If you see discoloration in your bathroom's tiles and grout, don't assume it's just an aesthetic problem. Sometimes, it may be due to a health hazard, so take action before something wrong happens.
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A: You probably need to call an expert to remove it.
A: Yuck! Black mold is disgusting. And, if you're not careful, it can be deadly. If your home has been inundated with water or had a leaking pipe for a while without fixing it, you may have a problem. If you find yourself staring at a thick layer of black stuff growing on your walls, floors, or ceilings, you must call an expert immediately. Mold removal services are expensive, so make sure you know exactly what kind of mold you're dealing with before hiring someone to come out and take care of it.
You might want to ask a professional to check out the problem. If they say it's just a case of regular old mildew, you can start cleaning up the mess yourself. However, if there is no visible evidence of a specific kind of bacteria, it could be something else.
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Generally, molds are fungi that grow abundantly in nature and live comfortably inside your home. They're not just found in bathrooms; they can also be found in kitchens, basements, attics, and garages. These little creatures love to grow when the temperature gets hot, humid, and wet. And if you don't keep them under control, they'll quickly spread throughout your house. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of them without calling in a professional exterminator.
1. Remove the mold.
To get rid of mildew, use an antifungal cleaning solution (like Clorox Antifungal, available at most stores), a sponge or rag to clean the affected area, and then follow up by using a scrub brush to clean the remaining mildew stains. Rinse well after each step. If necessary, repeat these steps until no trace of mildew remains.
2. Remove any stains from the carpet using a stain rem
To get rid of the black stains that mold leaves on non-porous surfaces like grout, mix one part of household chlorine-based cleaner (such as Clorox) and two to three cups of warm tap or distilled running H2O into a small bowl, then add a cup of friendly fixture or distilled H20 if necessary. Add a few drops of dish soap to help loosen dirt from the stain, and let the mixture sit until it has cooled slightly. Use a clean cloth to wipe away the solution, and rinse thoroughly with a clear tap or distilled H20. If the stain remains, repeat the procedure until no longer visible.
3. Eliminate mold spores.
To remove mold from an item, use vinegar instead of household cleaner. Vinegar works better than cleaners because it removes mold without leaving behind harmful chemicals.
To prevent future mold growth, keep humidity levels low.
- You may want to keep some white vinegar handy. Store a spray bottle of white vinegar in the bathroom, then use it to clean up spills and wipe down surfaces. You could even put several droplets of tea-scented essential oils into the bottle to mask the odor.
- If you don't have one already, get yourself an exhaust fan. Running it every time you shower or bathe for several minutes should help dry the air.
- After using the bathroom, wipe off the sink and toilet seat. Then wipe down the door handles and faucets. Finally, wipe down the mirrors and tiles.
- Regularly clean the bathroom. Be sure to do a thorough cleanup every week; if all else fails, rotate an anti-fungicide cleaner into the rotation at least once a month.
