Mold can be a real scourge in our homes, and especially in our bathrooms. As we know only too well, mold loves damp, humid places and will happily thrive and multiply in such environments as the bath or shower room. Not only is it unsightly, but it is also toxic and many people can suffer from a wide range of allergic reactions from it.
Fortunately, we have a few simple steps to help you get rid of mold in your bathroom, and following the steps should see that this room at least, becomes a mold free zone:
- Before you begin, arm yourselves with gloves and ideally a surgical mask:
It’s quite probable that you’re allergic to mold spores, but even if you’re not, it’s sensible to protect yourself with gloves and a face mask to prevent inhalation of the mold spores.
You should also turn off any air conditioning before you begin, and close the bathroom door to prevent the spores from being spread all through your home. Opening some windows would be sensible, too.
- Use natural cleaning agents such as vinegar or baking soda:
There is no need to use harmful chemical products to kill the mold, although if it puts your mind at rest to use something as strong as bleach, then by all means do so, just be careful of what surfaces you use it on as it can strip the colour or damage the material. Otherwise, set aside some cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, Tea Tree oil or detergent, and choose one or several to coat all surfaces (including tiles) and leave for at least an hour.
- Scrub at the mold with hot water and a brush:
Since the products mentioned above are usually very effective at destroying mold spores, you shouldn’t have to put too much elbow grease into removing it afterwards, but if you have a bucket of hot water and a scrubbing brush, that will make the job even easier. A toothbrush may come in handy for cleaning those hard to reach places.
- Repeat as and when necessary:
If you had to scrub hard and some mold remains, simply give the surface another coating with one of the products listed above, wait another hour, and go at it again. Some mold can be stubborn, and it’s better to rid the room of it entirely, than do half a job and find that the mold has begun to breed again.
- Wash shower curtains and anything else that will fit in your washing machine:
Most shower curtains, or at least the liners, can be popped in your washing machine on a hot wash, and will come out looking and smelling fresh, without you having to spend time scrubbing at them.
- Clean your bathroom regularly:
I wish there was an easier answer to eliminating mold, but cleaning your bathroom regularly is really the best way to stop it from building up. Making sure that it’s well ventilated will also prevent it from growing, as will purchasing a de-humidifier, if ventilation is an issue.
- Add a sealant to the grouting:
Mold can be discouraged from building up in between the tiles, if you add a sealant to the tile grouting.
- Use vinegar:
Spraying all bathroom surfaces and the shower curtain with undiluted distilled vinegar, can also help prevent mold from multiplying in your bathroom. Do it every few days for the best results, but as it’s non-toxic and doesn’t produce harmful fumes, you can use it as often as you wish.
And so, there you have it, a few simple and cost effective tips for busting bathroom mold, and if you try to clean your bathroom thoroughly at least once a week, you should find that the mold disappears for good.