How to get rid of mold in the bathroom?

Why does mold appear?

Fungus appears in the bathroom for the following reasons:

• Poor ventilation. Even a permanently closed door to the bathroom will not cause mold if there is good draft in the exhaust duct.
• Low temperature or drops. When moisture does not dry out, ideal conditions are created for the development of spores.
• Condensation on the pipes. Most often found on cast iron.
• Leakage. Leaking pipes, taps or toilet bowls are one of the main causes of mold.

The photo shows what the fungus looks like in the bathroom.

It also happens that there are no reasons for the formation of mold, but it appeared in one single place - perhaps this was due to a leak in the mine. In this case, contact the management company.

What is dangerous to health?

Do not delay cleaning from mold, because its presence is harmful to the health of you and your loved ones. At the same time, experts say that it is most dangerous in the bathroom - it is easier for spores to enter the body through the open pores of the skin.

However, most of the fungus enters through the respiratory tract. This can lead to bronchitis, asthma and other illnesses.

At risk are:

• Children. Mold can cause them to develop a runny nose, cough, allergies, bronchitis, asthma, dermatitis, and other illnesses.
• Elderly. The respiratory organs and joints are primarily affected.
• Allergy sufferers. Possibly constant sneezing, rashes, shortness of breath.

What are the ways?

The most radical, but at the same time effective way is a major overhaul:

• Remove finishing materials.
• Dry the surfaces thoroughly.
• Treat the floor, walls and ceiling with an antiseptic and a fungus primer.
• Make a new finish.

During the repair, you should also fix the problems that caused the appearance of mold: put additional ventilation, change pipes and heated towel rails, and eliminate leaks.

But there are also less drastic methods. You can remove the fungus in the bathroom mechanically or with the help of chemicals. Which option is suitable for your particular case and which compounds will help get rid of mold in the bathroom, we will tell you in the following sections.

Mechanical removal of mold

If the stains are small, located on an open smooth surface, you can mechanically remove the mold in the bathroom.

1. Moisten spore-covered areas with water to keep them out of the air and cause new lesions.
2. Choose the right tool: knife, trowel, brush, sander.
3. Remove the fungus along with the coating. disputes have already come under wallpaper, paint or plaster.
4. Treat the surface with an antiseptic solution to prevent re-mildew.

Before scraping off mold, moisten the areas with water using a rag or spray bottle as shown.

Large affected areas will either have to be completely replaced (for example, furniture) or returned to major repairs.

Working agents against mold

If fungus has appeared in the bathroom, how to remove it without damaging the surface? Use special fungicidal preparations: they not only disinfect and kill existing fungi, but also prevent the formation of new ones.

A selection of folk remedies for the destruction of fungus in the bathroom

You can eliminate mold in the bathroom with the tools at hand, which are available in almost every apartment:

Vinegar. The jar of essence is inexpensive and highly effective. However, be careful when handling corrosive liquids: wear rubber gloves and a respirator, and pour vinegar into a spray bottle.

• Apply to the affected area, going 10-15 cm beyond.
• Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
• Remove mold with a brush or cloth.
• Wipe the treated surface with a clean cloth or rinse with water.

In the photo, the door of the shower stall - it is in them and the joints of the bathroom that the fungus most often appears

Soda. Baking soda is another inexpensive disinfection method.

• Prepare a container and brush.
• Dampen black mold with water.
• Put some baking soda in a container, dip the dampened bristles.
• Clean up the infection, adding baking soda if necessary.
• Rinse off with water.

Pictured is a great way to remove mold and other dirt from seams.

Tip: It is convenient to use an old toothbrush to clean out stains in the tile joints - after such cleaning, the tile will look like new.

Tea tree oil. It does not harm humans, but thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it effectively fights the fungus. Do not be afraid of the strong smell - it disappears quickly.

• Mix 1 tsp. butter with 1 glass of water.
• Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
• Treat infected areas.
• The oil solution can be left overnight, and in the morning, wipe off the mold and apply it again to prevent re-propagation.

In addition to the listed agents, ammonia, chlorine or whiteness, copper sulfate, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals are used in the fight against mold on the walls and ceiling. Do not forget to read the instructions for working with them and follow all the rules of self-defense. An equally interesting way with soda ash, see the video:

The best professional remedies for mold

What is easier to remove fungus in the bathroom? Professional formulations! Modern formulas can be used even in rooms with children, and you can buy funds at any hardware store.

Antiseptic Neomid Bio Repair. A ready-made antiseptic based on a synergistic mixture of biocides. Environmentally friendly, can be used in residential buildings and apartments. The manufacturer guarantees 100% result and long lasting effect after use.

• Spray on walls and ceiling from a distance of 10-20 cm.
• Leave to dry completely for 12 hours or more, removing excess moisture.
• Remove the composition with a scraper.

Antifungal Abedis 06. An effective remedy for mold in the bathroom based on a complex of guanidine copolymers. The vapors are safe for people, they are used even in children's and medical institutions. Designed specifically for high humidity conditions, so it is perfect for the bathroom.

• Dilute the concentrate in water in a 1: 2 ratio.
• Apply to the infected area with a brush or roller, leave for a day.
• Rinse with water and dry.
• Repeat the procedure after 36 hours if necessary.

Dali universal antiseptic. Due to its high penetrating power, it is used both on glazed bathroom tiles or paint, and on porous bricks, wood or concrete.

• Remove visible myceliums.
• Wipe and dry the surface.
• Apply with a brush, roller or spray twice 6-8 hours apart.

Fungus Prevention Tips

After you have removed the black mold, it is important to prevent it from forming again. To do this, use preventive tips:

• Prime the walls. Do not neglect such an important step, because the primer not only promotes high adhesion, but also prevents the development of fungus.
• Repair the ventilation.If there is not enough draft in the shaft, install an electric hood and open the doors often.
• Take care to maintain the temperature at 23-25C. Replace your heated towel rail with an electric one or install an underfloor heating system to keep you warm at any time of the year.
• Remove sources of moisture. Insulate pipes, fix leaks, replace plumbing if necessary.
• Take care of waterproofing. Seal the edges of the bathroom or shower, cover the walls with moisture resistant enamel.
• Replace furniture. If the cabinet or cabinet was against an infected wall, you can rest assured that black mold spores are already deep in the material. They penetrate especially easily into chipboard and MDF. Destroy items for your own good.
• Wash the walls and ceiling. Most often, we only clean the floor and plumbing in the bathroom. But weekly wet cleaning of all surfaces with a disinfectant is an effective preventive measure.

After wet cleaning, wipe the surfaces dry with an absorbent cloth as shown in the photo.

• Wipe the tub and sink until dry. Get a special towel with which you will wipe the shower tray or bathroom bowl after water procedures.
• Wash your curtains and rugs once a month. It will be more pleasant for you to be in the bathroom with clean textiles, and it will also help to kill fungal spores.
• Dry your bath towels outside the bathroom. Especially if the room is small and not warm enough.

Breeding safety rules

When removing mold in the bathroom, follow these safety precautions:

• Wear gloves, goggles and a respirator when working with any product - be it soda or copper sulfate.
• Cover clean surfaces with plastic wrap to keep spores out of the floor and furniture.
• Take as many things and furniture out of the room as possible.
• Turn off the hood and avoid drafts, black mold in the bathroom can easily spread through the air.
• Throw away everything that was used during the process: rags, brushes, film, gloves, respirator and goggles.

Before starting work, put on a mask and gloves, as in the photo

If you see mold in your bathroom, take action to remove it immediately. And then follow the practical rules of prevention in order to prevent the new development of colonies.