When it comes to sustaining a safe, clean, and healthy home, one of the most persistent and daunting challenges is dealing with black mold. The damp and humid environment of a shower makes it an ideal breeding ground for black mold. It is not only unsightly but can also cause many health problems. 

This guide will walk you through effective methods of cleaning black mold in the shower. We’ll also discuss how you can prevent mold in the future and why you should seek professional help. 

Things to Consider Before You Get Started

Since inhaling or tackling mold can create allergic and respiratory symptoms, it is best to put on a mask, rubber gloves, and eye protection to protect yourself from mold spores and harmful chemicals. And before starting make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated. 

Secondly, when you’re working with bleach, always use caution to protect yourself from dangerous fumes. Bleach should never be mixed with anything that contains vinegar, ammonia, or acidic acid.

Methods of Cleaning Black Mold in Shower

Here are four effective methods to clean mold in the shower. If one method doesn’t give you results then you can try another. Remember to rinse the area before trying another method and be careful not to combine problematic chemicals.

Method 1: Using White Vinegar

The acid in vinegar helps to kill the mold spores and it also prevents regrowth of mold.

Steps to Follow:

1. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle.
2. Spray onto the affected areas and let it set for 1 hour.
3. Scrub the moldy surface with a brush or a sponge.
4. Rinse the areas with water thoroughly and let it dry.
5. If any stains are remaining use tile cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach and clean them with a brush.

Method 2: Using Chlorine Bleach

Bleach is a powerful killer for mold. But it should be used with caution because of its harmful fumes.

Steps to Follow:

1. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of chlorine bleach with 16 cups of water.
2. Apply the prepared solution to the moldy areas with a sponge. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
3. Now, scrub the area with a nylon-bristled brush.
4. Rinse the surface thoroughly and leave the space to dry. 

Method 3: Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal agent that is quite helpful in killing mold.

Steps to Follow:

1. Pour 3-10% hydrogen peroxide solution into a spray bottle.
2. Start spraying the solution directly on the affected areas. It should bubble or fizz otherwise it will not work.
3. Allow the solution to remain on for at least 15 minutes or until the fizz stops.
4. Scrub and rinse the area with the brush. Repeat the same steps if required.

Method 4: Using Baking Soda Paste

You can get rid of black mold by using baking soda which is another natural cleaning agent. It especially works well for scrubbing grouts and tiles.

Steps to Follow:

1. Add half a cup of baking soda with water to get a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste on the moldy areas. After half an hour, use a wet sponge to scrub it.
3. Rinse well and dry the surface.

Preventing Future Mold Growth

After cleaning the mold in the shower, take steps to prevent its regrowth.

• Use exhaust fans after the shower to reduce humidity and ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated.
• Clean your bathroom with mold-preventing solutions.
• Fix if there are any leaks or water damage.
• Wipe the floor and walls with a squeegee after each use to avoid moisture.

When and Why Seek Professional Mold Remediation Services 

If you’re dealing with a minor colony of pathogenic or allergic black mold, then you can try the methods explained above. But if there are large mold colonies, then removing black mold by yourself can be a bit dangerous.

So, one of the factors in getting professional help is the size of the mold. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you should get professional mold removal when the mold growth covers over 10 square feet.

Consulting Mold remediation company is always a great option because they conduct a thorough inspection and have advanced tools and equipment to eliminate the mold. While DIY methods seem cost-effective initially, they often lead to the recurrence of mold which requires expensive solutions in the long run. Professional mold removal ensures a permanent solution and saves money and time.

Conclusion

By following this detailed guide, you can effectively clean black mold and prevent it from reoccurring in the shower. If you’ve noticed a smell of black mold or mold returning frequently, it’s time to search for “mold remediation near me” to find local experts.

For permanent mold removal solutions, get in touch with Mold Zero, and let us provide you with an appropriate treatment for your home.