Ways to get rid of mold in the bathroom.

Why does mold appear?

The primary source of mold fungi in the house is the air environment, in which they are present in small quantities. If there is a lot of moisture and heat in the room, then the spores easily attach to surfaces and multiply rapidly. This process begins within 48 hours at a constant humidity of more than 60% and an air temperature above +20°C.

There are many types of mold fungi that are more or less dangerous to humans. They are usually combined into groups, the main distinguishing characteristic of which is color.

The most common is black mold, which includes Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium and Stachybotrys Chartarum fungi. They can actively multiply at temperatures above +16°C. Black mold produces large amounts of harmful mycotoxins.

Black mold has a characteristic black-green hue.

It forms extensive slimy and shiny accumulations of fungal spores.

Blue mold sometimes appears on bathroom surfaces, which mainly includes fungal organisms from the Penicillium and Aspergillus genera. Compared to other types, they multiply at lower humidity and form visible clusters within 24 hours of establishment (black mold after 48 hours).

Blue molds have shades from bluish-green to dark blue.

Their conds (unicellular spores) form fluffy clusters.

Pink mold is very common and prefers to develop in damp and dark places in the house. In the bathroom, it forms mainly in corners, on sealant or grout (joints between tiles). Despite its name, it is not formed by fungal spores, but by the bacteria Serratia marcescens.

Serratia marcescens can have pink, orange, and red hues.

Forms extensive mucous accumulations, mainly in the seams between tiles.

How is it dangerous to health?

Many types of mold are not dangerous in small concentrations, especially if a person is in good health. However, microbes release toxins that, when accumulated in the air, become a source of infection for the body, irritate the mucous membranes and provoke allergic reactions of varying severity.

With large accumulations of mold, symptoms such as nasal congestion, reddening of the skin, and excessive lacrimation often develop. If exposure to microspores is prolonged, negative reactions from the respiratory and digestive systems are possible, such as severe coughing or nausea. Sometimes fungi cause dangerous pathologies.

Mechanical removal of mold

If mold spores in the bathroom have penetrated deep into the building materials and affected large areas, then mechanical cleaning (repair) is indispensable. This is a complex and expensive method of control, but very reliable.

How to properly remove mold in the bathroom:

1. Mellowly wet the areas infected with mold with water. This is necessary to completely remove fungal spores in the bathroom so that they do not spread throughout the room along with air currents. Otherwise, they will settle in other areas and multiply again over time.
2. Carry out cleaning: remove the mold in the bathroom along with the top layer of the finishing coat. For example, remove plaster or paint with a grinder, concrete or wood with sandpaper, wallpaper with a stiff metal brush.
3. After removing the facing materials, burn the area, since fire completely destroys fungal spores in the porous surfaces of the walls and ceiling. However, this step should be skipped if the material in the area of the treated area is flammable.
4. Coat the surfaces of the walls and ceiling of the bathroom with an antifungal agent (antiseptic), covering not only the infected areas, but also nearby ones. You can use both professional commercial products and household mixtures.
5. After the antifungal layer dries, apply a second one. Dry the wall and ceiling surfaces thoroughly again.
6. Refresh the bathroom finish – especially carefully seal the seams and cracks (use sealant), if necessary.

To understand the nuances of the process, it is recommended to watch the training video.

Working means against mold

The main means of combating mold fungi in the bathroom are fungicidal preparations. They all have a different mechanism of action, but most compositions destroy membranes, penetrate into cells and prevent spore reproduction. However, fungicides have limited effectiveness and are mainly used in the initial stages of mold development or for preventive purposes.

Effective means of combating mold fungi are:

1. UV waves. Inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms is carried out using special lamps with ultraviolet bactericidal radiation UVGI. However, they do not destroy all types of mold, and dead spores can still cause allergies.
2. Probiotic-based products. Products based on live bacterial cultures that can destroy pathogenic fungal spores. Depending on the type chosen, they are sprayed into the air (using cleaners) or applied to surfaces. They are very effective in destroying pathogens, but they are expensive.

A selection of folk remedies for mold in the bathroom

In the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, you can use not only expensive commercial products, but also folk (household) ones, which are found in almost every apartment. However, when choosing products and recipes based on them, you need to pay attention to what surfaces they are allowed to be applied to.

Household bleach

Any household bleach is effective in the fight against mold in the bathroom. It contains sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which can inactivate microorganisms. But bleach is applied only to smooth surfaces of walls and ceilings, because it does not penetrate porous materials well.

