How To Kill Mold in Your Shower: Top Tips To Clean and Prevent Bathroom Mold
The bathroom is the most humid room in any home. Between frequent showers, baths, running sinks, and flushing toilets, it is the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth.
Not only can mold and mildew be unsightly, but they can cause serious health issues depending on the types.
Whether you’re worried about red, orange, pink, or black spots in your bathroom, this article will guide you through the process of removing it and preventing it from coming back.
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How Does Mold Get in the Shower?
Mold spores thrive in dark, warm, and damp environments, making your bathroom the perfect environment for it to grow in. Dust and organic matter in your bathroom feed any mold and accelerate its growth.
How To Kill Pink Mold in the Shower
The pink, orange, or red streaks in your shower are commonly referred to as “pink mold.” However, these stains are not mold but rather a buildup of bacteria such as Serratia marcescens and Aureobasidium pullulans.
These bacteria are relatively harmless but may cause issues for those who are immunocompromised or have severe allergies, so it’s best to remove pink mold as quickly as possible.
Here’s how to kill pink mold according to our professionals at Tidy Up Portland!:
First, spray the shower, sink, or toilet with an all-purpose cleaner and scrub off any visible soap scum or pink mold. Pay special attention to grout, corners, and ridges where mold spores may accumulate.
Follow up with a sanitizing solution with a strong pH, such as bleach, vinegar, or peroxide, and allow the solution to sit for at least 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water until the solution has completely dissipated.
How To Kill Black Mold in the Shower
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a highly aggressive and toxic mold. It is dark black or dark green in color and may appear shiny or slimy when living in particularly moist areas, such as around shower drains or grout.
Black mold can cause mild or severe respiratory problems and other symptoms, including:
Coughing
Sneezing
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Chronic fatigue
Persistent headaches
Brain fog
Flu-like symptoms
To prevent this mold from spreading and causing long-term health issues, it’s crucial to take the proper steps to remove it immediately. Small spots of black mold that are confined to non-porous surfaces can be removed using proper protective safety gear and cleaning products.
Here’s how to kill black mold in the shower:
Wear necessary protective gear, including coveralls, gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
Ventilate the area by opening windows and using the bathroom’s exhaust fan.
Apply a bleach, baking soda, or vinegar solution directly onto the affected area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Spray the area once more and use a scrub brush to remove the mold.
Rinse the area thoroughly with water.
It is best to hire a professional mold abatement specialist if:
The black mold infestation is extensive.
You have severe allergies or are immunocompromised.
The mold is located on a porous surface such as grout, drywall, or untreated wood surfaces.
The 6 Best Ways To Prevent Mold From Growing in the Shower
#1: Make Sure Your Bathroom Is Well Ventilated
If your bathroom does not have an external window, building codes in your city likely require it to have a proper ventilation fan. Bathroom vent fans dehumidify the room by pulling in moist air and venting it outside. They are crucial in reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Choose a bathroom fan with a cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) capacity that is 1.1 times the square footage of your bathroom. The fan should be installed near the tub or shower for maximum efficiency. It’s recommended that you run the fan throughout each shower and continue running it for around 15 minutes afterward.
#2: Perform Regular Preventative Maintenance Tasks
You can prevent or slow mold growth by removing its food source. Regular cleanings with a sanitizer solution remove bacteria, dust, and other organic material which accelerate mold growth.
If you don’t have the time to regularly clean and disinfect your bathroom yourself, hire a professional cleaning service like Tidy Up Portland!
Our team uses organic and non-toxic products such as vinegar to clean and prevent mold growth in moist environments. Whether you’re looking for a one-time cleaning or a regular service, we are your go-to professionals for a healthier, happier home.
#3: Reseal Grout Regularly
Grout in your bathroom typically includes a waterproof sealant. As this sealant erodes over time, it leaves the porous grout vulnerable to mold growth. Black and pink mold can typically be removed from the surface of the grout but not from its deeper layers. Once mold gets into the grout, it permanently stains it.
Because of this, it’s recommended that you reseal your grout every 2-3 years.
#4: Ensure Soft Materials Are Properly Dried
Soft surfaces that absorb moisture can quickly become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Keeping fabrics clean and dry is important to ensure a healthy and hygienic bathroom environment.
Here are some tips for the most common bathroom fabrics:
Bath mats and rugs – After use, hang bath mats or rugs in an area where they can air dry quickly. Avoid leaving them on the bathroom floor while wet, and regularly wash them to prevent mold growth.
Towels – Spread towels evenly across a drying bar or hang them on hooks to allow for faster drying. Be sure to wash towels after every three uses.
Shower curtain – Extend the shower curtain fully after a bath or shower. This allows for faster, more even drying.
Laundry – If you store laundry in your bathroom, be sure to keep it in a well-ventilated basket and avoid leaving wet towels or clothing inside for long periods.
#5: Check for Damage Around the Shower
From water-resistant paints to waterproof sealants, each detail in your bathroom is designed to protect your home’s underlying structure from moisture. If you spot cracked tiles, chipped grout, or other signs of damage, it’s important to repair the area immediately to prevent water from seeping through.
#6: Keep Beauty Products Dry and Consider Storing Out of the Shower
Beauty products with hollow lids or wide openings are prone to water buildup when kept inside of a shower. This excess moisture creates an environment prone to mold and bacterial growth.
Instead, keep beauty products in a cool, dry place outside the shower. This will help ensure proper hygiene, extend product shelf life, and maintain their quality.
Want To Keep Your Shower Fresh and Mold-Free? Sign Up for Regular Cleaning Services From Tidy Up Portland!
Everybody strives to have a clean, sparkling, hygienic bathroom but unfortunately, not everybody has the time to do it themselves. Whether you need mold removal or preventative cleaning, Tidy Up Portland! is here to help.
We provide services such as:
Regular cleaning
One-time cleaning
Disinfecting services
End-of-lease cleaning
And more
Our team of reliable and friendly cleaners is dedicated to using only non-toxic and eco-friendly products that are safe for your family and home.
We offer a simple online booking process and affordable flat and hourly rates based on your home's size and specific cleaning needs.
Contact us today to get started.
