The primary two problems that are usually found in bathrooms (especially on the shower surface) are mildew and mold. It is not only a bad visual but it might lead to different health problems. And obviously, there should be 3 of such sentences here.
There are multiple alternative ways through which mildew and mold can be effectively removed from the shower surfaces. They range from natural remedies to commercial products and the best possible solution should be chosen. So, in this guide, we will present the most helpful ways to get rid of the shower surface-imposed mildew and mold. In addition, you will know them by following the below list with efficiency and effectiveness of each one.
What Is Mildew and Mold?
Mildew and mold are different and are the fungi that can grow in wet and humid areas. They really thrive as indoor air quality gets worse, especially in showers and tubs. Normally, you will see these fungi as black spots or greyish-white patches on the shower surface which are often found in the tile joints and caulking.
Besides being ugly, mildew and mold can also affect health. You can easily get entangled into the allergic reactions of these spores by inhaling them, which is especially dangerous to people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory illnesses. Fixed these problems now to remain in a good and clean environment.
Remember, mildew and mold are two different types of fungi. Mildew is a simple fungus that grows on a surface and is thus more readily scraped away, while mold is much more difficult to get rid of because it penetrates surfaces and even materials beyond what is visible.
Natural Remedies for Removing Mildew and Mold
If you are more into natural products when cleaning, we have some homemade remedies that you can use to remove mildew and mold from the shower walls. The included ones:
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural cleaning powerhouse that is the best when it comes to fighting mildew and mold in showers. Its high acidity factor destroys the fungal growth and disinfects the surface, so you do not need any toxic chemicals.
Just put the undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and then spray it generously on the affected sites. Let it sit for at least an hour to break down the growth, and then brush the area to remove it. Additionally, you can rinse the surface with warm water thoroughly.
If the spots are not easy for you to handle, redo the procedure or mix vinegar with baking soda for a more powerful cleaning solution. White vinegar is one of the most affordable and non-toxic solutions, and it is recommended for regular use to prevent the growth of new mildew and mold from the surface.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle and versatile cleaner that will astonish you with its superb results, probably the reason why it is used even on surfaces of delicate nature. A natural abrasive cleaner as it is, baking soda can scrub away fungal growth while its alkaline properties will neutralize acid base odors, thus, leaving your shower with the sweetest smell ever.
First off, the baking soda solution is easily prepared by mixing the baking soda and water to make a thick paste. Next, use a sponge or a brush to apply the paste to the areas you want to be cleaned, and then rub them. Leave for a maximum of 10–15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
For tough stains, mix baking soda with white vinegar. Not only is it safe for the environment, but it is also eco-friendly and naturally made, making it the best choice for removing smell in the bathroom and at the same time, making it more inviting. Therefore, making our bathroom a healthy planet.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another effective natural alternative one can choose to get rid of mold and mildew in your bathroom. The strong acidity of lemon juice makes it the natural bleaching agent that works by not just killing the fungi but also leaving a nature-felt scent in the bathroom after use.
For treatment, you can either use a presser to squeeze the lemon juice over the affected parts or spray it with a spray bottle. Leave the solution with acids for the first 15 minutes so they will destroy the unwanted fungi, then try the next step.
Apart from that, scrub the surface with a brush or sponge and wipe off all residues with enough running water. For maximal cleaning, try mixing lemon juice with a small amount of salt to create a home-made scrubbing paste. Not only are they eco-friendly and completely safe, but they also eliminate mold and ensure that the house smells fresh.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a great natural remedy for the contamination of mildew and mold due to having impeccable antifungal and antibacterial properties. Even though it is herbal, its efficiency is high, that’s why it is suitable for safety and hygienic purposes in cuboidic politics in the shower region.
To get started, take one teaspoon of tea tree oil and mix it with one cup of water in a spray bottle. After this shake it well and then spread the produced solution lovingly and evenly over the area covered by molds or mildews. After 30 minutes of contact with a natural home care of tea tree oil and the mold growth, the solution of the H20O2 will synthesize the mold into water and bloat it, and hence, the mold growth will have disappeared.
Next, take a piece of cloth or sponge to remove the wipe all dirt and mold from the affected area. In addition to killing mildew, tea tree oil also imparts a subtle, earthy aroma, which is why it is greatly appreciated for natural home care.
Commercial Products for Removing Mildew and Mold
If you like things that are easier and faster, there are also some commercial products you can purchase for you shower to get rid of mildew and mold. Some of these are:
- Bleach-based cleaners: These types of products are made with bleach, which effectively kills mildew and mold. However, they also can wear away the surface and the scent of bleach is very strong.
- All-purpose cleaners: The compound of the some all-purpose cleaners effectively targets mildew and mold while on the other hand being gentle with the surfaces. They might need more scrubbing, but they are generally safe for use on a regular basis than other commercial products.
- Mold and mildew removers: These substances are specially developed to kill fungal growth in bathrooms. They often contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, which is an effective combination of ammonia and other chemicals that can kill mold and mildew without compromising surfaces and even pitted tile like ceramic.