Instructions for use:

1. Prepare a solution of 1 part bleach (powder or liquid) and 10 parts warm clean water. If necessary, adjust these proportions so that the final chlorine concentration is at least 1%.
2. Pour the composition into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the surfaces of the walls and ceiling covered with mold. Pay special attention to the joints (seams between tiles) and corners. The substance must be applied carefully and consistently.
4. After 10-20 minutes, the surfaces should be cleaned. Use a brush to completely remove fungal spores.
5. Wash the treated areas with clean water and laundry soap, dry thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Spray the surfaces of the walls and ceiling covered with mold. Pay special attention to the joints (seams between tiles) and corners. The substance must be applied carefully and consistently.

After 10-20 minutes, the surfaces should be cleaned. Use a brush to completely remove fungal spores.

Rinse the treated areas with clean water and laundry soap, dry well.

Ammonia

The chemical ethanol provokes the breakdown of proteins and dissolves fats, so it is an effective remedy against mold. However, it is used to get rid of small clusters of fungal spores.

To enhance its virucidal activity, a few drops of glycerin are added to the solution. This simple component, usually found in a home medicine cabinet, creates a bacteriostatic environment that prevents the spread of germs.

Cleaning steps:

1. Prepare a working solution by mixing the active substance (ammonia) and water in a glass in a 1:1 ratio. Add a few drops or a teaspoon of glycerin.
2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and generously spray the affected surfaces. To better moisturize them, use a soft sponge.
3. Leave the solution for 1 hour, then rinse it with clean water. If some mold remains, repeat the procedure immediately.
4. Upon completion, it is recommended to clean the entire bathroom.

Pour the solution into a spray bottle and generously spray the affected surfaces. To better moisturize them, use a soft sponge.

Leave the solution for 1 hour, then rinse it with clean water. If some mold remains, repeat the procedure immediately.

Once finished, it is recommended to clean the entire bathroom.

Ammonia is also good at removing limescale.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (peroxide) is an inexpensive and effective remedy for getting rid of small accumulations of mold from surfaces of any type. However, it does not kill microspores that can remain on materials and multiply again over time. It is inexpensive and almost always available at home.

Instructions for use:

1. Prepare a 3% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Moisten a napkin or sponge with the solution. Wipe the affected surface. After application, leave for 15 minutes (or until the mixture stops bubbling).
3. Scrape off the mixture and rinse the treated area with clean water.

Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps to quickly remove visible black mold stains from hard and smooth surfaces (walls, ceilings). However, the solution does not penetrate into small pores, so it does not completely eliminate microspores. Although baking soda is effective, mold will grow back over time.

Also check out tips on cleaning grout between tiles.

Cleaning steps:

1. Prepare the cleaning solution: dissolve a tablespoon of the active ingredient in a glass of clean warm water. Stir until the soda is completely dissolved.
2. Dip a sponge in the solution and wipe the affected surfaces. Leave to dry after application. If desired, the liquid can be sprayed using a spray bottle.
3. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.
4. After finishing, it is recommended to clean the entire bathroom.

Citric acid

Citric acid is an effective remedy against any type of mold. It penetrates and destroys the cell walls of fungal organisms, killing them. At the same time, it remains safe for humans.

Instructions for use:

1. Dissolve a tablespoon of crystallized citric acid in 200 ml of water. Instead of powder, you can dilute the juice of 2 medium citrus fruits.
2. Spray the liquid generously in areas where mold has accumulated and leave for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse the treated areas with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.

White vinegar

Vinegar destroys 82% of mold species, so it is often used as a natural, non-toxic alternative to household chemicals. The most effective product is one with a concentration of ethanoic acid equal to 6%. Vinegar is used on both smooth and porous surfaces.

Cleaning steps:

1. Mix 6% vinegar and clean water in a 1:1 ratio.
2. Treat areas of infection (where fungus has accumulated), paying special attention to small cracks and chips, areas of seams (where the sealant is) between tiles. Leave to dry for 1-2 hours.
3. Rinse the treated area thoroughly and dry.
4. When finished, thoroughly clean the entire bathroom and air it out.

Boric acid

Boric acid (borate, borax) can stop the growth of fungal microorganisms and is a good alternative to household chemicals. However, it is toxic, has a pungent odor and therefore requires the use of personal protective equipment (gloves, respirator).

Instructions for use:

1. Wet the bathroom surfaces thoroughly.
2. Pour 100 g of boric acid into a bowl, pour in 6 tbsp. 9% vinegar.
3. Stir well to obtain a uniform consistency.
4. Spread the product over the areas affected by mold. Use a soft sponge.
5. Wait 1 hour for the borax to destroy all microorganisms. Then carefully scrape off the dirt with a hard toothbrush.
6. Rinse with clean water and dry the affected areas of the bathroom.
7. Upon completion, additional treatment is possible (soda and citric acid are recommended as cleaning agents).

Pour 100 g of boric acid into a bowl, pour in 6 tbsp of 9% vinegar.

