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Black mold isn’t necessarily the uniquely devastating fungus problem that some sensationalist media would lead you to believe, but it’s still something to discourage from growing in your home. Even if severe illness from black mold is uncommon, its toxigenic byproducts can cause eye or respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and headaches. Mold is also unsightly, can cause structural damage to your home if left unchecked, and will cause your home’s appraisal value to plummet.
In most cases, mold remediation specialists can remove black mold without much trouble. If you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to get rid of the mold yourself.
What Black Mold Actually Is and Why Bathrooms Are So Vulnerable to It
The term “black mold” usually refers to Stachybotrys chartarum, a species of greenish-black speckled mold that gained notoriety in the 1990s because of a study that suggested it contributed to lung ailments in infants. This finding is controversial, and most experts today don’t consider S. chartarum to be more dangerous than any other species of mold commonly found in homes.
Many other types of mold appear dark green or black, so “black mold” has become something of an unscientific catch-all for several species. Virtually all of these species thrive in the same conditions, so you can’t be sure whether you’re dealing with S. chartarum or something else without a clinical test. For the average homeowner, though, the specific species is unimportant. Different types of mold, regardless of color, often have the same adverse health effects on vulnerable or sensitive individuals, and all call for the same cleaning and remediation techniques.
The bathroom is one of the most common sites for mold growth because it supplies in abundance everything mold needs to sustain itself: warmth, water, and food. Steam and heat from showers raises the temperature and moisture content of the air in the bathroom. With two conditions for survival easily met, the mold only needs a food source, which it can find in skin cells, soap scum, dust, and cellulose in the wood and drywall.
How to Get Rid of Black Mold in the Bathroom Safely
Some straightforward tips can help you clean a moldy surface thoroughly without spreading spores or causing cosmetic damage:
- Keep the bathroom ventilated. Scrubbing mold sends spores airborne, which can cause allergic reactions and irritation to the eyes and lungs. Open a window, turn on the exhaust fan, and wear a mask, eye protection, and gloves.
- Fix the moisture problem. Mold will return if the underlying moisture issue is not resolved. Identify and fix the problem, which could be inadequate ventilation, excess humidity, a dripping faucet or showerhead, or plumbing leak.
- Use an appropriate cleaning solution. For nonporous surfaces like tile and glass, soap and water is enough to eliminate the mold. You can use a diluted bleach solution, but that isn’t really necessary. Bleach may make white surfaces look cleaner, but it doesn’t necessarily eliminate the spores deeper in the porous caulk and grout.
- Scrub vigorously. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub any visible trace of mold. Use a toothbrush for tight spaces.
- Rinse and dry surfaces completely. Flush the cleaned surface with fresh water, then dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
- Throw out the used cleaning equipment. The materials you used to scrub the mold will be contaminated with spores, so seal up any brushes and towels in a plastic bag and throw them away.
After an initial cleaning, assess whether replacement materials are necessary to prevent the mold from returning in force. If left unchecked for several weeks or months, mold can infiltrate porous surfaces. Check the caulk and grout for trace spots of mold, removing old material and applying new mold-resistant caulk or grout as needed. Check the walls and ceiling for drywall that is water-damaged, stained, or discolored, and replace if necessary.
How to Keep Black Mold from Coming Back
Once the mold is removed, you need to take measures to prevent it from returning. Follow these steps:
- Use your exhaust fan. Make sure you turn on the exhaust fan whenever you run the shower. Leave the fan running for at least 20 minutes after the shower to bring down humidity levels.
- Use a squeegee on tile and glass. Keep a squeegee in the bathroom and use it to wick off excess moisture from shower surfaces.
- Manage indoor humidity levels. Set up a hygrometer in the bathroom and use it to ensure that humidity levels stay under 50%. Use a dehumidifier as needed.
- Don’t leave wet towels in a pile. After a shower, hang towels to dry or run them through the washer and dryer. Wash and dry handtowels, bathmats, and even shower curtains regularly.
- Immediately fix any leaks. If you notice a leak, close the nearest valve to cut the water supply. Tighten any fittings or contact a plumber to have the problem resolved.
- Keep the grout and caulk in good shape. As grout and caulk deteriorate, water can work its way into tight spaces and contribute to mold growth. When they show signs of wear and tear, promptly repair.
When DIY Mold Removal Isn’t Enough and You Need a Professional
Some mold problems are beyond the scope of what the average homeowner can manage. The EPA recommends enlisting professional help if the mold covers an area greater than 10 square feet. That amount of mold usually means the problem goes much deeper, in the walls, above the ceiling, or under the flooring.
You should also contact a professional remediation service if mold continues to return after repeated cleanings, or if there are persistent humidity issues, leaks, or musty odors that have no obvious cause or source.
Mold removal cost estimates are dependent on the size of the problem. Small remediation jobs in a single bathroom might run from $500 to $2,000. If the mold has spread into the walls or adjacent rooms, the cost can quickly inflate to several thousands, exceeding $10,000 in serious cases.
The Bathroom Habits That Unknowingly Encourage Mold Growth
Sometimes the cause of mold growth or moisture problems in the bathroom isn’t a single localized issue, but instead a combination of everyday habits. If you’re concerned about black mold, bathroom habits worth kicking include:
- Not using the exhaust fan or turning it off while steam still hangs in the air
- Taking long, hot showers without adequate ventilation
- Leaving wet towels and bathmats in a heap
- Placing shampoo bottles, washcloths, and loofahs against wet surfaces, trapping in moisture
- Ignoring small gaps in caulk or grout
- Not using a squeegee or cloth to dry surfaces after a shower
- Crowding the shower with bath products
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