Mold is a fungus that can become problematic in your home. It can cause various health issues, structural damage to your house, and become an eyesore for everyone to see.
It’s an unwelcome guest that makes itself at home in many places — most commonly the bathroom. So whether you have mold growing on the bathroom ceiling or the shower curtain, any mold is something you don’t want in your house.
Harts Services provides mold removal and additional plumbing services in Tacoma, WA, and the surrounding areas. We’re your team of licensed, professional plumbers who are ready with a variety of plumbing services.
What are the signs of mold in the bathroom? What causes mold in the bathroom ceiling? And is black mold in the shower dangerous? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.
How Does Mold Grow?
Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air. These mold spores are microscopic and only require a small amount of moisture to take hold.
Heat, combined with humidity levels, also contributes to mold growth. Any organic matter, including dust, will feed the mold and help it spread rapidly. So now you know how mold grows, but why does it grow in your bathroom?
Reasons Mold Grows in Your Bathroom
Your bathroom provides the perfect environment for mold growth. Heat and moisture combine to promote a humid area for mold to multiply. That’s why people often see signs of mold in the bathroom.
Every time you take a bath, shower, or wash your hands or face with warm water helps foster this environment. In addition, microscopic organisms and dust in the air and on surfaces feed the mold, helping it spread. The most common causes of bathroom mold are lingering moisture caused by lack of ventilation, leaky toilets, sinks, pipes, and damp cellulose materials.
Signs of Mold in the Bathroom
Knowing the signs of mold in the bathroom can help prevent mold. If you can smell it but can’t see it, check hidden areas in your bathroom, including under sinks, toilets, and baths.
Search behind doors, in shower fixtures, exhaust fans, shower curtains, and more. It can start in the bathroom and spread to other rooms in the house.
Most people will see signs of mold in the bathroom on their shower curtains or the ceiling. Mold on the bathroom ceiling occurs because moisture gets trapped and has nowhere to go. Steam from hot baths and showers rises to the ceiling and, with poor ventilation, it can settle there. If the moisture remains too long, mold begins to grow and spread.
Water damage from the upper floor of the house is another common cause of mold in the bathroom ceiling. Water from a leak in the roof can accumulate and seep into the floor, gradually spreading into the ceiling above the bathroom. This moisture provides a place for mold to grow.
Is Black Mold in the Shower Dangerous?
Black mold, or Stachybotrys, can cause health problems for people who are sensitive to it. Some mold releases toxic substances called mycotoxins. However, they’re only dangerous if eaten and not harmful when inhaled. So is black mold in the shower dangerous?
If you see black mold in your shower, call a professional to come and remove it. Black spots on the shower curtain or ceiling are one of the most common signs of mold in the bathroom.
Is There a Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
Water runs frequently in bathrooms, providing the perfect combination of moisture and humidity for mold to grow. When people don’t clean and dry their bathroom surfaces, mildew begins to form.
The connection between mold and mildew is that mildew represents the beginning of a mold colony. Stagnant water in the bathtub is what provides conditions for mildew growth, which can eventually lead to mold. Seeing mildew in your bathtub is one of the signs of mold in the bathroom because it can lead to widespread mold growth later on.
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Whether it’s innovative plumbing solutions, efficient electrical repairs, or reliable HVAC maintenance, trust Harts to handle your home essentials with precision and care. Contact us today to discover the Harts difference and enjoy peace of mind in your home maintenance endeavors.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom
If you have mold on your bathroom ceiling, wash the affected area with a store-bought mold cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water. Let the area dry.
Next, mix one-quarter cup of bleach with one quart of water. Finally, apply the solution with a sponge or spray bottle. Remember to wear gloves and eye protection, in addition to opening a window for ventilation, when working with bleach.
If you prefer not to use bleach, white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide can also be effective. Apply the vinegar or peroxide to the area with a spray bottle and let it settle for one hour. Then, wipe it clean and let the area dry.
Call Harts Services for Mold Removal Today!
Harts Services takes pride in our work, and we strive to leave every home better than we found it. Our highly trained technicians are ready to help you resolve your plumbing problems.
Whether you need mold removal or other plumbing services, we’re your local plumbers in Tacoma and Seattle, WA. Contact us today by booking online!