Stir well to obtain a uniform consistency.

Distribute the product over the areas affected by mold. Use a soft sponge.

Wait 1 hour for the borax to kill all the microorganisms. Then thoroughly scrape off the dirt with a hard toothbrush.

Rinse with clean water and dry the affected areas of the bathroom.

Upon completion, additional treatment is possible (soda and citric acid are recommended as cleaning agents).

Copper sulfate

One of the most effective and inexpensive means of combating mold is copper sulfate. They can be used to treat any surface.

Cleaning steps:

1. Prepare a working solution by pouring 120 g of copper sulfate into 2 liters of warm water (enough for 40 m2). Mix thoroughly until the granules are completely dissolved.
2. Carefully pour the solution into a spray bottle, using a homemade paper funnel.
3. Spray the exposed concrete walls generously with the solution and leave overnight, then continue the repair. If you need to treat painted and tiled surfaces, apply the solution and rinse with clean water after it dries completely.
4. When finished, do not forget to ventilate the bathroom well.

Essential oil

Studies have shown that some essential oils have antifungal properties. They contain active components that suppress the growth of microspores in the air and on surfaces. Tea tree essential oil is considered the most effective.

However, it is recommended to combine it with analogs to enhance the antifungal effect.

Instructions for use:

1. Prepare a solution by adding 60 drops of tea tree essential oil and its analogs (2 or more types) to 0.5 l of warm water.
2. Shake the mixture slightly and pour into a spray bottle.
3. Shake the composition again, but more thoroughly. Immediately spray fresh black mold spots on the wall and other surfaces. If necessary, use a sponge for better moisturizing.
4. Leave the solution for 10 minutes, then rinse off the material for a minute. If necessary, repeat the procedure until the black spots completely disappear from the wall or ceiling.
5. After treatment, ensure good ventilation in the bathroom.

Furacilin

The drug furacilin has antimicrobial properties and is often present in a standard home medicine cabinet. It acts like antiseptic substances (antiseptics) and easily copes with large black mold spots on smooth surfaces (walls, ceilings).

Stages of work:

1. Prepare the antifungal composition: grind 20 tablets (weighing 20 mg each) into powder and dissolve it in 250 ml of warm clean water.
2. Pour the composition into a spray bottle and shake well.
3. Spray the product on the surface where mold accumulations are visible. After treatment, let it dry.
4. Carefully scrape off the mold (especially in corners, seam sealants).
5. After treating the area, rinse and wipe with a dry cloth. Provide ventilation in the bathroom.

The best professional mold removers

In the fight against mold, professional compounds remain the most effective. Although they are not cheap, many of them have a lasting effect and relatively low toxicity.

The best professional cleaners with an “anti-mold” effect include:

1. Bleach is a universal product that destroys all types of microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, viruses). It also copes well with dirt (plaque) in the bathroom. Bleach is inexpensive and very effective.
2. HYPO antifungal is a product that destroys fungi of all types. In addition, it has a disinfectant effect. It copes well with calcium deposits on the surface of metal elements of a bathtub, sink..
3. KimiKa anti-mold is a microspore destroyer that does not contain chlorine. It works equally well on smooth and porous surfaces. Removes unpleasant odors.
4. SANDAX cleaner, designed for treating smooth surfaces (sinks, bathtubs, tiles). Not only quickly removes mold and limescale, but also forms a protective film that prevents the re-proliferation of microbes.
5. Farant anti-mold is a deep penetration composition that copes with the most difficult fungal accumulations and removes unpleasant odors. It works for a long time.

When using professional products, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which are indicated on the packaging of the cleaning product. Under this condition, they will be effective and completely remove the fungus.

Tips for preventing fungus

Traditionally, the best way to combat mold is prevention. To prevent the appearance and spread of fungal spores, it is recommended to:

• regularly ventilate the room (open the door and windows, turn on the ventilation system);
• immediately dry wet things after water procedures, remove moisture (condensation) from surfaces;
• wash textiles (curtains, towels, rugs) more often;
• regularly clean the bathroom;
• immediately seal cracks with sealant when they are detected.

Safety rules for removal

Since the fungus and the means of combating it are mainly toxic, during When cleaning the bathroom, you must take personal safety precautions. It is imperative to adhere to the following rules and conditions:

1. Isolate the work area. Do not allow strangers, especially small children, to enter the bathroom.
2. Wear personal protective equipment: rubber gloves and a respirator.
3. Provide ventilation (open windows and turn on a fan).
4. Upon completion of the procedure, dispose of all materials that were used for cleaning purposes. These include sponges, rags, fabric gloves.

During work, you must be attentive and focused to prevent contact with pathogenic fungal spores.