There’s nothing like taking a hot shower only to realize that you’re surrounded by icky mold.
Gross! How does mold even grow in the shower, and how do you get rid of it?
Rest assured, you’re not alone. According to recent statistics, more than half of all U.S. homes have mold. But you have to take action.
Mold in shower fixtures, grout, and bathtubs should be removed as quickly as possible. Most importantly, you need to stop mold from ever creeping back.
In this article, you’ll learn what shower mold is, how it got there, and what you can do to fix the problem ASAP.
What Is Shower Mold?
Mold is a pervasive fungus that grows both indoors and outdoors. However, mold has a critical function in nature. It’s responsible for decomposing dead plants, trees, and leaves.
Once mold creeps into your home, however, it’s a whole other story. Quickly, mold goes from essential to dangerous. Not only is mold an eyesore in your shower, but it’s a legitimate health hazard.
Why does mold prefer your shower and not your sunny bedroom? Simple. Mold thrives in damp, dark areas, which makes your bathroom an ideal environment for mold.
Shower mold can appear in different places. You’ll find it growing on your ceiling, showerheads, fixtures, grout, and drains. If there are any damp and dark places in your home, mold will inevitably appear.
How to Spot Mold in Your Shower
The moment you spot mold in your shower, take action. But how do you know it’s even there? Shower mold as a few hallmarks you should know.
Here are the most common signs of mold in the bathroom:
• Black moldy spots and clusters on the ceiling
• Spotty pink and black mold on damp wooden surfaces
• Old, musty smells
• Experiencing new allergic reactions
• Recent respiratory issues
• Yellow mold on wood
• Mold on bathroom wallpaper
• Black and yellow mold in shower grout
Mildew is often confused with bathroom mold. While mildew is a fungus, the health consequences are not as severe. Mildew is the white, flaky substance you see growing on showerheads and drainage.
However, mildew should be removed immediately like mold, to be on the safe side.
Types of Shower Mold
You know what the mold in shower fixtures and bathrooms look like, but what are the names behind these pesky culprits? They may be hard to pronounce, but they’re essential to know.
The following bathroom molds are proven to increase Asthma, inflammation, breathing problems, fatigue, infections, and even depression, according to HTGV:
• Penicillium
• Cladosporium
• Aureobasidium
• Chaetomium
• Aspergillus
• Fusarium
• Serpula Lacrymans
• Ulocladium
• Trichoderma
Above all, the most common type of bathroom mold is Alternaria. You’ll also find this common household mold growing outside of the house in dark areas. The other is Stachybotrys Chartarum, which is more commonly known as “black mold.”
What Causes Mold to Grow in the Shower?
The culprits have been named, but how on earth do these molds end up in your shower?
Since mold thrives in dark, damp areas in nature, it makes sense that they flourish in the dark, moist recesses of your bathroom.
Building materials themselves also make a difference. Not only do molds love tile grout and bathroom walls, but they also invade damp wood, drywall, caulk, and wet bathroom rugs.
It takes less than two days for mold to grow in your bathroom. The more organic matter mold can feed on, the faster it will grow throughout your shower.
The Dangers of Mold in Shower Fixtures and Bathrooms
Bathroom mold may be common, but the longer you live with it, the higher your chances of health problems.
Along with allergies, Asthma, and mood disorders, here’s a deeper dive into the health consequences of mold, according to the CDC:
• Chronic coughing and wheezing
• Pneumonia
• Shortness of breath
• Lung disease and infection
• Skin and eye irritation
Now, studies show that bathroom mold can increase your chances of memory loss!
Mold removal is imperative, but how do you do it? How do you ensure that you’re killing the mold and not just wiping it away?
How to Remove Mold from Your Shower
Fortunately, you can attack toxic mold with everyday household items.
The moment you spot bathroom mold, grab an empty spray bottle and fill it with bleach and water. The solution should be 1 cup of bleach for every 2 cups of water. Spray the area and let the solution sit for at least 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, wipe away the solution with a cloth. You’ll instantly notice the difference!
To remove stubborn mold in between crevices, dip an old toothbrush in your bleach solution and scrub away. This method is the best way to remove toxic mold from porous tile grout.
If you can’t remove stubborn caulk mold, don’t panic. This problem is normal.
Instead, you’ll need to add baking soda to your bleach solution. Keep adding baking soda to your solution until you have a thick paste to work with.
Apply the paste on the caulk and let it sit for up to 2 hours. After that, it should wipe right off. If you still have a problem with stubborn toxic mold, call a mold removal service ASAP.
Ways to Prevent Mold in the Future
You’ve removed that toxic mold, but your job isn’t done. Prevention is essential. Knowing what to do can stop dangerous mold in its tracks.
The first thing you need to do is increase airflow in your bathroom. Install a bathroom fan if you don’t have one already.
Open your windows after every shower to decrease condensation. Install a dehumidifier to lower humidity levels in your bathroom.
Wipe down your bathroom walls, tile, and fixtures every day, especially after showering. All you need is a little bleach, water, and vinegar.
Consider replacing caulk or grout that’s wholly infested with toxic mold. These materials are porous, and mold may be living deep within.
Enjoy a Mold-Free Shower
Ready to enjoy showering again?
Don’t wake up in the morning to icky mold in shower fixtures. Identify it on the spot and take action! Remember these tips as you remove and prevent toxic mold in the future.
Don’t let the hidden dangers in your home impact your health and happiness. Check back often for the best tips and trends for savvy homeowners in Arizona.
