Black mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, poorly ventilated areas. This fungus is frequently seen growing in bathrooms and can cause several health problems, including respiratory problems, cold-like symptoms, skin irritation, eye irritation, and asthma attacks.
If left alone for too long, you may even end up developing an allergy. This is why it is so important to remove black mold from your bathroom tile.
What Causes the Mold on Your Bathroom Tile?
Molds spread by producing microscopic spores. These spores travel through the air until they find a damp area to grow. Most of the time, this isn’t a problem. Unfortunately, when these spores land on your damp shower tile, they can begin to grow inside your home.
Before removing this fungus, you need to determine why it grew. Is there a leak in your bathroom that is feeding the fungus? Is the room not ventilated properly?
Determine were the excess moisture is coming from and fix the problem before attacking the fungus. If you fail to fix the source of the problem, the fungus will keep on coming back.
Tools You Need for Black Mold Removal
Before you remove black mold, you will need to gather a few supplies. Remember that this fungus can irritate your skin and eyes, as well as cause respiratory problems and fever-like symptoms. You need to protect yourself throughout the process.
Before cleaning your shower tile, you will need:
- Paper towels or old rags
- Gloves
- Trash bags
- Bleach
- Ammonia-free household cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Scrubbing brush
- Large plastic sheet
- Tape
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Dehumidifier
- HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, vacuum
A HEPA vacuum is an extremely effective vacuum that eliminates microscopic spores and other particles. You want to make sure that you get rid of all of the spores so the fungus doesn’t grow back.
To find out where you can rent this equipment, call your Local Health Department. If you can’t find a HEPA vacuum, refrain from using a regular vacuum. Most household vacuums will just blow the spores around, which can make the problem worse.
Once you have organized your supplies, mix one ounce of bleach into two cups of water. Pour the solution into one of the spray bottles.
Prepare your bathroom by closing the door and taping the plastic over the door. Make sure that the door jam is completely covered. This will keep the spores from spreading to other rooms while you clean.
Also turn on the dehumidifier. This will eliminate moisture in the air throughout and after the cleaning process. Once this is done, you are ready to start cleaning your tile.
Remove Mold on Bathroom Tile in 6 Steps
- Remove black mold by spraying household cleaner on the area. Scrub until you have removed the visible fungus. Wipe away the grime and place the towels in a trash bag. Repeat as necessary.
- Once you have removed the visible fungus, spray the bleach solution on the area. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes. Bleach is a fungicide and will help to kill any remaining microorganisms.
- Wipe away bleach solution and place towels in a trash bag. Make sure to tightly close the bag after filling it with infected towels.
- Pat the entire area dry. The dehumidifier will also help eliminate moisture. Do not use a fan, as this may spread spores.
- Once the tile is dry, use the HEPA vacuum on the tile. Vacuum each square foot of tile for about one minute.
- Immediately after finishing, place the vacuum bag into a trash bag.
How to Prevent Future Mold from Forming
Once you are done cleaning your tile, change and wash your clothes. Also wash your cleaning supplies and dispose of the trash bags. Once the area is clean and dry, you will need to make sure that it stays that way.
Every time you take a shower, spend a minute wiping down your tile. Also refrain from throwing moist towels or clothes where fungus may grow. After taking a shower, open a window or put on the bathroom fan to keep air circulating. It can be difficult to keep bathroom tile dry. If your bathroom is constantly humid, keep a dehumidifier in the room.
Warnings to Keep in Mind
When cleaning your bathroom tile, make sure not to mix bleach with a cleaner that contains ammonia. This may produce a toxic gas that can be extremely dangerous, especially since you will be sealing yourself in the bathroom as you clean.
Also make sure to use your gloves and goggles. If you are cleaning a large amount of fungus, you may even want to get a mask. You do not want to overexposure yourself to spores while cleaning.
Fortunately, when following these steps, it is possible to remove black mold and prevent it from growing on your tile in the future.
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