Mold On Bathroom Ceiling: Wipe Out With DIY Remedies
Ceiling mold is a fungus that grows above your shower stall due to poor air circulation in your bathroom. Mold needs moisture to grow, and if there’s no exhaust fan in your bathroom, moisture collects on the ceiling after showers, leading to mold and mildew.
Mold causes serious illnesses and structural damage. Physical symptoms include a stuffy nose, skin irritation, and other health issues. The most severe allergic reactions include breathing problems and a pulmonary hemorrhage.
If you have a weak immune system, don’t take any chances with mold.
Types Of Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
Of all the mold species, about a dozen are a threat to your home. Let’s take a look at the most common types of mold so you can learn more about their risks and how to prevent them from growing on your bathroom ceiling.
A-E
- Acremonium
Acremonium is pink, grey, orange, or white. It prefers tight, wet areas like humidifiers, drain pans, and window sealants. It can cause problems such as bone marrow and immune system diseases.
- Alternaria
Alternaria is only dangerous to those with allergies or asthma. It will begin by causing coughing, itchy eyes, and other issues. These are warning signs. It is usually found in bathrooms and is seen as green and brown.
- Aspergillus
Aspergillus appears in flask-shaped spores. It can be found in tons of different colors. For more info, take a look at the disease this type of mold can cause, as told by the CDC.
- Aureobasidium
Aureobasidium is found on wooden surfaces. It’s pink, brown, or black and changes as it gets older.
- Chaetomium
Chaetomium looks like cotton but changes color the longer it stays on your ceiling. It grows after severe water damage, so keep a watchful eye for mold spores in those areas.
- Cladosporium
Cladosporium has a suede or leather texture and is green or brown. It attacks the carpet.
F-Z
- Fusarium
Fusarium is pink, white, or red. It is often found in food and is dangerous.
- Mucor
Mucor is a thick white mold found in carpets or on other surfaces affected by condensation, like air conditioning units. As a toxigenic mold, it is dangerous. You will need to conduct mold tests regularly on your carpet and watch your HVAC units. If you don’t get rid of mold and ignore it for extended periods, it will produce mycotoxins.
- Penicillium
Penicillium is a blue-green mold that has a smooth texture. It’s often found where there is water damage. It can be dangerous as it travels through the air. Like other toxigenic molds, it can cause health problems.
- Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is a slimy green or black mold. It is dangerous and is often found in dark, humid places. You’ll need to monitor your shower stall, wall tiles, basements, and any damp area to prevent mold growth.
- Trichoderma
Trichoderma is wooly white and green mold found in wallpaper and fabric. It is most often found near HVAC units because of the high moisture content.
- Ulocladium
Ulocladium is black mold, often confused with Stachybotrys since they look similar. However, this mold isn’t as dangerous as the other type of black mold on the bathroom ceiling. To ensure you know what you’re dealing with, hire a professional before trying to remove it.
How to Prevent Black Mold
The best way to prevent black mold on your bathroom ceiling is to use your exhaust fan every time you take a shower or bath. If your exhaust fan is broken or doesn’t properly ventilate, water will collect on the ceiling, providing the perfect environment for mold to thrive.
How To Remove Mold From the Bathroom Ceiling
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if mold is less than a 3 x 3-foot patch or a 9-square-foot area, you can perform mold removal without enlisting outside professional help.
Follow these steps to remove mold and mildew from your bathroom ceilings:
Step 1: Protective Gear
You need eye protection, gloves, old clothing, and a mask. If your bathroom has a window, open it and place a fan blowing out.
Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution
Mix one part bleach and three parts water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and shake it up.
Step 3: Spray Cleaning Solution In Affected Areas
Spray the bathroom ceiling where there’s mold and mildew. Be wary of overspray dripping onto the floor.
Step 4: Let It Soak
Let the bleach soak for 10-15 minutes. Longer can damage the ceiling while shorter time may not be effective.
Step 5: Lightly Scrub
Lightly scrub the moldy area with a scrub brush. Don’t damage the ceiling, but give it enough pressure that the mold peels up without lifting the paint.
Bathroom Ceiling Mold Removal Options
Bleach is not your only option when fighting mold spores on your bathroom ceiling. Here are other options you might find useful.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can kill mold. To use it, put a 3 percent concentration into a spray bottle. Test the spray on the mold surface to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Spray the area with hydrogen peroxide and let it soak for 15 minutes. Then, lightly scrub it with a cloth or scrub brush.
White Vinegar
White vinegar can tackle most mold spores, especially if caught early. You can kill bathroom ceiling mold by spritzing it with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, and then scrub the mold off. Last, give the ceiling a light spray and let it air dry.
Baking Soda And Warm Water
Baking soda attacks mold by soaking up the moisture and using its texture to pull the spores out. Still, it may be less effective than bleach, peroxide, or vinegar.
Try this mold removal method by filling a spray bottle with warm water and adding a tablespoon or two of baking soda. Spray it onto the surface and scrub it off. If this doesn’t work, treat the area with white distilled vinegar instead.
Essential Oils
Can essential oils do anything? It depends on who you ask. If you’d like to try, you can treat your bathroom ceiling mold with tea tree oil. Combine a teaspoon of the oil with a cup of water and spray the affected areas.
Let it dry for an hour, and then wipe it away with a dry cloth. If you are prone to breakouts, wear gloves, as essential oils can irritate those with sensitive skin.
Lemon
Lemons are a natural deodorizer and cleaner. Since they have high acidity, they’re also capable of killing mold spores. Spray lemon juice onto the area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
How Do I Get Black Mold Off The Bathroom Ceiling?
Mold remediation is serious business when dealing with any surface. The best way to remove black mold from a bathroom ceiling is to call a professional. If you remove it yourself, you’ll need ventilation in the bathroom and a face mask. To move the mold, use a bleach solution.
What Is Orange Mold On The Ceiling?
Orange mold is rare and dangerous. When you expect green, white, or black, orange can catch you off-guard. While there are many types of mold, it’s probably acremonium.
How To Prevent Mold On The Bathroom Ceiling?
Preventing your bathroom ceiling from becoming a moldy area is simple. The most important thing is to keep your ceiling dry. You’ll need to get a dehumidifier and turn it on after you take a shower or bath.
Is Bathroom Ceiling Mold Dangerous?
Yes, it is. The longer you wait to initiate mold removal efforts, the more harmful the mold will be. If you neglect mold spores or black mold for an extended period, you will have problems later. Mold grows fast in damp areas. Once this happens, you’ve crossed the point of no return. Even if you remove the mold after it’s too late, it will leave behind dark spots.
Should I Be Afraid Of Mold On The Bathroom Ceiling?
Fear is no way to handle mold on your bathroom ceiling. Please, get a grip. You’ll need to call a professional to help you identify the type of mold and the best way to tackle it.