help lift any stains that may be present.
For more severe problems, you may need to replace moldy rugs and curtains, and other porous materials. Mold spores can get trapped in cloth and carpeting and be carried by household members through the rest of the home, so it is best to double bag these items for disposal.