- Grout cleaners: In addition to using a grout cleaner, a model particularly designed for cleaning grout could be a binder for the existing tile and mold and mildew in the intersections between them. These articles are often more powerful than all-purpose cleaners and may even require less scrubbing.
When using commercial products, make sure to always read the manual first, and don’t forget to wear protective stuff, such as gloves, and mask to prevent inhaling harmful fumes.
Preventing Mildew and Mold Growth
Even though you have successfully removed mildew and mold from your shower surfaces using home remedies, you are still not safe, because prevention is the most important to keep your bathroom clean from fungal growth. The following are guidelines to prevent mildew and mold:
- Open your windows or use an exhaust fan to ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated when you are taking a bath and have finished it.
- Make sure to clean the shower walls so that they are free of excess moisture, which can lead to mold.
- Control the growth of mold and mildew by water damage-proofing, for example, sealing any leaks and repairing pipes promptly.
- Disinfect your showers naturally – Use dilated white vinegar or lemon juice as eco-disinfectants, wiping regularly to prevent further fungal growth on the walls of your shower.
- Change your older or even broken sealers and grouting to keep away the water and hence mold from creeping in between the cracks.
- Think about using a squeegee to get rid of excess water on the shower after each use.
Creative thinking hotly follows the use of preventive home cleaning solutions in keeping healthy and clean bathrooms away from the microscopic pests and it is thus the best environmental activist. Sample different environmental growth and commercial products to know what is the most effective solution for your shower to be comfortable and free from the mildew it has had.
Can Mold and Mildew Be Dangerous?
Absolutely, they can be very dangerous, especially in people suffering from respiratory, allergic, or weakened immune conditions. Continuous exposure to mold spores may lead to various symptoms including coughing, sneezing, throat discomfort, and skin rashes.
Certain types of mold such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) might release mycotoxins which can be even more harmful leading to severe respiratory problems or neurological symptoms in a very small number of cases.
Moreover, the settlement by molds and mildews in your home can be a major pollutant to the air within, resulting in the overall detriments to human health. Mold growth must be quickly suppressed to vacate the threats to health and property. This calls for the immediate counter of indoor air pollutants.
Finding a professional for mold removing applies in this case. Warm up your nerves to reach out to the qualified support team to help you pinpoint the challenges of your building without the help of a third party but with the use of advanced tools.
When It is the best time to Ask for Professional Help
Matured mold and mildew development require the attendance of mold professionals; it may be the preferable solution. Mold specialists, who are accredited and thus skilled in their work of mold removal, can tell the type of mold in your restroom and take it out without causing some damages.
Severe mold may be a real difficulty for those who keep their houses dirty and are unwilling to put in the right work of it. This is the right time to take care of the matter. In case of persistent mold effects, such as the ones that affected you, professional help must be needed.
Summing it all up, the mold expert is competent to diagnose the cause of the mold and suggest ways to prevent future outbreaks as well as live healthily. Achieving healthy living standards is easy as long as you do your part in dealing with molds and mildew consequences.
FAQs
Is it Dangerous to Air Out a Shower When There’s Mold in the Bathroom?
Mold spores can easily move to wet or moldy places when windows, doors, or vents are closed. Therefore, moist places are highly susceptible to the growth of mildew and mold. But, airing out the shower will make the mildew and mold to thrive and maybe even spread more.
Can I Use Bleach to Remove Mold from My Shower?
When it comes to removing mold from your shower, it might be effective to use bleach. Remember that there are certain materials that might get discolored or damaged while using bleach. In addition, it’s important to make sure that the area is well-ventilated if you are cleaning with bleach because the fumes it emits are very strong and if inhaled may be very harmful.
Should I Wear Protective Gear When Cleaning Mold?
Yes, definitely you must wear gloves and a mask if you are going to clean mold because these are the most important protections. A lot of health issues could be avoided if one wears them, for example, skin irritations from touching mold, inhaling of mold spores, particularly, for people with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.
How Often Should I Clean My Shower to Prevent Mold Growth?
One of the ways to avoid mold and mildew on the surfaces of your shower is to clean it at least once a week. However, in case you come across shows of fungal growth, e.g., discoloration or musty odors, it might be mandatory to clean the area more often and by that mean apply the preventive measures frequently.
Conclusion
Because it’s a hot and humid environment, the bathrooms are more likely to have these problems like mold and mildew.
Nevertheless, there are many effective approaches to give up on this rosiness fungus. With the help of the provided tips in your cleaning schedule, your family and you can always have a spotless and hygienic bathroom to be proud of.
Be sure to regularly check for signs of mold or mildew growth and clean them up as soon as you detect them. You can also hire a professional if needed. In the end, the best way to keep everyone happy in your home is by preventing, taking, and managing it the right way. For more information on how to effectively clean different areas of your home, check out our other guides on cleaning tips and techniques.
