Updated on 17-Nov-2022
There’s some black mold in my shower! It sounds gross, but you’ll feel better about it after learning the facts. You don’t have to worry about anything related to black mold in showers because this article can help you with everything from removing mold from shower caulk, grout, and tiles to curtains, drains, and even walls.
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You’d think that, after having had the caulking professionally removed, I wouldn’t need to worry about it again. But I did! You see, after a little over a year, the mold came back and I found myself in the same predicament. No matter how much bleach I used, it only temporarily cleared it up!
But, the caulking is not the only place that black mold grows in a shower. It also grows on the shower ceiling, around the shower drain, and even on a shower curtain. Mold growth is aided by areas with high humidity such as the grout.
I wanted to explore with you today these other areas that grow black mold in a shower! I know it seems fun and harmless, but I’m sure you’re aware of the potential health risks. Let’s talk about how to remove that black mold in your shower for good!
Also Read – What Is The Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
Black Mold in Shower
First, let’s talk a little bit more about why black mold grows in showers and why black mold in showers is dangerous and the health risks associated with black mold in the shower.
What Causes Black Mold in Shower?
Mold loves to grow in humid places, and the damp conditions in the shower may just be the most perfect environment it’s ever found. The bathroom surfaces provide absolutely optimal breeding ground for various types of mold that love to thrive on warm surfaces.
If there’s mold in your home, you need to eliminate both the mold and the cause of it – a water problem. That’s why it’s important to control the humidity in your home. You should always use a bathroom ventilation fan and leave the door to the bathroom open if you can. Leave the window open if there is a screen on it or if you can close the bottom part of the window (opposite of how most windows are opened).
Also Read – How Much Does Home Renovation Cost Per Square Foot in Toronto
Black Mold in Shower Health Risks
Luckily, today’s bathrooms and showers are constructed in such a way as to minimize the risk of getting Stachybotrys chartarum—the toxic black mold or “deadly mold” known as black mold.
This bacteria feeds on cellulose, which isn’t found in shower surfaces or zones. That’s why these areas don’t allow for the really bad types of mold to grow.
Stachybotrys is less likely to grow in tile, ceramics, and cement-fiber backer board.
But, it doesn’t mean the black mold that you see in your shower is safe for you either!
Some people prefer to request laboratory testing for mold, but it really isn’t necessary and can be pretty expensive.
Also Read – Mold Problem In Canada – How Serious It Is & Solution?
What are health issues associated with exposure to mold?
Many people experience no physical symptoms from being exposed to black mold in showers, but those who have asthma, weakened immune systems, or sensitivities or allergies to mold can experience some physical symptoms from the exposure. These include things like:
- sneezing
- itchy eyes
- scratchy throat
- trouble breathing/respitory issues
- headache
- skin irritation
- yeast infection
- athlete’s foot
- fever
- rashes
Even if you don’t show symptoms now, repeated and prolonged exposure can lead to a mold sensitivity over time and affect your health. Bathroom mold isn’t something to ignore at all.
Also Read – Tips To Prevent Mold Growth On Windows Sills In Toronto
How to Get Rid of Black Mold in Shower Caulking
While it is effective at removing the mold’s color and stains, many people found that it only prevents the growth of more black mold in the future, and did not actually remove the mold. Unfortunately this was what happened to me— 6-9 months after bleaching my walls, new black mold started to grow.
But bleach is really good for removing mold stains – which is good, because it does kill the mold. If you want to get rid of the possibility of future mold growth, you need to add an oxidizer to the bleach.
To remove mold stains from your clothes, try using white vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, oxygen bleach, borax or hydrogen peroxide.
One of the best things you can do to remove black mold in caulking is to just remove the caulking altogether. And no, that’s not difficult or time-intensive either. Just use new high-quality caulking and let it dry properly before using your shower again. This is important because after removing the moldy caulking, a good caulk will also help prevent water damage and future outbreaks of black mold on your tile and shower walls!
Also Read – How To Find Mold Hidden In Your Home – 5 Signs To Look For
Adding new caulk is a great way to spruce up that moldy shower.
But, if your grout still looks like it’s in good shape, then try one of the following methods:
- Bleach (unless grout is colored or the tile is too brittle). Rub bleach into the grout using a stiff bristle brush and let it sit for 30 minutes and then wash with warm water, repeating the process as needed.
- Distilled white vinegar. Spray it on and let it rest for 30 minutes, and then scrub the vinegar through the grout, spray it again and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse the grout using warm water. Repeat the process as needed.
- Baking Paste. Use the method I followed to wash grout using baking soda, but allow it to sit for 10 minutes prior to rinsing and repeating as needed.
- Baking soda as well as hydrogen peroxide blend. Use the above baking soda paste, and apply it and then spray or sprinkle hydrogen peroxide on it, and rub the fluid paste. Rinse the area with water, and repeat as needed.
When you’ve removed black from grout in your shower, make sure to use a squeegee take out any water and moisture from your grout and tiles after showering to keep it from resurfacing.
How to Clean Black Mold in Shower Ceiling
As with all molds, you’ll need to eliminate the source that caused the problem (check the bathroom fan) prior to tackling the mold or else you’ll need to do it over and over again!
If the problem isn’t serious as long as your ceiling composed of a non-porous substance, and you’re looking to get rid of the black mold that has accumulated in your the shower ceiling, you’ll need to:
The window should be opened, shut off the fan, then put on rubber gloves and wear goggles. Utilize a mask with a vent If you have one.
- Get a step stool or ladder.
- Get rid of the paint.
- Cleanse the ceiling. Mix a mixture of 2 Tbl Borax and 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 cups of hot water. Apply it to the area.
- Scrub using a scouring pad.
- Cleanse the sponge frequently or change sponges during the process.
- Repeat until you are.
- After the mold has been removed, spray it again with the mold-killing solution.
- Let dry.
- The shower ceiling should be sanded down.
- Paint the shower ceiling using an impervious paint.
Also Read – What is the Relation Between Poor Indoor Air Quality & Mold Growth?
Ultimate Mold Crew – Mold Removal Toronto