The shower is no doubt one of the parts of your home with the best conditions for black mold to grow and thrive. Black mold loves this room filled with moisture since all the elements it needs to grow can be found here in large amounts.
What Causes Black Mold in the Shower?
Black mold occurs a lot in bathrooms with poor ventilation that are not cleaned on regular basis. These lead to the most favorable conditions for black mold to grow. There are five elements that should be present to promote black mold growth, namely a food source, mildew spores, oxygen, source of moisture, and a place to grow.
Aside from these necessary elements, some factors can also increase black mold growth such as minimal light, sufficient time, high humidity, and adequate heat.
A look at these factors will make you realize while the bathroom meets all required aspects for mildew growth and meets all factors increasing substantial growth.
Is Black Mold In Your Shower Dangerous?
If you ever notice Satchybotrys chararum or black mold in your shower, you have to know that it can be quite dangerous. Sadly, this kind of mold is common in places like your shower, bathtub, ceiling, toilet, and tile.
These spores can cause some health problems to humans and need removal right away. Interacting with this type of mold may make you suffer from poisoning and other symptoms.
Health Risks of Black Mold
Black mold can be quite threatening to humans and may pose different health risks. This is why removal should be considered as soon as possible.
Black mold spores can make you experience some of the following:
- nausea
- respiratory issues
- skin irritation
- headaches
- allergic reactions
- memory loss
- asthma
All of these symptoms are signs of being exposed to the toxic black mold. Seek treatment right away if you think that you are suffering from these health issues.
Common Areas in the Shower with Black Mold Growth
Black mold spores cannot be detected if you don’t look for them. You might want to perform a thorough inspection of your shower, bathtub, ceiling, tile, toilet, and all walls of the room.
4 places in your shower where black mold can thrive:
1. Shower tiles
Tiles should be monitored when looking for black mold spores. If the tiles have muddy appearance and look slimy and wet, there is a chance that spores already started to grow on them.
2. Anywhere with musty smell
Search for areas with musty smell or with water damage. This often indicates rotting wood that is an ideal place for mold to grow and requires immediate removal.
3. Visible spores
In case you notice spores, chances are there is so much more than what meets the eye. It is possible that the problem is severe if you can actually see these spores.
4. Damaged walls or floors
Mold has already possibly compromised any walls, tile, or floors that feel spongy or soft. This requires the help of an expert to help with mold removal and water damage restoration.
Best Methods to Remove Black Mold in the Shower
If you noticed black mold spores in the shower, you will want a removal to be performed right away. For more serious problems, you can call in a professional to make sure that every trace of mold has been removed properly.
When you notice a tiny amount of black spores on the shower, bathtub, ceiling, toilet, and tile, you can handle yourself.
While there are household cleaners that can be used to remove spores, the following products can be used to solve the problem naturally:
- Vinegar
Use vinegar straight from the bottle and spray this on the affected areas. You can also add baking soda to finish off the removal.
- Tea tree oil
Mix water and tea tree oil and spray this mixture on the spores. Wait for the mixture to set for a few hours before scrubbing away the mold. After using tea tree oil, you can complete the process with baking soda.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
You can mix water and one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to remove black mold spores. Allow it to stay on the moldy spot for 10 minutes. Wipe off the surface with more hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
How to Remove Black Mold Spores from Bathroom Ceiling
There are several precautions you can take if you notice spores on the bathroom ceiling. Wear a cotton face mask, gloves, and goggles to keep yourself protected from the spores. A cleaning agent or any of the mixtures above can be used.
It is also likely that you will need to use a ladder for you to reach the bathroom ceiling. In case you cannot remove the spore no matter how much you try, it might be necessary to replace the wall tiles or sheet rock affected by spores.
Remember that black mold spores are dangerous and toxic to your health. Always monitor your shower for spores in common areas including toilet, bathtub, and ceiling. Your safety should be prioritized before anything else.
Avoid exposing yourself to any unnecessary health risks. In cases where the spores are impossible to remove on your own, don’t think twice and contact a professional right away.
After the removal process is finished and you have disinfected and cleaned up the area as needed, you would want to ensure that the mold won’t grow back anytime soon. Learning how to get rid of black mold in your shower can go a long way in keeping you safe while looking after your personal hygiene.
