Toxic Mold on Bathroom Ceiling: Mitigation & Prevention

Taking a hot bath isn’t nearly as relaxing when you’re staring up at spots of mold on the bathroom ceiling. But mold isn’t just unsightly – it’s dangerous for your health and the health of your home. Whether you’re noticing mold on bathroom ceiling, in the shower stall, or around the caulking, we have a solution for you to safely get rid of it.

Mold is a fungus that loves moisture. In the bathroom, steam from showers and baths rises to the ceiling and can settle there in the absence of proper ventilation. If the moisture remains for too long, mold spores begin to grow.

Mold on bathroom ceiling can be tricky to get rid of, and you don’t want to risk spreading it throughout your home. When attempting to reduce mold in your home, it is essential to follow the recommended safety precautions to protect yourself and your home.

Mold Types and Considerations

Mold comes in many hues, including black, white, green and orange. While some mold is nontoxic, for example, the types of mold used to make cheese, mold found in the home can cause serious health problems. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is one of the most toxic mold types. Toxic mold produces mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. If you have black mold in your home, it’s important to take immediate action to remove it.

If mold is growing in an area larger than ten square feet, we do not recommend attempting to clean it up yourself. The mold could spread to other parts of the house, and you could end up inhaling mold spores, which can be dangerous. If you have ten square feet of mold (or more), call a professional mold mitigation company to have the mold removed.

Mold on Bathroom Ceiling: DIY Removal

If mold has begun to grow on your bathroom ceiling, there are a few things you can do to remove it yourself. First, identify the source of the moisture and take steps to mitigate it. If mold is growing in the shower stall, make sure that the caulking is sealed tightly and that there are no gaps or cracks. You may need to replace the caulking altogether. If mold is growing on the bathroom ceiling, ventilate the room more often or run an exhaust fan during and after showers to remove moisture from the air.

Once you’ve taken steps to mitigate the moisture, you can begin cleaning up mold yourself. To do so, follow these steps:

Materials

• Protective gloves
• Goggles
• Face mask
• Scrub brush
• Rags or sponges
• Stepladder
• White distilled vinegar or cleaning vinegar
• Baking soda
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Dish soap
• Spray bottle

Steps

1. Put on your protective gear. This includes gloves, goggles and a face mask to avoid inhaling mold spores.
2. Add full-strength, undiluted vinegar to the spray bottle.
3. Climb up the stepladder and thoroughly spray the mold on bathroom ceiling with vinegar.
4. Let sit for at least one hour.
5. Combine 1 tsp dish soap, 2 tsps baking soda, and 2 cups of water.
6. Apply the baking soda solution to the mold and scrub with a scrub brush, sponge, or scouring pad.
7. Rinse the area with clean water and dry it thoroughly.
8. Repeat these steps until all mold is gone from the surface.

A note on vinegar: While vinegar is the EPA’s recommended mold-killer, its acidity can damage some surfaces. To avoid this, always test vinegar on a small, inconspicuous area of the surface before using it on mold. Avoid using vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron, or aluminum.

To Bleach or Not to Bleach?

If mold on bathroom ceiling is especially stubborn, you may be tempted to reach for the bleach. However, the EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill mold. When mold grows on porous materials like wood or drywall, it spreads its root deep into the material to reach more nutrients. So when you apply bleach to such a surface, you are merely changing the mold’s color on the surface while its roots remain alive and well. The mold will simply grow back.

Not only is bleach ineffective at killing mold, but it can also be dangerous. Bleach is a harsh chemical that emits fumes that can be harmful to your lungs. When mixed with other chemicals, like ammonia, it can create toxic gases. If you must use bleach to clean mold, make sure you do so in a well-ventilated area and always mix the bleach with water first.

Related Reading: How to Remove Mold from Drywall

Mold Prevention is Key

The best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place. In the bathroom, this means taking measures to reduce humidity and keep surfaces clean and dry.

Here are some tips for preventing mold growth in your bathroom:

1. Use an exhaust fan or open a window when showering to ventilate the space and prevent mold growth.
2. Wipe down surfaces after each use, including the sink, countertop, bathtub, shower and toilet.
3. Use mold-resistant caulk and grout in showers and around tubs.
4. Keep bathroom doors open to improve air circulation.
5. Don’t store items on the floor of the bathroom – this can promote mold growth.
6. Clean moldy areas immediately to prevent the mold from spreading.
7. Consider using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in the bathroom.
8. Regularly check for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.

By taking these simple steps, you can prevent mold growth in your bathroom and keep your home healthy and mold-free.

Mold Remediation Specialists

If you have mold in your bathroom or mold on bathroom ceiling, don’t hesitate to contact a mold remediation specialist. They can help you safely and effectively remove mold from your home.

Mold remediation specialists are trained in mold removal and have the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves from mold spores. They also have access to powerful mold removal products that are not available to the general public. Mold remediation specialists can safely and effectively remove mold from your home, ensuring that it does not return.